Effect of Rare Earth Europium Substitution on the Microstructure, Dielectric, Ferroelectric and Pyroelectric Properties of PZT Ceramics

Polycrystalline samples of Europium modified lead Zirconate titanate (Pb1 − x Eux)(Zr0.55Ti0.45)(1 − x/4)O3 with x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 has been prepared by mixed oxide (MO) method at sintering temperature of 1250∘C. The structural characterization of the samples investigated by X-ray diffraction technique exhibit tetragonal structure. PEZT (2/55/45) ceramics show single perovskite phase. Scanning electron micrographs depict uniform, densely packed structure. Dielectric, Pyroelectric and Ferroelectric studies have been performed and are reported and discussed in this paper. PEZT (2/55/45) show good current responsivity (Fi), voltage responsivity (Fv) and detectivity (Fd), in comparison to other compositions under study. Moreover its ferroelectric properties (high remanent polarization with low coercive field) make it suitable material for nonvolatile memory applications.