About us

Piezoceramics are widespread from daily life (mobile phones, cameras, computers) to cutting edge technologies (STM, MRI, MEMS). They have a huge global market share, with the revenue of 943 million USD in 2018 and expected to reach 1440 million USD in 2024. The most widely used piezoceramics are PbTiO 3 –PbZrO 3 (PZT)-based multi-component systems for their excellent piezoelectric properties. However, as the major composition of PZT is lead, which is a toxic heavy metal, the use of PZT has a potential danger to the environment and human health. Lead poisoning has long been considered as an environmental health hazard, for its adverse effects on intellectual and neurological development.

In 2006, the European Union (EU) has adopted Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) to protect human health and environment by replacing hazardous substances such as lead with safer materials. Many other countries have also banned or restricted the use of lead- based materials in electronic industry. However, there is no equivalent substitute for PZT; therefore, its use is still continued. The environmental concern of PZT vis-a-vis its indispensability in the huge piezoelectric market has drawn attention towards research in lead-free piezoceramics in recent times.

One major objective of our group has been to develop lead-free piezoceramics which are more environmental-friendly and risk-free than PZT, and at the same time competent enough to replace the widely used PZT in all piezoelectric applications. We are currently working on lead-free piezoceramics based on alkaline niobate and barium titanate systems.