Optical and Piezoelectric Study of KNN Solid Solutions Co-Doped with La-Mn and Eu-Fe

Abstract

The solid-state method was used to synthesize single phase potassium-sodium niobate (KNN) co-doped with the La3+–Mn4+ and Eu3+–Fe3+ ion pairs. Structural determination of all studied solid solutions was accomplished by XRD and Rietveld refinement method. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies were performed to determine the oxidation state of paramagnetic centers. Optical spectroscopy measurements, excitation, emission and decay lifetime were carried out for each solid solution. The present study reveals that doping KNN with La3+–Mn4+ and Eu3+–Fe3+ at concentrations of 0.5 mol % and 1 mol %, respectively, improves the ferroelectric and piezoelectric behavior and induce the generation of optical properties in the material for potential applications.

Keywords

• perovskite
• alkaline niobates
• co-doping
• lead-free ceramics
• Rietveld method
• EPR
• optical activity
• dielectric permittivity
• ferroelectricity
• piezoelectricity