STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRICAL STUDY OF Nd3+ DOPED BaBi2Nb2O9 AURIVILLIUS CERAMIC FOR ENERGY STORAGE APPLICATIONS

Abstract

In this work, neodymium (Nd3+)-substituted barium bismuth niobate ceramics, BaBi2-xNdxNb2O9 (x = 0.00, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10), belonging to the Aurivillius family, were systematically investigated to examine the influence of Bi-site doping on the structural, dielectric, and energy-storage properties. All compositions were synthesized via the conventional solid-state route and sintered at 1050 °C. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a single-phase orthorhombic Aurivillius structure, indicating successful incorporation of Nd3+ with minimal lattice distortion. SEM analysis revealed plate-like grains with a reduction in grain size upon doping. FTIR analysis confirmed the retention of characteristic NbO₆ vibrational bands, indicating preservation of the layered Aurivillius framework after Nd³⁺ substitution. Dielectric studies exhibited broad, frequency-dependent peaks, confirming relaxor behavior with the diffuseness parameter γ ranging from 1.45 to 1.75. DC conductivity decreased with increasing Nd content due to enhanced resistivity. Slim P–E loops with reduced remnant polarization favored energy-storage performance, with BaBi1.94Nd0.06Nb2O9 exhibiting an efficiency exceeding 90%. Raman and DRS analyses confirmed the preservation of the crystal structure and tunable band gaps, highlighting the strong potential of these ceramics for lead-free energy-storage application.