Enhanced piezoelectric properties of (Ba_1-xCa_x)(Zr_0.11Ti_0.89)O₃ by alternating current poling

Piezoceramics with both high d₃₃ and large S_max/E_max are needed for various electronic devices. In the present study, Ba_1-xCa_xTi_0.89Zr_0.11O₃ (x = 0.09, 0.12, 0.15, and 0.18) ceramics were designed and prepared by the solid-state reaction method. The piezoelectric properties of Ba_1-xCa_xTi_0.89Zr_0.11O₃ ceramics poled by different poling conditions were investigated from the view of domain structure. The superior piezoelectric properties were achieved in the samples under AC poling at x = 0.12, with d₃₃ of 405 pC/N and S_max/E_max of 620 pm/V, which had increased by 16 % and 18 % respectively over those under DC poling. Such results could be attributed to the higher domain wall density under AC poling, which was considered as an effective method to enhance the piezoelectric properties of lead-free piezoceramics, resulting in more attraction for both actuators and sensors. Moreover, the temperature stability of Ba_1-xCa_xTi_0.89Zr_0.11O₃ ceramics was also studied in this work, which is beneficial for applications within a wide temperature range.