Relationship between Crystal Structures and the Relaxor Property of SrBi(2)(Ta(2–x)V(x))O(9) Ceramics

[Image: see text] Here, V(2)O(5) was used to substitute Ta(2)O(5) in SrBi(2)Ta(2)O(9) (SBT) and SrBi(2)(Ta(2–x)V(x))O(9) (SBTV) ceramics were formed. This study revealed that the substitution of Ta(2)O(5) by V(2)O(5) enhances the maximum dielectric constant (ε(m)), increases the transition temperature, and reduces the sintering temperature of SBT ceramics. The diffraction intensity of c-axis-preferred orientation of SBTV ceramics increases with the increase in V(2)O(5) concentration and sintering temperature. Disk-type grains were observed in the SBTV ceramics at higher sintering temperatures. By the Curie–Weiss law and modified Curie–Weiss law, the phase transitions of the SBTV ceramics were discussed. The dielectric properties of SBTV ceramics revealed that the relaxor-type ferroelectric characteristics became more obvious than the normal-type ferroelectric characteristics at high V(2)O(5) concentrations and sintering temperatures. Raman spectroscopy was successfully used to study the lattice vibrational modes and structural transitions of SBTV ceramics. The spectra proved that as V(2)O(5) was added to SBTV ceramics the octahedral TaO(6) and VO(6) structures exhibited a high frequency mode.