Structural and dielectric/ferroelectric properties of (La1-xNdx)2Ti2O7 synthesized by sol-gel route

A series of compounds with the general formula (La1-xNdx)(2)Ti2O7 (0.0 <= x <= 1.0) has been prepared by the sol-gel method. The decomposition of the gel was characterized by thermo-gravimetric analysis coupled to mass spectrometry, indicating the reaction is achieved above 850 degrees C. The lattice parameters versus x show an expected decrease in the a and b parameters while c and the beta angle remain almost unchanged with respect to the monoclinic symmetry conserved for the full solid solution. Dielectric, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties were measured on the entire series. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.