High piezoelectric properties and excellent thermal stability in PNN‐modified lead zirconate titanate piezoceramics

Abstract To date, lead‐based piezoelectric ceramics continue to be extensively utilized and studied as essential functional materials in various electromechanical applications. Achieving a combination of high piezoelectric coefficients, excellent mechanical quality factors, and thermal stability is critical for resonant piezoelectric systems, yet advancements in optimizing these properties remain a significant challenge. Here, defect engineering based on chemical composition modulation was used to prepare lead‐based 0.06Pb(Ni 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 ‒0.94[0.05Pb(Mn 1/3 Sb 2/3 )‒0.95Pb(Zr 0.48 Ti 0.52 )O 3 ] ceramics, overcoming the performance‐limiting negative correlation. This led to an enhancement in piezoelectric performance ( d 33 = 462 pC/N, Q m = 1717) without significant sacrifice of mechanical quality factor, along with low loss (tan δ = 0.24%) and high Curie temperature ( T c = 322°C). The advanced piezoelectric temperature stability is confirmed by a d 33 value variation of only 2.17% as the temperature increased from 25°C to 200°C, surpassing many advanced commercial lead‐based materials (PZT‐5A). This work demonstrates significant progress in the comprehensive performance and temperature stability of lead‐based piezoelectric ceramics, achieving a well‐balanced performance and stimulating further efforts toward high‐temperature piezoelectric applications.