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Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition
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Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Ceramics (ISSN 2571-6131).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 27129

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Dawei Wang

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Guest Editor
Precision Acousto-Optic Instrument Institute, School of Instrumentation Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China
Interests: ferroelectric; piezoelectric; dielectric; electroceramics; MLCC; LTCC
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Raz Muhammad

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Guest Editor
Department of Physics, Garden Campus, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, KP, Pakistan
Interests: microwave dielectrics; capacitors; thermoelectrics; energy storage; energy harvesting; electromagnetic wave absorption
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Zhilun Lu

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Guest Editor
School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Interests: thermoelectrics; electrical conductivity; ferroelectrics; capacitors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Fangfang Zeng

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Guest Editor
College of Big Data and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Interests: piezoelectric; dielectric storage; electrostrain
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Building upon the groundbreaking research and innovations presented in the first edition, we are delighted to announce second edition of this Special Issue, in which we will be continuing our exploration of the advances in electronic ceramics.

Electronic ceramics are characterized by their unique properties, making them indispensable in various applications, including integrated circuits, microwave communication, packaging ceramics, energy storage, energy generation, and optoelectronics. In recent years, electronic ceramics have undergone significant developments driven by the increasing demands of modern technology.

These advances have profoundly impacted various industries, as electronic ceramics have become fundamental components of a wide range of electronic devices.

These advancements are underpinned by a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between processing, structure, microstructure, and properties. By intentionally introducing dopants into pristine materials, researchers can precisely manipulate the band structure of electronic ceramics, enabling fine-tuned control and customization of their properties. To further foster the growth of electronic ceramics and address current and future challenges in the field, a Special Issue titled "Advances in Electronic Ceramics" has been launched. This dedicated platform focuses on topics such as synthesis procedures, crystal structures, and the functional characteristics of electronic ceramics. It aims to facilitate the progression of electronic ceramics and their pivotal role in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.

Prof. Dr. Dawei Wang
Dr. Raz Muhammad
Dr. Zhilun Lu
Dr. Fangfang Zeng
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Ceramics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • powder synthesis
  • ceramic processing
  • electronic ceramics
  • piezoelectric ceramics
  • ferroelectric ceramics
  • dielectric ceramics
  • thermoelectric ceramics
  • multiferroic ceramics
  • ceramics for energy storage
  • ceramics for energy harvesting

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (19 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 4485 KB  
Article
Electrochemical Performance of Ti3C2Tx MXenes During Structural Evolution
by Zhuo Chen, Peng He, Yueyue Wang, Qingqing Zhou, Feng Tao, Qi Liu and Yuexin Liu
Ceramics 2026, 9(5), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9050045 - 24 Apr 2026
Viewed by 237
Abstract
MXenes, with a high surface area, abundant active sites, and excellent ion transport properties, have demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance. However, systematic comparisons of the structural evolution process and electrochemical performance for MXene are lacking. In this study, multilayer MXene (M-Ti3C2 [...] Read more.
MXenes, with a high surface area, abundant active sites, and excellent ion transport properties, have demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance. However, systematic comparisons of the structural evolution process and electrochemical performance for MXene are lacking. In this study, multilayer MXene (M-Ti3C2Tx) was successfully fabricated by in situ etching. During the subsequent centrifugation process, the thicker and heavier multilayer sheets settled due to their faster sedimentation rate, while the lighter, surface-functionalized monolayer sheets remained colloidally stable in the supernatant due to solvation and electrostatic repulsion, thereby achieving separation and obtaining delaminated MXene (D-Ti3C2Tx). Structural analysis indicates that the removal of the aluminum layer synergizes with the exfoliation of the nanosheets, significantly increasing the interlayer spacing and making the sheet structure more pronounced, and the pore structure is more abundant. Especially, in three-electrode and two-electrode systems at an identical mass loading of 5 mg on carbon paper, D-Ti3C2Tx delivered a higher specific capacitance, more pronounced pseudocapacitive behavior, and a superior rate capability compared to Ti3AlC2 and M-Ti3C2Tx. Such excellent electrochemical performance of D-Ti3C2Tx is due to the shortened ion diffusion path in the delaminated structure, which enables rapid ion migration, an extremely large specific surface area, and a mesoporous structure that provides abundant active sites. This study underscores the significant potential of D-Ti3C2Tx in emerging energy storage systems and offers insights into guiding MAX phase synthesis during its preparation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 17611 KB  
Article
Effect of MoO3 Doping on the Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Mn0.816Zn0.091Fe2.093MoxO4
by Shuxin Liu, Xinglian Song, Changchun Wang, Wenju Liao, Zhen Wang and Haomiao Yu
Ceramics 2026, 9(4), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9040040 - 14 Apr 2026
Viewed by 511
Abstract
The traditional solid-state method was employed in this study to prepare Mn-Zn ferrite. By adjusting the sintering temperature and the MoO3 doping ratio, the evolution of its structural and magnetic properties was systematically investigated. Fe2O3, MnO, and ZnO [...] Read more.
The traditional solid-state method was employed in this study to prepare Mn-Zn ferrite. By adjusting the sintering temperature and the MoO3 doping ratio, the evolution of its structural and magnetic properties was systematically investigated. Fe2O3, MnO, and ZnO were used as the main raw materials, with MoO3 serving as an additive. MoO3 was doped at molar ratios ranging from 0 to 1000 ppm under experimental conditions involving a sintering temperature between 1125 °C and 1165 °C and an oxygen concentration of 1.5%. The addition of an appropriate amount of MoO3 led to an increase in the Q value, which consequently resulted in a reduction in the loss. The formation of a single-phase spinel structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Observations of the surface morphology revealed that the grain size also increased with the increase in MoO3 content, a trend consistent with the enhanced grain growth kinetics at higher MoO3 levels. In this study, a Mn-Zn ferrite material with excellent comprehensive performance was successfully prepared under the optimal conditions of a sintering temperature of 1150 °C and a MoO3 doping concentration of 500 ppm. A Q value of 22.3 was obtained for this material at 25 °C, while a Q value of 15.7 was obtained at 100 °C. At room temperature, a Q value of 192.4 was measured at a test frequency of 500 kHz, and a Q value of 137.2 was measured at 1 MHz. At a frequency of 500 kHz, a loss of 27.1 kW/m3 was observed at 25 °C, and a loss of 53.6 kW/m3 was observed at 100 °C. At a frequency of 1 MHz, a loss of 88.2 kW/m3 was recorded at 25 °C, while a loss of 183.7 kW/m3 was recorded at 100 °C. Additionally, the lattice constant was stabilized in the range of 8.52–8.53 Å, indicating favorable structural stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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24 pages, 4400 KB  
Article
Enhancing Dielectric, Electrical, and Gas Sensing Properties of CaFeO3−δ Through Sintering Temperature Optimization
by Amina Benatia, Najwa Gouitaa, Ina Turcan, Felicia Gheorghiu, Laura-Elena Ursu, Liviu Leontie, Liliana Mitoseriu, Fatima Zahra Ahjyaje, Taj-dine Lamcharfi and Farid Abdi
Ceramics 2026, 9(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9030033 - 17 Mar 2026
Viewed by 777
Abstract
This research aims to investigate the modifications of the structural, dielectric, and sensing properties of CaFeO3−δ ceramics produced by solid-state reaction induced by varying sintering temperatures in the range of 1000–1200 °C. A single crystallographic orthorhombic (Pcmn) structure was revealed by X-ray [...] Read more.
This research aims to investigate the modifications of the structural, dielectric, and sensing properties of CaFeO3−δ ceramics produced by solid-state reaction induced by varying sintering temperatures in the range of 1000–1200 °C. A single crystallographic orthorhombic (Pcmn) structure was revealed by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld analysis, both for the powders and sintered ceramics, irrespective of the sintering temperature. The increase in the sintering temperature induces better densification and a larger grain size. Dielectric measurements reveal a pronounced enhancement of the relative permittivity, reaching 2 × 105 at 1 kHz and 330 °C for the sample sintered at 1200 °C/4 h. This composition also displays the highest electrical conductivity, 0.4 S/m at 1 MHz. Cole–Cole analysis indicates a clear deviation from ideal Debye behavior, while the relaxational features of the dielectric permittivity suggest a strong correlation between the dielectric response and Fe-related conduction mechanisms. Gas sensing tests show that the ferrite ceramics exhibit consistent ethanol response trends. The ceramic sintered at 1200 °C/4 h achieved the highest sensitivity, of 56.28%, which can be attributed to its higher density, larger ceramic grains, and reduced low-frequency conductivity. The CaFeO3−δ ceramic sintered at 1200 °C/4 h shows a combination of high permittivity, enhanced conductivity, and strong ethanol sensitivity, making it a promising material for dielectric components, capacitive devices, and gas sensing applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 9201 KB  
Article
Research of Controlled Components on PZT-ZnO-Based Multifunctional Electronic Ceramics with Piezoelectricity and Varistor Behaviors
by Yuying Wang, Chaoyang Liu, Yanping Tan, Songsong Zhang, Ting Zhu, Deyi Zheng and Xingchao Tian
Ceramics 2026, 9(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9020027 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 530
Abstract
To synergistically integrate piezoelectric and varistor functionalities in a single material, PNN-PZT piezoelectric powder (abbreviated as P) and ZnO-based varistor powder (abbreviated as Z) were utilized to fabricate PZT-ZnO composite ceramics (denoted as PZm) via conventional solid-state sintering. The P/Z molar ratio was [...] Read more.
To synergistically integrate piezoelectric and varistor functionalities in a single material, PNN-PZT piezoelectric powder (abbreviated as P) and ZnO-based varistor powder (abbreviated as Z) were utilized to fabricate PZT-ZnO composite ceramics (denoted as PZm) via conventional solid-state sintering. The P/Z molar ratio was regulated to 1/0.9, 1/1.05, 1/1.2, 1/1.35, and 1/1.5 to systematically study its influence on the phase composition, microstructure, and electrical properties of the composites. XRD, SEM, EDS characterization, and electrical performance tests were carried out. Results indicate that all PZm samples exhibit the biphasic coexistence of perovskite (piezoelectric phase) and wurtzite (varistor phase) without impurity phases, consisting of large perovskite grains with distinct edges and small wurtzite grains with smooth surfaces. The PZ3 sample (P/Z = 1/1.2) achieves optimal comprehensive properties: d33 = 161 pC/N, kp = 0.25, Ɛr = 2527, tan δ = 3.83%, E1mA = 1396 V/mm, IL = 8.2 mA, α = 22.06. This work confirms the synergistic optimization of piezoelectric and varistor properties in PZT-ZnO composites, providing a reliable experimental basis for the formulation design and performance regulation of multifunctional ceramics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 2235 KB  
Article
Effect of Annealing Temperature on Energy Storage Performance of SrBi3.25La0.75Ti4O15 Thin Films
by Yuying Song, Wenfeng Yue, Fu Huang, Yuqun Deng, Yongjiang Zhang, Junyu Ming, Fayaz Hussain, Adil Alshoaibi, Gulmurza Abdurakhmanov, Junjun Wang and Dawei Wang
Ceramics 2026, 9(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9020020 - 9 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 652
Abstract
Dielectric capacitors, characterized by ultra-fast charge/discharge speeds and high power densities, are widely used in modern electronic power systems. However, their low energy density and poor thermal stability limit applications. In this study, SrBi3.25La0.75Ti4O15 (SBLT) ferroelectric [...] Read more.
Dielectric capacitors, characterized by ultra-fast charge/discharge speeds and high power densities, are widely used in modern electronic power systems. However, their low energy density and poor thermal stability limit applications. In this study, SrBi3.25La0.75Ti4O15 (SBLT) ferroelectric thin films were prepared by the sol–gel method. We systematically investigated the effect of annealing temperature on microstructural evolution, electrical properties, and energy storage performance. The SBLT film annealed at 700 °C exhibited optimal performance, achieving a balanced enhancement in polarization and breakdown strength, with an energy storage density of 48.66 J cm−3 and an efficiency of 78%. The material also demonstrated excellent thermal stability (30–175 °C) and frequency stability (0.1–100 kHz). These findings not only validate the potential of SBLT as a next-generation energy storage dielectric but also provide a practical solution for applications in semiconductor technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 6522 KB  
Article
Enhanced Piezoelectric Properties of BF-BST High Curie Temperature Lead-Free Ceramics via Fine Tuning the Composition
by Jia Li, Huitao Guo, Yuxin Chen, Guifen Fan and Fangfang Zeng
Ceramics 2026, 9(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9020018 - 3 Feb 2026
Viewed by 780
Abstract
As the operational demands on piezoelectric devices grow increasingly stringent, there is an urgent need for materials capable of delivering stable performance at elevated temperatures. BiFeO3 (BF), a lead-free piezoelectric oxide with high-temperature resilience, is characterized by its notably high Curie temperature [...] Read more.
As the operational demands on piezoelectric devices grow increasingly stringent, there is an urgent need for materials capable of delivering stable performance at elevated temperatures. BiFeO3 (BF), a lead-free piezoelectric oxide with high-temperature resilience, is characterized by its notably high Curie temperature (Tc ∼ 835 °C), rendering it a promising candidate for high-temperature applications. However, its piezoelectric coefficients remain inadequate to satisfy practical requirements. The 0.7BiFeO3-0.3Ba(1-x) SrxTiO3 system (abbreviated as BF-BSxT) was designed to elucidate the roles of chemical disorder and local structural heterogeneities in the enhancement of functional properties through fine-tuning of the Sr content. The phase structure of the samples was carefully examined by X-ray diffraction. Rietveld refinement of the XRD data revealed that all BF-BSxT ceramics consist of coexisting R and PC phases. Optimized compositional disorder and local heterogeneities led to a moderate enhancement in the piezoelectric coefficient d33 value of 160 pC/N, a high Tc of 495 °C, and a remanent polarization Pr ≈ 22.1 μC/cm2 -were achieved in the BF-BSxT system at x = 0.06. These results indicate that BF-BSxT ceramics hold good potential for use in high-temperature piezoelectric devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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9 pages, 2089 KB  
Article
The Effect of Different A-Site Divalent Elements on the Properties of Bi4Ti3O12-Based Piezoelectric Ceramics with Symbiotic Structure
by Jie Feng, Xishun Zheng and Deyi Zheng
Ceramics 2026, 9(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics9020015 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 497
Abstract
Bismuth layer-structured ferroelectrics (BLSFs) are core candidates for high-temperature piezoelectric applications owing to their excellent thermal stability and fatigue resistance, yet traditional Bi4Ti3O12 (BiT)-based ceramics suffer from limited piezoelectric performance. To address this, MBi4Ti4O [...] Read more.
Bismuth layer-structured ferroelectrics (BLSFs) are core candidates for high-temperature piezoelectric applications owing to their excellent thermal stability and fatigue resistance, yet traditional Bi4Ti3O12 (BiT)-based ceramics suffer from limited piezoelectric performance. To address this, MBi4Ti4O15-Bi4Ti3O12 (M=Ba, Sr, Ca) symbiotic structure bismuth-layered piezoelectric ceramics were fabricated via the conventional solid-state reaction method. Their crystal structure, microstructure, and electrical properties were systematically characterized using a X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, high-temperature dielectric spectrometer, and quasi-static d33 meter to explore the effects of different A-site divalent elements. Results show that all samples form a pure-phase symbiotic structure with the P21am space group, without secondary phases. The lattice constant decreases with increasing A-site ionic radius, while symbiosis-induced lattice mismatch and long-range disorder refine grains, reduce aspect ratio, lower conductivity, enhance spontaneous polarization, and improve piezoelectric properties. The ceramics exhibit d33 of 10 to 15 pC/N and TC of 502 to 685 °C, with SrBi4Ti4O15-Bi4Ti3O12 showing optimal comprehensive performance (d33 ≈ 15 pC/N, TC = 593 °C, tanδ = 0.6% at 1 kHz/475–575 °C, and a low AC conductivity of 5.3 × 10−5~4.8 × 10−4 S/m). This study improves bismuth-layered ceramics’ performance via A-site regulation and symbiotic structure design, offering theoretical and technical support for high-performance lead-free high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 4114 KB  
Article
Point Defect Influence on Electrical Conductivity of Semiconducting Ferroelectric AlScN
by Xiaoman Zhang, Wangwang Xu, Bipin Bhattarai, Dominic A. Dalba, Dilan M. Gamachchi, Indeewari M. Karunarathne, Yue Yu, Nathan J. Pravda, Ruotian Gong, David Stalla, Chong Zu, W. J. Meng and Andrew C. Meng
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040146 - 3 Dec 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1713
Abstract
Aluminum scandium nitride (Al1−xScxN) is a promising ferroelectric material for non-volatile random-access memory devices and electromechanical sensors. However, adverse effects on polarization from electrical leakage are a significant concern for this material. We observed that the electrical conductivity of [...] Read more.
Aluminum scandium nitride (Al1−xScxN) is a promising ferroelectric material for non-volatile random-access memory devices and electromechanical sensors. However, adverse effects on polarization from electrical leakage are a significant concern for this material. We observed that the electrical conductivity of Al1−xScxN thin films grown on epitaxial TiN(111) buffered Si(111) follows an Arrhenius-type behavior versus the growth temperature, suggesting that point defect incorporation during growth influences the electronic properties of the film. Photoluminescence intensity shows an inverse correlation with growth temperature, which is consistent with increased non-radiative recombination from point defects. Further characterization using secondary ion mass spectrometry in a focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope shows a correlation between trace Ti concentrations in Al1−xScxN films and the growth temperature, further suggesting that extrinsic dopants or alloying components potentially contribute to the point defect chemistry to influence electrical transport. Investigation of the enthalpy of formation of nitrogen vacancies in Al1−xScxN using density functional theory yields values that are in line with electrical conductivity measurements. Additionally, the dependence of nitrogen-vacancy formation energy on proximity to Sc atoms suggests that variations in the local structure may contribute to the occurrence of point defects, which, in turn, can impact electrical leakage. Furthermore, we have demonstrated ferroelectric behavior through electrical measurements and piezoresponse force microscopy after dc bias poling of films in spite of electrical conductivity spanning several orders of magnitude. Although electrical leakage remains a challenge in Al1−xScxN, the material holds potential due to tunable electrical conductivity as a semiconducting ferroelectric material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 2315 KB  
Article
Enhancing the Performance of PZT-5H Piezoelectric Ceramics by Vacuum Sintering
by Honghui Wang and Pengcheng Zhang
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040139 - 21 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1976
Abstract
This study comparatively investigates the effects of vacuum sintering and traditional sintering on the structure and electrical properties of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) 5H (PZT-5H) piezoelectric ceramics. The density of the vacuum-sintered ceramics increases from 7.67 g/cm3 (for traditionally sintered ceramics) to [...] Read more.
This study comparatively investigates the effects of vacuum sintering and traditional sintering on the structure and electrical properties of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) 5H (PZT-5H) piezoelectric ceramics. The density of the vacuum-sintered ceramics increases from 7.67 g/cm3 (for traditionally sintered ceramics) to 7.98 g/cm3. Importantly, the dielectric constant (εr), remnant polarization (Pr), planar electromechanical coupling coefficient (kp), and piezoelectric coefficient (d33) for the PZT-5H ceramics increase by 35%, 20%, 9%, and 12%, respectively, when vacuum sintering is employed instead of traditional sintering. Over a temperature range from room temperature to 180 °C, the d33 variation measured by the resonant method is only about 4% for the vacuum-sintered PZT-5H ceramics. High-temperature impedance spectroscopy analysis reveals that vacuum sintering reduces the hole concentration in PZT-5H ceramics, leading to significant improvements in their dielectric and piezoelectric performance. This research demonstrates that vacuum sintering is a simple and effective method to enhance the density, dielectric, and piezoelectric properties of PZT-5H ceramics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 13588 KB  
Article
Densification and Conductivity of Li-Doped NiO Targets for Hole-Transport Layer of Perovskite Solar Cells
by Juan Li, Jiwen Xu, Guisheng Zhu, Xianjie Zhou, Fei Shang and Huarui Xu
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040128 - 18 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1292
Abstract
NiO-based hole-transport layers are crucial for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. An industrial deposition method of NiO films is magnetron sputtering using ceramic targets. NiO targets doped with Li contents at 1%, 3%, and 5% were designed, and the doping contents and sintering temperatures [...] Read more.
NiO-based hole-transport layers are crucial for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. An industrial deposition method of NiO films is magnetron sputtering using ceramic targets. NiO targets doped with Li contents at 1%, 3%, and 5% were designed, and the doping contents and sintering temperatures were investigated. All the targets have a face-centered cubic phase, dense microstructure, and an average size of a few microns. The NLO targets sintered at an optimal temperature of 1400 °C exhibited high relative density (>98%) and low resistivity (<6 Ω∙cm). These results pave the way for depositing NiO-based hole-transport layer by magnetron sputtering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 7802 KB  
Article
Barium Strontium Titanate: Comparison of Material Properties Obtained via Solid-State and Sol–Gel Synthesis
by Thomas Hanemann, Martin Ade, Emine Cimen, Julia Schoenfelder, Kirsten Honnef, Matthias Wapler and Ines Ketterer
Ceramics 2025, 8(4), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8040126 - 4 Oct 2025
Viewed by 5003
Abstract
Barium strontium titanates (Ba1−xSrxTiO3, BST) with varying barium-to-strontium ratios were synthesized by the solid-state route (SSR) as well as by the sol–gel process (SGP). In the case of the SSR, the strontium amount x was varied from [...] Read more.
Barium strontium titanates (Ba1−xSrxTiO3, BST) with varying barium-to-strontium ratios were synthesized by the solid-state route (SSR) as well as by the sol–gel process (SGP). In the case of the SSR, the strontium amount x was varied from 0.0 to 0.25 in 0.05 steps, due to the enhanced synthetic effort, and in the case of the SGP, x was set only to 0.05, 0.15, and 0.25. The resulting properties after synthesis, calcination, and sintering, like particle size distribution, specific surface area, particle morphology, and crystalline phase were characterized. The expected tetragonal phase, free from any remarkable impurity, was found in all cases, and irrespective of the selected synthesis method. Pressed pellets were used for the measurement of the temperature and frequency-dependent relative permittivity enabling the estimation of the Curie temperatures of all synthesized BSTs. Irrespective of the selected synthesis method, the obtained Curie temperature drops with increasing strontium content to almost identical values, e.g., in the case of x = 0.15, a Curie temperature range 95–105 °C was measured. Thin BST films could be deposited on different substrate materials applying electrophoretic deposition in a good and reliable quality according to the Hamaker equation. The properties of the BSTs obtained by the simpler solid-state route are almost identical to the ones yielded by the more complex sol–gel process. In future, this result allows for a possible wider usage of BST perovskites for ferroelectric and piezoelectric devices due to the easy synthetic access by the solid-state route. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 1483 KB  
Article
Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Properties of (Mg1/3Nb2/3)4+-Doped Bismuth Sodium Titanate Ceramics
by Yonggang Zhao, Ning Yang, Yi Chen, Xingting Li, Luyao Wang, Peng Wang and Guangzhi Dong
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030088 - 13 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1052
Abstract
Lead-free (Bi1/2Na1/2)(Ti1−x(Mg1/3Nb2/3)x)O3 ceramics were synthesized using the solid-phase method, and the effects of varying (Mg1/3Nb2/3)4+ content, substituting for Ti4+ ions at the B-site of [...] Read more.
Lead-free (Bi1/2Na1/2)(Ti1−x(Mg1/3Nb2/3)x)O3 ceramics were synthesized using the solid-phase method, and the effects of varying (Mg1/3Nb2/3)4+ content, substituting for Ti4+ ions at the B-site of the BNT perovskite lattice, on piezoelectric performance were systematically investigated. The influence of sintering temperature on both piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties was also explored, revealing that sintering temperature significantly affects both the microstructure and the electrical properties of the ceramics. The results indicate that the incorporation of (Mg1/3Nb2/3)4+ significantly enhances the piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of BNT ceramics. Specifically, a maximum piezoelectric constant of 91 pC/N was achieved at a sintering temperature of 1160 °C and a doping concentration of x = 0.01. By comparing the ferroelectric properties across different doping levels and sintering temperatures, this study provides valuable insights for further design and process optimization of BNT-based piezoelectric materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 2148 KB  
Article
Structural and Dielectric Impedance Studies of Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conduction in SrLaFe1−xMnxTiO6 (x = 0, 0.33, 0.67, and 1.0) Double Perovskites
by Abdelrahman A. Elbadawi, Elsammani A. Shokralla, Mohamed A. Siddig, Obaidallah A. Algethami, Abdullah Ahmed Alghamdi and Hassan H. E. Idris
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030087 - 7 Jul 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1526
Abstract
The structural and electrical properties of double perovskite compounds SrLaFe1−xMnxTiO6−δ (x = 0, 0.33, 0.67, and 1.0) were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dielectric impedance measurements. The reparation of perovskite compounds was successfully achieved through the precursor [...] Read more.
The structural and electrical properties of double perovskite compounds SrLaFe1−xMnxTiO6−δ (x = 0, 0.33, 0.67, and 1.0) were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dielectric impedance measurements. The reparation of perovskite compounds was successfully achieved through the precursor solid-state reaction in air at 1250 °C. The purity phase and crystal structures of perovskite compounds were determined by means of the standard Rietveld refinement method using the FullProf suite. The best fitting results showed that SrLaFeTiO6−δ was orthorhombic with space group Pnma, and both SrLaFe0.67Mn0.33TiO6−δ and SrLaFe0.33Mn0.67TiO6−δ were cubic structures with space group Fm3m, while SrLaMnTiO6−δ was tetragonal with a I/4m space group. The charge density maps obtained for these structures indicated that the compounds show an ionic and mixed ionic–electronic conduction. The dielectric impedance measurements were carried out in the range of 20 Hz to 1 MHz, and the analysis showed that there is more than one relaxation mechanism of Debye type. Doping with Mn was found to reduce the dielectric impedance of the samples, and the major contribution to the dielectric impedance was established to change from a capacitive for SrLaFeTiO6−δ to a resistive for SrLaMnTiO6−δ. The fall in values of electrical resistance may be related to the possible occurrence of the double exchange (DEX) mechanism among the Mn ions, provided there is oxygen deficiency in the samples. DC-resistivity measurements revealed that SrLaFeTiO6−δ was an insulator while SrLaMnTiO6−δ was showing a semiconductor–metallic transition at ~250 K, which is in support of the DEX interaction. The dielectric impedance of SrLaFe0.67Mn0.33TiO6−δ was found to be similar to that of (La,Sr)(Co,Fe)O3-δ, the mixed ionic–electronic conductor (MIEC) model. The occurrence of a mixed ionic–electronic state in these compounds may qualify them to be used in free lead solar cells and energy storage technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 2553 KB  
Article
Effect of Ni2+ Doping on the Crystal Structure and Properties of LiAl5O8 Low-Permittivity Microwave Dielectric Ceramics
by Xuekai Lan, Huatao Tang, Bairui Chen and Bin Tian
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030085 - 4 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 846
Abstract
Low-permittivity microwave dielectric ceramics are essential for high-frequency communication and radar systems, as they minimize signal delay and interference, thereby enabling compact and high-performance devices. In this study, LiAl5−xNixO8−0.5x (x = 0.1–0.5) ceramics were synthesized [...] Read more.
Low-permittivity microwave dielectric ceramics are essential for high-frequency communication and radar systems, as they minimize signal delay and interference, thereby enabling compact and high-performance devices. In this study, LiAl5−xNixO8−0.5x (x = 0.1–0.5) ceramics were synthesized via a solid-state reaction method to investigate the effects of Ni2+ substitution on crystal structure, microstructure, and dielectric properties. X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement reveal a phase transition from the P4332 to the Fd3−m spinel structure at x ≈ 0.3, accompanied by a systematic increase in the lattice parameter (7.909–7.975 Å), attributed to the larger ionic radius of Ni2+ compared to Al3+. SEM analysis confirms dense microstructures with relative densities exceeding 95% and grain size increases from less than 1 μm at x = 0.1 to approximately 2 μm at x = 0.5. Dielectric measurements show a decrease in permittivity (εr) from 8.24 to 7.77 and in quality factor (Q × f) from 34,605 GHz to 20,529 GHz with increasing Ni content, while the temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency (τf) shifts negatively from −44.8 to −69.1 ppm/°C. Impedance spectroscopy indicates increased conduction losses and reduced activation energy with higher Ni2+ concentrations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 998 KB  
Article
Study on the Absorbing Properties of V-Doped MoS2
by Jiang Zou and Quan Xie
Ceramics 2025, 8(3), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8030084 - 2 Jul 2025
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Abstract
This study employed a hydrothermal method to prepare V-doped MoS2. The influence of varying filler ratios (30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt%) on its absorption properties was analyzed. For annealing studies, a precursor powder with a 40 wt% filler ratio was [...] Read more.
This study employed a hydrothermal method to prepare V-doped MoS2. The influence of varying filler ratios (30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt%) on its absorption properties was analyzed. For annealing studies, a precursor powder with a 40 wt% filler ratio was heat-treated at 600 °C for 2 h. The results obtained through characterization and testing indicate that the unannealed 40 wt% filler sample demonstrates superior absorption performance, with minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −32.24 dB, an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 4.40 GHz, and 99.9% electromagnetic (EM) wave attenuation. However, upon subjecting the sample with a 40 wt% filling ratio to annealing treatment, a notable decrease in impedance matching degree was observed, and regions with impedance matching values close to 1 were no longer present. Consequently, it can be concluded that at a filling ratio of 40 wt%, the sample’s excellent attenuation coefficient in conjunction with its good impedance matching collectively contribute to its superior comprehensive absorption performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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9 pages, 15356 KB  
Article
Fabrication and Properties of ITTO Segments for Cylindrical Targets by Pressureless Oxygen Atmosphere Sintering Method
by Jiwen Xu, Fangzhou Wu, Yuan Yao, Ling Yang, Guisheng Zhu and Huarui Xu
Ceramics 2025, 8(2), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8020075 - 18 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 897
Abstract
Cylindrical targets have a high utilization rate, but are difficult to manufacture. A large hollow ITTO segment with thin walls was prepared by cold isostatic pressure and two-stage sintering. The fabrication process yielded a segment with an outer diameter of 153 mm, an [...] Read more.
Cylindrical targets have a high utilization rate, but are difficult to manufacture. A large hollow ITTO segment with thin walls was prepared by cold isostatic pressure and two-stage sintering. The fabrication process yielded a segment with an outer diameter of 153 mm, an inner diameter of 135 mm, and a length of 700 mm, indicating a length to thickness ratio of up to 78. The dense and uniform green bodies ensure the achievement of high density and uniformity of the sintered body throughout its volume. The segment exhibited a high relative density of about 99.5% and a low resistivity of below 3.4 × 10−4 Ω·cm. The density and resistivity illustrate a minimal inhomogeneity along the length of the segment. The segment exhibits a cubic bixbyite phase and is characterized by densely packed fine grains with an average size of several microns. Therefore, these results establish a substantial foundation for the large-scale production of cylindrical ITTO segments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 1806 KB  
Article
Enhanced Electrical Property and Thermal Stability in Lead-Free BNT–BT–BF Ceramics
by Kangle Zhou, Enxiang Hou, Yanfeng Qu, Yan Mu and Junjun Wang
Ceramics 2025, 8(2), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8020070 - 7 Jun 2025
Viewed by 2150
Abstract
The synergistic combination of outstanding electrical properties and exceptional thermal stability holds significant implications for advancing piezoelectric ceramic applications. In this work, lead-free ((1−x)(0.94Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.06BaTiO3)-xBiFeO3 (x = 0.08, 0.10, 0.12)) ceramics were synthesized using a [...] Read more.
The synergistic combination of outstanding electrical properties and exceptional thermal stability holds significant implications for advancing piezoelectric ceramic applications. In this work, lead-free ((1−x)(0.94Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.06BaTiO3)-xBiFeO3 (x = 0.08, 0.10, 0.12)) ceramics were synthesized using a conventional solid-state method, with systematic investigation of phase evolution, microstructural characteristics, and their coupled effects on electromechanical performance and thermal stability. Rietveld refinement analysis revealed a rhombohedral–tetragonal (R–T) phase coexistence, where the tetragonal phase fraction maximized at x = 0.10. This structural optimization enabled the simultaneous enhancement of piezoelectricity and thermal resilience. The x = 0.10 composition achieved recorded values of d33 = 132 pC/N, g33 = 26.11 × 10−3 Vm/N, and a depolarization temperature Td = 105 °C. These findings establish BiFeO3 doping as a dual-functional strategy for developing high-performance lead-free ceramics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 6066 KB  
Article
Pseudocapacitive Behavior of Protonic Niobate Nanowires in Aqueous Acidic Electrolyte
by Adilar Gonçalves dos Santos Júnior, Jessica Gotardi, Edna Jerusa Pacheco Sampaio, Cristiano Campos Araújo, Gabriel Luiz Rasch, Antonio Marcos Helgueira de Andrade, Roberto Hübler, Andrés Cuña Suárez and Célia de Fraga Malfatti
Ceramics 2025, 8(2), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8020059 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 1289
Abstract
Niobium-based oxides are being increasingly evaluated as materials for energy storage applications. Additionally, the use of these oxides as cathodes in aqueous electrolytes has shown promise. Based on this, the pseudocapacitive behavior of protonic niobate nanowires in an aqueous acidic electrolyte (1 M [...] Read more.
Niobium-based oxides are being increasingly evaluated as materials for energy storage applications. Additionally, the use of these oxides as cathodes in aqueous electrolytes has shown promise. Based on this, the pseudocapacitive behavior of protonic niobate nanowires in an aqueous acidic electrolyte (1 M H2SO4) was evaluated for the first time. The material was obtained in two simple sequential steps. First, hydrothermal synthesis resulted in sodium niobate; second was ionic exchange (in two concentrations of 2 M and 0.1 M HNO3), where the protonic niobate was obtained. The resulting protonic niobate was characterized by FEG-SEM, the results demonstrated that the morphology of the oxide was concentration-dependent in the ionic exchange step, and EDS analysis was used to validate the procedure. Using DRX, Raman spectroscopy, and FTIR analysis, the transformation of sodium niobate to protonic niobate was evidenced. The electrochemical tests demonstrated that the protonic niobate presented pseudocapacitive behavior when employed as the cathode in 1 M H2SO4, and the ionic exchange in 2 M HNO3 promoted a better specific capacitance, reaching 119.8 mF·cm−2 at a 1 mA·cm−2 current density. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 5229 KB  
Article
CuNb2O6 Particles Obtained via Solid-State Reaction and Application as Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
by Kívia F. G. de Araújo, Cleber S. Lourenço, Vitor M. S. F. Souza, Matheus D. da Silva, Gabriel D. S. Vasconcelos, Maria J. S. Lima, Jakeline R. D. Santos, Kelly C. Gomes, Francisco J. A. Loureiro, Marco A. Morales and Uílame U. Gomes
Ceramics 2025, 8(2), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/ceramics8020055 - 13 May 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2415
Abstract
Copper niobate (CuNb2O6) is an important compound due to its low cost and polymorphism, presenting monoclinic and orthorhombic phases, which leads to unique physical–chemical properties. The electrochemical performance of efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of [...] Read more.
Copper niobate (CuNb2O6) is an important compound due to its low cost and polymorphism, presenting monoclinic and orthorhombic phases, which leads to unique physical–chemical properties. The electrochemical performance of efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of importance in order to produce hydrogen gas from water. In this context, this work reports the synthesis of CuNb2O6 particles by high-energy milling for 5 and 10 h, and subsequent thermal treatment at 900 °C for 3 h. The samples were characterized by XRD, XRF, FESEM, RAMAN, UV–Vis, and FT-IR techniques, and were applied as electrocatalysts for the OER. The samples had both monoclinic and orthorhombic crystalline phases. The band gaps were in the range of 1.92 to 2.06 eV. In the application for the OER, the particles obtained by 5 and 10 h of milling exhibited overpotentials of 476 and 347 mV vs. RHE at 10 mA cm−2, respectively. In chronopotentiometry experiments for 15 h, the samples exhibited excellent chemical stability. The electrochemical performance of the sample milled for 10 h showed superior performance (347 mV vs. RHE) when compared with electrocatalysts of the same type, demonstrating that the methodology used to synthesize the samples is promising for energy applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electronic Ceramics, 2nd Edition)
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