Pyroelectricity in lead-free ceramics

Abstract

Over the past 10years, much work has been done to advance our knowledge of pyroelectricity, investigate novel pyroelectric materials and promote their real-world applications. Consequently, scientists have conducted extensive research to identify high-performing lead-free pyroelectric materials. This chapter comprehensively examined various lead-free perovskite-based ceramics including BaTiO3-based, Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-based, K0.5Na0.5NbO3-based, BiFeO3-based, AbNbO3-based, and NaNbO3-based ceramics considering doping and different solid-solution formations to improve pyroelectricity. Three pyroelectric figures of merit or operating modes (charge detection mode F i, voltage detection mode F v andsignal-to-noise ratio sensor design F d) are considered for pyroelectric characteristics. Subsequently, tungsten bronze, Aurivillius, or bismuth layer-structured ferroelectrics (BLSF) and thin film are also examined in light of current advancements. This chapter provides an extensive list of pyroelectric materials and recommendations for further enhancing their pyroelectric properties. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.