Deciphering the structural, morphological, and electrical properties of rare-earth incorporated barium stannate titanate dielectric material

The primary aim of the current research is to explore the impact of yttrium-doping in barium stannate titanate (Ba1-1.5xYxTi1-zSnzO3) to investigate the variation in its structural and electrical properties. The specimens were synthesized using a solid-state method, wherein the precursors were heated together until they reacted to form the desired compounds. Subsequently, X-ray diffractometric analysis was employed to confirm the crystallographic phases. Archimedes' method was used to determine the density of the material. An Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) study was conducted to examine the nature of defect centers and impurity ions within the synthesized ceramics. Furthermore, the impact of yttrium (Y) substitution on the system's morphology and grain growth was evaluated through SEM micrographs. Selective compositions were found with enhanced dielectric properties of barium titanate ceramic, exhibiting a dielectric constant of 9816 at the transition point. The highest value among all studied samples had a clear indication of DC conductivity. Piezoelectric coefficient (d33) and P-E hysteresis loops were also investigated for these samples, indicating potential applications in electronic devices for the modified material's improved ferroelectric properties.