Showcasing the Structure and Properties of Lanthanide-Doped BaTiO3

Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectrics, especially lead-free materials such as barium titanate, BaTiO₃, hold significant promise for advanced electronics due to their unique nanoscale properties. Doping BaTiO₃ with lanthanides (Ln) can enable fine-tuning of electrical and dielectric properties by substituting Ba²⁺ (A-site) or Ti⁴⁺ (B-site) in the perovskite structure. A-site doping enhances dielectric properties, while doping the B-site changes the polarization and thermal stability. The site preference depends on the ionic radii and charge compensation mechanisms, which include oxygen vacancies and self-compensation processes. This research delivers the structural and microstructural aspects of BaTiO₃ doped with members of the Ln family from La to Lu, emphasizing their superior properties compared to undoped BaTiO₃. Notably, the Ln dopants significantly influence the ferroelectric, ferromagnetic, luminescent, and piezocatalytic properties, where the ionic radius, doping mechanisms, defect formation, and preparation methods play a role. Theoretical studies and advanced characterization data indicate that Ln dopants improve the performance of BaTiO₃ by stabilizing structural defects, affecting site occupancy, and improving insulation resistance. Understanding the defect chemistry and Ln ion distribution in Ln-doped BaTiO₃ systems can help optimize their functional properties for next-generation technologies and sustainable energy applications.