A review on lead-free piezoelectric ceramics studies in China

There are a large number of research publications on the hot topic of environmental friendly lead-free piezoelectric materials worldwide in the last decade. The number of researchers and institutions involved from China is much larger than other countries or regions. The publications by Chinese researchers cover a broad spectrum on the preparations, structures, properties and applications of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics. This has motivated us to come out with a review on recent advances in development of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics in China. The emphases are especially on the preparation and electric properties of barium titanate-based materials, bismuth sodium titanate and related materials, alkaline niobate and related materials, bismuth layer-structured materials, as well as texture engineering of ceramics and some of their single crystals. Hopefully, this could give further impetus to the researchers to continue their efforts in this promising area and also draw the attentions from legislature, research office, industrial and publics.