Phase transitions in RbPrNb2O7, a layer structured ferroelectric with a high Curie point

Abstract The development of lead-free ferroelectric ceramics exhibiting a high Curie point is regarded as a key aspect of improving the overall performance of high temperature sensing devices. Two-layer Dion-Jacobson phases have great potential for these applications, but the dielectric properties of many of these compounds have not been investigated and several are still erroneously considered to be non-polar. RbPrNb2O7, a two-layer Dion-Jacobson phase, has previously been identified as being non-polar at room temperature, with an orthorhombic crystal structure in space group Imma. Here, the structure of RbPrNb2O7 is re-examined and its ferroelectric (FE) character confirmed through ferroelectric, dielectric and piezoelectric measurements, using dense bulk ceramics. In addition, the microstructure and phase evolution of the compound were analysed by transmission electron microscopy, variable temperature X-ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. RbPrNb2O7 is a ferroelectric at room temperature, exhibiting orthorhombic symmetry in space group I2cm. It undergoes a reversible FE ↔ FE phase transition at around 260 °C, with evidence for a diffuse apolar transition between 800 and 900 °C. Details of the subtle structural changes occurring at these transitions are discussed. RbPrNb2O7 possesses a high Curie point of ~1090 °C, making it a potential candidate for use in high temperature piezoelectric sensing.