Modified phase transition and electrical properties of [Li0.05(Na0.535K0.48)0.95]-(Nb0.94Sb0.06)O3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramic by sintering temperature

Li/Sb-doped (Na,K)NbO3 with a nominal composition of [Li0.05(Na0.535K0.48)0.95](Nb0.94Sb0.06)O3 ceramic was synthesized by normal sintering. The phase structure, microstructure, and electrical properties were investigated with a special emphasis on the influence of the sintering temperature. A polymorphic phase transition (PPT) from orthorhombic to tetragonal symmetry was observed when the sintering temperature was raised from 1040 to 1050 °C, whereby the piezoelectric coefficient d33 and the electromechanical coupling coefficient kp reached the peak values of 245 pC·N−1 and 41.2%, respectively. The PPT induced by varying the sintering temperature is due to the different volatilization extents of alkali metals and appears to a lower sintering temperature with increasing Li content. The trace modifying of alkali metal content is more effective than doping B site element to enhance the d33 value.