On the potentialities of the Ba0.20Na0.80Ti0.20Nb0.80O3 lead-free composition for pyroelectric applications

•Propose the use of BTNN system as different kinds of pyroelectric sensors.•Structural, microstructural and ferroelectric characterization forBTNN solid solutions.•The figures of merit (FOM) characterizations. Ba0.20Na0.80Ti0.20Nb0.80O3 ceramics were synthetized and their applicability as promising pyroelectric materials is discussed. Structural investigations show the existence of two polymorphic phases, cubic and tetragonal symmetries, that are pointed out as responsible for the high pyroelectric response observed close to room temperature. Dielectric and specific heat measurements clearly show a phase transition like region separating two different electric and thermal behaviors, attesting the existence of two distinct structural symmetries. The figures of merit comprising the main pyroelectric applications are reported and unambiguously indicate the high potentiality and applicability of the Ba0.20Na0.80Ti0.20Nb0.80O3 ceramics for pyroelectric detection-based technologies.