Impedance spectroscopy analysis of high-temperature phase transitions in sodium lithium niobate ceramics

An investigation was made of the sodium lithiumniobate Na0.85Li0.15NbO3 ceramics using permittivity properties. Permittivity measurements were carried out by impedance spectroscopy in a frequency range of 5 to 1.3 x 10(7) Hz and at temperatures ranging from 25 to 750 degrees C. The thermal stability of the dielectric behaviour was evaluated as a function of several thermal cycles. The permittivity response was found to depend on both the partial thermal cycle (heating or cooling cycle) and the number of cycles. Three phase transitions are proposed based on a maximum of permittivity response as a function of temperature. The dielectric behaviour and its relationship with the phase transition phenomenon are discussed.