Abstract Scope |
K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) is a lead-free material often lauded for its piezoelectric properties. It is suitable for a wide variety of applications, such as sensors and actuators. Although the material has been extensively studied in bulk ceramic forms, thin films are less well understood. Furthermore, KNN films have not been adapted in industrial settings due to difficulties in synthesizing high-quality samples with high throughput. The most promising fabrication approaches are chemical solution deposition (CSD)techniques which rely on hazardous organic solvents (2-methoxy ethanol). In our approach, we synthesize aqueous solutions at room temperature derived from commercially available niobium, sodium and potassium precursors. This technique allows precise control of stoichiometry, with which we can optimize the functional properties of our films. Moreover, this simple wet chemistry fabrication process is not as energy intensive, expensive, or complex as most thin film deposition techniques which will offer an opportunity for commercialization. |