Dielectric and photoluminescence properties of fine-grained BaTiO(3) ceramics co-doped with amphoteric Sm and valence-variable Cr

(Ba(1−x)Sm(x))(Ti(1−x)Cr(x))O(3) (BSTC) and (Ba(1−x)Sm(x))(Ti(1−(x−0.01))Cr(x−0.01))O(3) (BSTC1) ceramics with a single-phase perovskite structure were prepared using a traditional solid state based method. The structure, microstructure, site occupations, valence states of Cr, photoluminescence, and dielectric properties of these ceramics were investigated using XRD, SEM, EDXS, RS, EPR, XPS, and dielectric measurements. All ceramics exhibit a fine-grained microstructure (0.7 μm). Three valence states of Cr ions were confirmed and Cr predominates as Cr(3+) enter the Ti(4+) sites with a stronger EPR signal (1.974). The RS bands of high-wavenumber were attributed to photoluminescence from Sm(3+) ions. The formation of [Image: see text] defect complexes play leading roles in the removal of [Image: see text] prevent the grain growth, and photoluminescence quenching. (Ba(1−x)Sm(x))(Ti(1−(x−0.01))Cr(x−0.01))O(3) (BSTC1) ceramics with amphoteric Sm(3+) ions exhibit a regular diffuse phase transition behavior, rapid T(m)-shifting rate of −24.3 °C/at% (Sm/Cr), higher [Image: see text] lower tan δ and x = 0.04 and 0.05 met the EIA Y5V specification.