Microwave dielectric characterization of a Li₃NbO₄ ceramic and its chemical compatibility with silver

A Li₃NbO₄ ceramic has been prepared using the solid-state reaction method and well sintered at around 930°C. The best microwave dielectric properties were obtained in the ceramic sintered at 930°C for 2 h with permittivity 15.8, Qf value about 55 009 GHz, and temperature coefficient about -49 ppm/°C. From X-ray diffraction, backscattered electron imaging, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy results of the ceramic co-fired with 20 wt% silver additive, the Li₃NbO ₄ ceramic was found not to react with Ag at 900°C. The Li ₃NbO₄ ceramic is a promising dielectric material for low-temperature co-fired ceramic technology.