Influence of Nd dopant on the structural properties of barium zirconium titanate perovskite

Barium zirconium titanate (BZT) nanocomposite powder was prepared using the solid-state reaction method. To enhance the structural properties of BZT, neodymium (Nd) was doped at various concentration levels. The thermal stability of Nd-doped BZT was analyzed through a calcination process conducted at temperatures of 1150, 1200, 1250, 1300, and 1350 ℃ for 4 hours. The XRD spectra of the sample calcined at 1350 ℃ for 4 hours exhibited significant peaks compared to samples calcined at lower temperatures. The results indicated that the crystallographic properties of the sample improved with increasing Nd concentrations. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of BZT and showed corresponding band shifts with the addition of Nd. As the Nd percentage in BZT increased, the broad band positions shifted to a higher wavenumber range, from [699–479] cm⁻¹ to [746–484] cm⁻¹. The crystallographic nature of TiOx, ZrOx, and NdxOy compounds was confirmed by the vibrational band shifts towards a lower wavenumber range, from [746–484] cm⁻¹ to [735–480] cm⁻¹. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images revealed that Nd-doped BZT samples exhibited higher porosity compared to undoped BZT.