Electrical, dielectric and pyroelectric behavior of neodymium substituted barium zirconium titanate

Abstract

Neodymium (Nd) substituted barium zirconium titanate with nominal composition (Ba 1-xNd x)(Zr 0.52Ti 0.48)O 3 [x = 0.1, and 0.2] were synthesized using solid state reaction method. X-ray analysis confirmed the formation of perovskite structure along with minor pyroclore phase of neodymium. The change in grain size revealed the influence of Nd-ions on the microstructure. The sintered samples exhibited negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) and superior semiconducting behavior. Addition of Nd 3+varies the room temperature resistivity of Ba(Zr 0.52Ti 0.48)O 3. As the concentration of Nd-ion increased, the value of temperature dependent dielectric constant decreased whereas the Curie temperature of the ceramics shifted toward higher temperature side showing diffuse phase transition. This is attributed to decrease in average grain size. Temperature dependent pyroelectric current exhibited combination of primary and secondary pyroelectric effect. © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.