Lead-free electrostrictive/ piezoelectric ceramics enable more eco-friendly electronic components

https://phys.org/news/2024-08-nontoxic-ceramic-based-electronic-components.html

"deformed when exposed to electric field, undergoing strains/ stresses producing tiny, precise movements (electrostrictors/ piezoelectrics)... cerium oxide laced with about 10% zirconium oxide: cheap/ inert/ simple manufacture... same deformation while having much lower dielectric constant, more energy efficient... zirconium, with 4 electrons in its outer orbit, caused electrostriction to shoot up about 200X, comparable to existing lead-containing components"

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Ultra-high piezoelectric properties of BiFeO3-BaTiO3 lead-free piezoelectric ceramics enabled by a one-step sintering process
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1129911

Heat-induced nanoscale structures unlock electromechanical properties in ceramics
https://phys.org/news/2026-10-nanoscale-electromechanical-properties-ceramics.html