Topochemical transformation mechanism and piezoelectric response of B-site complex BaZr_0.1Ti_0.9O₃ microplatelets

The B-site complex BaZr_0.1Ti_0.9O₃ (BZT) microplatelets with perovskite-structured were synthesized, using the Bi₄(Zr_0.1Ti_0.9)₃O₁₂ (BIZ_0.1T_0.9) as a precursor. The precursor had a high aspect ratio, with an average size of ∼8.0 μm. Later, B-site complex BZT microplatelets were obtained via molten salt methods. The influence of n(BIZ_0.1T_0.9):n(BaCO₃) ratio and calcined temperature in the composition, morphology and local piezoelectric and ferroelectric behaviour for BZT microplatelets was deeply discussed. The result showed that the reactants ratio determined the supersaturation degree in the molten salt environment, while the calcined temperature determined the crystallinity of BZT microcrystals. Overall, with the n(BIZ_0.1T_0.9):n(BaCO₃) ratio was 1:4, the BZT microcrystal calcined at 900 °C had a better plate-like morphology. Manwhile, the micropizoelectric properties of BZT microplatelet was studied, achieving a maximum d₃₃^* of ∼330 pm/V. The result indicated that the B-site complex BZT microplatelets is a potential templates for textured ceramics.