Influence of low lanthanum doping on the electrical characteristics of PZT(53/47)

Lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate with compositions (Pb1−3/2x Lax)(Zr0.53Ti 0.47)O3 (0.001 ≤ x ≤ 0.02) have been synthesized by the sol–gel method. The effect of La3+-doping with regard to the development of the crystalline phase, microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric and piezoelectric characteristics has been investigated. The various mechanisms by which the A-site aliovalent La3+-dopant influences the dielectric and piezoelectric characteristics have also been established.