Dependence of structure-property relations on substituent distributions in lead zirconate titanate

The dependence of substituent distributions on A and B sites in rhombohedral lead zirconate titanate (PZT) was investigated in terms of dielectric spectroscopy, polarization switching characteristics and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Decreasing the higher-valence A-site substituent radii resulted in higher coercive fields, a smaller decrease in transition temperatures and the disappearance of relaxor characteristics with respect to the largest A-site substituents La3+. These smaller substituents have enhanced the tendency to exchange on to B sites, resulting in an effective lower-valence substituent, “wavy” domain morphology and “hard” PZT properties.