Exceptional piezoelectric performance originating from the development of distinct domains under AC electric field

Piezoelectric performance is closely linked to domain configuration evolution, and domain morphologies are significantly different under alternating current poling (ACP) and direct current poling (DCP). Herein, we investigate the domain evolution of the Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3-Sm ceramics under ACP and DCP. ACP-poled samples exhibit a piezoelectric coefficient (d33 ∼ 870 ± 20 pC/N) and dielectric constant (ε33T/ε0 ∼ 6030 ± 100), representing increases of 109% and 115%, respectively, compared to DCP-poled samples. Through ACP, distinct textured domain structures are rapidly formed and stably maintained. Specifically, these domain structures have narrower domain walls and prominent spidery strip-like domains, and these features are observed via scanning electron microscopy and piezoresponse force microscopy. In contrast, DCP samples have interleaved lath-, island-, and stripe-like domains. This direct visualization of ACP-specific domain textures and their correlation to enhanced performance clarifies the critical role of domain evolution. Meanwhile, ACP significantly shortens poling time, offering an efficient strategy for domain engineering and performance optimization of piezoceramics.