Refining the phase diagram of PbZr_1-x-ySn_xTi_yO₃ ceramics with 0.40≤x≤0.54 by crystal structural, dielectric response and hysteresis loop investigations

Ceramics of PbZr_1-x-ySn_xTi_yO₃ (PZST100x/100y) with 0.40≤x≤0.54 were synthesized via conventional solid state reaction and their crystal structures, dielectric response, and hysteresis loops were systematically investigated. A more precise range of the antiferroelectric/ferroelectric phase boundary of PZST100x/100y ceramics with 0.40≤x≤0.54 was established compared with the results reported by Jaffe. It was found that the introduction of Ti⁴⁺stabilized the ferroelectric order, and Sn⁴⁺substitution enhanced the antiferroelectric order. Thus, the system properties could be tailored by altering Sn and Ti concentration. In addition, the hydrostatic pressure-induced ferroelectric-to-antiferroelectric phase transition was also studied. It has been clarified that the critical transition pressure (P_t) increased with an increasing Ti content at a fixed Sn content.