In the present work, the effect of Mn doped PZT ceramics with composition Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 + x wt.% of MnO2, (where x =0, 1, 2 and 3) has been reported. The samples are prepared by employing a simple co-precipitation technique using nitrates of lead, zirconium and titanium isopropoxide. X-ray diffraction studies confirm the formation of pure phase and homogeneous ceramics of tetragonal symmetry. Scanning electron micrographs shows a uniform grain distribution and the grain size and shape are modified upon Mn addition. Increase in Mn content causes a decrease in average grain size of the material. Dielectric measurements demonstrate a decrease in the dielectric constant and increase in dielectric loss with increase in Mn. The dielectric dispersion is large for the higher concentration of Mn ions in PZT at lower frequencies and is attributed to the space charge accumulation. The undoped and Mn doped PZT ceramics exhibit the hysteresis loops which confirms the ferroelectric behaviour. The prepared ceramics have very low dielectric loss, high dielectric constant and high transition temperature which may be useful for device application. K L Yadav & Pallavi Sharma
