Investigation of the electrical properties of neodymium-doped barium titanate with prosvskite Structures

Synthesis barium titanate (SBT), synthesized via mechanical alloying, and commercial barium titanate (CBT), obtained from commercial sources, were studied to evaluate the effect of neodymium (Nd³⁺) doping on dielectric properties. Raw materials were weighed with high precision, milled in a SPEX ۸۰۰۰ system with a ball-to-powder ratio of ۱۰:۱, and processed with stearic acid to prevent adhesion. The powders were pressed into ۱ cm pellets under ۳۰۰ MPa and sintered. Dielectric characterization was performed using a GW Instek LCR ۸۱۱۰G meter across ۲۰ Hz–۱۰ MHz, with gold electrodes selectively deposited to ensure reliable contact. Results show that Nd³⁺ doping significantly alters both synthesized and commercial ceramics. For SBT, the optimal doping concentration was ۰.۴ at.% Nd, yielding the highest dielectric constant. SEM and EDXS confirmed Nd incorporation into the lattice, while Zetasizer analysis indicated nanometer scale particle size. Grain refinement and lattice contraction at low Nd levels stabilized the ferroelectric phase and enhanced dielectric homogeneity. However, excessive Nd doping caused lattice distortion, reduced tetragonality, increased porosity, and diminished dielectric performance. In CBT, the best dielectric response occurred at ۰.۳ at.% Nd, beyond which structural degradation sharply reduced performance. Nd³⁺ ions act beneficially at low concentrations by refining grain size and stabilizing the lattice, but higher levels disrupt structural integrity. These findings highlight Nd doping as an effective strategy for tailoring dielectric properties, with optimal levels depending on whether the material is synthesized or commercially sourced.