Structural and dielectric/ferroelectric properties of (La1-xNdx)2Ti2O7 synthesized by sol-gel route

A series of compounds with the general formula (La1-xNdx)2Ti2O7 (0.0≤x≤1.0) has been prepared by the sol-gel method. The decomposition of the gel was characterized by thermo-gravimetric analysis coupled to mass spectrometry, indicating the reaction is achieved above 850 oC. The lattice parameters versus x show an expected decrease in the a and b parameters while c and the β angle remain almost unchanged with respect to the monoclinic symmetry conserved for the full solid solution. Dielectric, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties were measured on the entire series. - Graphical abstract: XRD patterns of (La1-xNdx)2Ti2O7 powders for various x values. The (hkl) peaks positions (with h and k≠0) change with x values while the (00l) peaks positions remain unaffected.