Synthesis, characterization, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of (1 − x)BaTiO3−x(BaNi0.5Nb0.5O3) perovskite ceramics

Single-phase ceramic samples of (1 − x)BaTiO3−x(BaNi0.5Nb0.5O3), where 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.05, were prepared. The Rietveld analyses of the X-ray diffractions indicated that the crystal structure of the samples of x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04 are tetragonal with p4mm space symmetry group, while those of x = 0.03 and 0.05 are cubic with pm-3m space group of symmetry. The average grain size of all investigated samples was calculated based on field-emission scan electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Both Raman and photoluminescence spectra were recorded at room temperature. The polarization–electric field (P–E), hysteresis loops indicated that the coercive field, remanent polarization, and energy losses are dependent on x value. The bipolar and unipolar strain–electric field (S–E) were studied for all synthesized ceramics. The piezoelectric properties of the parent sample (x = 0) are enhanced with increasing x. The outcome results of this work are promising for applications.