A novel high-k ‘Y5V’ barium titanate ceramics co-doped with lanthanum and cerium Original Research Article

Structural, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of a novel high-k ‘Y5V’ (Ba1−xLax)(Ti1−x/4−yCey)O3 ceramics (where x=0.03 and y=0.05, denoted by BL3TC5) with the highest ‘Y5V’ dielectric response (ε′>10 000) among rare-earth-doped BaTiO3 ceramics to date are investigated in detail using SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, EPR, Raman spectroscopy (RS), temperature and frequency, electric field dependences of dielectric permittivity (ε′), and temperature and electric field dependences of ferroelectric hysteresis loops. The BL3TC5 diffusion of ferroelectric phase transition occurs around dielectric peak temperatures (Tm) near a room temperature characteristic of dielectric thermal relaxation. Powder XRD data and defect complex model were given. “Relaxor” behavior associated with an order/disorder model and formation of a solid solution were discussed. The EPR results provided the evidence of Ti vacancies as compensating for lattice defects. High-k relaxor nature of BL3TC5 is characterized by an average cubic structure with long-range lattice disordering and local polar ordering; a slow change of the ε′ (T) and Pr(T) curves around Tm; no phase transition observed by DSC; and a broad, red-shifted A1 (TO2) Raman phonon mode at 251 cm−1 accompanying the disappearance of the “silent” mode at 305 cm−1 and a clear anti-resonance effect at 126 cm−1 at room temperature.