High-performance PSZT-PSMI-PSZS ceramics: Piezoelectric and ferroelectric insights for advanced applications

High-performance ferroelectric materials have garnered increased attention due to their exceptional dielectric, piezoelectric, and electrostrictive properties. A solid-state reaction method was used to prepare the perovskite Pb_(1-x)Sm_x[(Zr_0.52Ti_0.48)_0.9(Mo_1/3In_2/3)_0.05(Zn_1/3Sb_2/3)_0.05]O₃ (where x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08) ceramics, abbreviated PSZT-PSMI-PSZS. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were employed to verify the elemental composition and molecular structure, respectively. The results showed good agreement between nominal and measured compositions, and indicated structural changes post-calcination, suggesting successful formation of the perovskite phase. Piezoelectric properties were evaluated, revealing the highest piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃ = 310 pC/N) at x = 0.02, attributed to optimal morphological features and the morphotropic phase boundary effect. This sample also demonstrated the highest electromechanical coupling factors (k_p = 60 %, k₃₁ = 35 %) and the largest impedance resonance frequency difference (Δf = 15.05 kHz). Ferroelectric testing indicated excellent ferroelectric characteristics, with the maximum remanent polarization (P_r = 17.71 μC/cm²) and saturation polarization (P_s = 22.75 μC/cm²) observed at x = 0.02, along with the lowest coercive field (E_c = 10.16 kV/cm). Additionally, this composition exhibited the highest unipolar strain (S_max = 0.17 %) and the inverse piezoelectric coefficient (d∗₃₃ = 427.57 p.m./V). This comprehensive analysis emphasizes the potential of Sm-doped PZT-PMI-PZS ceramics for advanced piezoelectric and ferroelectric applications, particularly at a doping concentration of x = 0.02, where the materials exhibited excellent electrical and mechanical properties.