Nanotwin domains in high-strain ferroelectric 89.5%Pb (Zn1/3 Nb2/3) O3 -10.5% PbTiO3 single crystal

Abstract

High-resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction and field emission-scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate domain structures of the unpoled (001)-oriented 89.5%Pb (Zn1/3 Nb2/3) O3 -10.5% PbTiO3 (PZN-10.5%PT) single crystal. The results revealed the coexistence of 180° and 90° tetragonal nanotwin domains at room temperature. Upon zero-field heating, the PZN-10.5%PT undergoes a tetragonal-to-cubic transformation near 185 °C. Tetragonal PZN-10.5%PT crystal has better thermal stability notably in the temperature range of 80-150 °C. This makes the tetragonal PZN-PT potential candidates for high temperature piezoelectric devices. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.