Continuous BaTi1 − yZryO3 (0 ≤ y ≤ 1) nanocrystals synthesis in supercritical fluids for nanostructured lead-free ferroelectric ceramics. (5th December 2015) - Philippot, Gilles
Abstract: This paper addresses for the first time two of the main challenges in the field of electroceramics. The first one is the development of a continuous, fast and reliable synthesis method for producing sub-20 nm barium titanate zirconate (BaTi1-y Zry O3 with 0 ≤ y ≤ 1–BTZ) nanocrystals over the whole solid solution, while keeping a narrow size distribution. The second one concerns the processing of dense and nanostructured lead free electroceramics highlighting the size effect on the crossover from ferroelectric to relaxor, in the case of grains smaller than 100 nm. This was achieved combining the supercritical fluid technology to produce in continuous and at moderate temperature (400 °C) BTZ nanocrystals, with Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) to prevent grain growth during the sintering. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Combining supercritical fluid synthesis with spark plasma sintering to address lead free electroceramics challenges. Continuous, fast and reliable synthesis of sub-20 nm BaTi1-y Zry O3 (0 ≤ y ≤ 1) nanocrystals along the entire solid solution. Fast sintering of high density and nanostructured (sub-100 nm) BaTi1-y Zry O3 lead free ferroelectric ceramics. Study of the ceramics grain size effect on the crossover from ferroelectric to relaxor.