Structural transformation in antiferroelectric PbZrO3-relaxor ferroelectric Pb(Ni1∕3Nb2∕3)O3 solid solution system

The solid solution between the antiferroelectric (AFE) PbZrO3 (PZ) and the relaxor ferroelectric (FE) Pb(Ni1∕3Nb2∕3)O3 (PNN) was synthesized by the columbite precursor method. The crystal structure, phase transformations, and dielectric and thermal properties of (1−x)PZ-xPNN where x=0.00–0.30 were investigated. With these data, the FE phase diagram between PZ and PNN has been established. The crystal structure data obtained from X-ray diffraction indicate that the solid solution PZ-PNN, where x=0.00–0.30, successively transforms from orthorhombic to rhombohedral symmetry with an increase in the PNN concentration. The AFE phase→FE phase transition occurs in compositions of 0.00⩽x⩽0.08. The AFE→FE phase transition shifts to lower temperatures with higher compositions of x. The FE phase temperature range width increases with increased PNN. Apparently the replacement of the Zr4+ ion by Ni2+∕Nb5+ ions decreases the driving force for an antiparallel shift of Pb2+ ions because they interrupt the translational symmetry and facilitates the appearance of a rhombohedral FE phase when the amount of PNN is higher than 8mol%.