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Applications of lead-free piezoelectric materials

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Abstract

The piezoelectric properties of lead-free ferroelectric materials have been dramatically improved over the past two decades. For some limited applications, their properties have reached the same levels or have even surpassed the properties of the benchmark lead-based material Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT). Initial commercial lead-free products, including powders, ceramic components, films, and devices (e.g., ultrasonic cleaner, knocking sensor), are now available on the market. Several prototype devices, such as inkjet printheads, ultrasonic motors, angular sensors, and energy harvesters, have been developed. Their overall performance is still inferior to that of PZT-based devices; however, these prototypes and products point the way for future applications. Here, we provide an overview of recent industrial developments in the field and discuss the main advantages and disadvantages of lead-free piezoceramics for individual applications.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. SCIOCS Co., Ltd., Japan

    Kenji Shibata

  2. National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan

    Ruiping Wang

  3. Honda Electronics Co., Ltd., Japan

    Tonshaku Tou

  4. Technische Universität Darmstadt, Germany

    Jurij Koruza

Authors
  1. Kenji Shibata
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  2. Ruiping Wang
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  3. Tonshaku Tou
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  4. Jurij Koruza
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Correspondence to Kenji Shibata.

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Shibata, K., Wang, R., Tou, T. et al. Applications of lead-free piezoelectric materials. MRS Bulletin 43, 612–616 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1557/mrs.2018.180

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/mrs.2018.180

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