Enhanced Piezoelectric Properties of Praseodymium‐Modified Lead‐Free (Ba 0.85 Ca 0.15 )(Ti 0.90 Zr 0.10 )O 3 Ceramics

The role of Pr 6 O 11 addition on the structure, microstructure, electrical, and electromechanical properties of lead‐free (Ba 0.85 Ca 0.15 )(Ti 0.90 Zr 0.10 )O 3 piezoelectric ceramics has been systemically investigated. Addition of praseodymium (Pr) results in improved ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. XRD analysis revealed the co‐existence of rhombohedral ( R ) and tetragonal ( T ) phases at room temperature. High remanent polarization values (2 P r ~17 μC/cm 2 ) and loop squareness of nearly 0.87 were obtained for the BCZT ‐0.04 wt%Pr ceramic, along with high piezoelectric coefficient ( d 33 = 435 pC/N) and transduction coefficient [( d 33 · g 33 ) = 11589 × 10 −15 m 2 /N]. Results are correlated with the crystal structure and microstructure that significantly influence the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties near the R – T phase transition point. This material seems to be especially suitable for energy harvesting applications, exhibiting outstanding figure of merit.