Structural dependence of piezoelectric, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of K0.5Na0.5(Nb1−2/5Cu )O3 lead-free ceramics with high Q

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► Double hysteresis loops were observed in K{sub 0.5}Na{sub 0.5}(Nb{sub 1−2x/5}Cu{sub x})O{sub 3}. ► Cu substitution caused structural discontinuity in KNNC. ► Dimeric defect complex (Cu{sup ‴}{sub Nb}–V{sub O}··){sup ′} with a dipole moment was formed in KNNC. -- Abstract: (K{sub 0.5}Na{sub 0.5})(Nb{sub 1−2x/5}Cu{sub x})O{sub 3} (abbreviated as KNNC, x = 0–2%) lead-free ceramics were synthetized by the solid state solution method. Pure perovskite phase with orthorhombic symmetry was observed. The evolution of the structure of KNNC was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman scattering spectra techniques. Our results revealed that, defect dipoles (Cu{sup ‴}{sub Nb}–V{sub O}··){sup ′} were formed and provided a restoring force to reverse the switched polarization, which resulted in double P–E hysteresis loops in KNNC with Cu doping at x = 0.75% and 1%. However, non-polar defect complex (V{sub O}··–Cu{sup ‴}{sub Nb}–V{sub O}··)· caused a lattice shrinkage and the observed square shaped P–E loops in KNNC ceramics under high doping levels (x > 1%).