Achieving enhanced piezoelectric performance in three-dimensional interconnected BCZT piezoelectric porous ceramics

Piezoelectric ceramics are widely used in the field of sensors due to their ability to sensitively respond to minor stimuli. (Ba 0.85 Ca 0.15 )(Zr 0.1 Ti 0.9 )O 3 (BCZT) piezoelectric ceramics have attracted extensive attention in the sensing field due to their high piezoelectric charge coefficient ( d 33 ). However, the strong coupling between d 33 and the dielectric constant ( ε r ) can degrade the sensing performance. In this study, BCZT porous ceramics with three-dimensionally interconnected pore structure were fabricated using the foam-gelcasting method. The introduction of pores leads to a simultaneous decrease in both d 33 and ε r . Due to the greater reduction in ε r , the piezoelectric voltage coefficient ( g 33 ) has an upward trend, achieving the decoupling of the d 33 and ε r . The piezoelectric voltage coefficient reached 181×10 –3 V·m·N –1 , the with sensitivity of 56.1 V/kPa and the response time of 0.27 s, respectively. This research provides a widely applicable alternative porous material for piezoelectric sensors. • BCZT porous piezoelectric ceramics with 3D interconnected pores were prepared via foam-gelcasting method. • Decoupling of d 33 and was achieved by the introduction of pore structure. • Piezoelectric voltage coefficient ( g 33 ) and sensitivity ( S ) reached 181×10 –3 V·m·N –1 and 56.1 V/kPa in BCZT porous ceramics. • Effect of solid content on the piezoelectric and sensing performance of BCZT porous ceramics was investigated.