High-Entropy Thermistor Ceramics (La_1/3Nd_1/3<i>M</i>_1/3)₂(Zr_1/2Sn_1/2)₂O₇ (<i>M</i> = Sm, Eu, Gd, or Dy) with High Sensitivity for High-Temperature Measurements

Abstract

A series of high-entropy pyrochlore ceramics, specifically (La1/3Nd1/3M1/3)2(Zn1/2Sn1/2)2O7 (M = Sm, Eu, Gd, or Dy), have been synthesized using the solid-state reaction method. Their potential as high-temperature thermistors was investigated by analyzing electrical and aging properties at elevated temperatures. Characterization using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy confirms that these ceramics are dense, single-phase solid solutions with a pyrochlore structure. Electrical analysis demonstrate that these ceramics maintain high resistivity and resistance stability, exhibiting typical negative temperature coefficient features and high B values across a wide temperature range. These characteristics make (La1/3Nd1/3M1/3)2(Zn1/2Sn1/2)2O7 promising candidates for the development of high-sensitivity, long-life high-temperature thermistors suitable for applications within the temperature range of 400–1200 °C.

Keywords

• pyrochlore-type structure
• negative temperature coefficient (NTC)
• high entropy
• high sensitivity
• aging properties