The influence of electrode materials on the electrical degradation process of lead zirconate titanate under harsh operating environment

Piezoelectric materials because their special ability to convert bwteen kinetic energy and electrical energy. Therefore, they are widely applicated in the areas such as sensors, resonators etc. However, the electrical degradation phenomenon of piezoelectric materials will cause the degradation of their performance. The electrode materails has been reported can severely influence the electrical degradation of piezoelectric materials. In this paper, the life time of the lead zirconate titanate capacitors with nickel, gold or silver electrodes are investigated. It is suggested that, the poor migration ability of the electrode elements gives the PZT capacitors a longer lifetime. The reason of no observation of the electrode materials in the capacitor material is also discussed.