Nb/Mn co‐doping enhances the pyroelectric properties of Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15 ceramics for infrared detection

Abstract

AbstractThe pyroelectric effect has wide applications in various fields, such as infrared imaging, detection, alarms, and the expanding field of smart homes. The rapid advancement of smart systems, focusing on miniaturization and integration, requires pyroelectric infrared detectors with high pyroelectric coefficients and Curie temperatures to meet the requirements of integrated processes. However, the Curie temperature of commercial lead zirconate titanate is limited to <230°C, urgently looking for a breakthrough. Here, we explore pyroelectricity in Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15 (NBT) ceramics, characterized by a high Curie temperature (∼660°C). We systematically examined the crystal structure modifications and defect dipole effects of the Nb/Mn‐co‐doped NBT. The lattice expansion, distortion of the TiO6 octahedra, and structural transformation tendency from the orthorhombic to tetragonal phase facilitate dipole movements with increasing temperature. Furthermore, the Mn and Nb elements result in the formation of MnTi“–VO·· and NbTi·–MnTi” –NbTi· defect dipoles, inducing additional polarization changes in response to temperature variations. Finally, a significantly improved pyroelectric coefficient of 110 µC m2 K–1 and remarkable temperature stability from 25°C to 300°C is achieved in NBTM‐5Nb ceramics. This co‐doping strategy for enhancing pyroelectric performance can be expanded to other systems and substantially contribute to advancing high‐performance materials for infrared detection.