Piezoelectric Properties and Local Structure of (Na_0.50K_0.45Li_0.05)NbO₃－Ca(Zr_0.50Ti_0.50)O₃ Solid Solutions Produced by Malic Acid Complex Solution Method

Abstract

(1-x)(Na_0.50K_0.45Li_0.05)NbO₃－xCa(Zr_0.50Ti_0.50)O₃ (NKLN－CZT, x = 0－0.08) powders were synthesized by a malic acid complex solution method, and NKLN－CZT solid solutions were then fabricated using a conventional solid-state reaction technique. The piezoelectric properties of the resulting materials were measured, and the sample with x = 0.02 was found to exhibit a maximum longitudinal piezoelectric coefficient and radial electromechanical coupling factor of 238 pC/N and 35%, respectively. Based on both its piezoelectric properties and the results of a local structural analysis using high-energy X-ray diffraction, this sample has potential for use as a high-temperature, high-performance, lead-free piezoelectric material.