Enhanced electrocaloric effect in La-based PZT antiferroelectric ceramics

The electrocaloric effect (ECE) has been investigated in (Pb0.98La0.02)(Zr0.95Ti0.05)0.995O3 antiferroelectric ceramics obtained via the solid-state reaction method. The results from indirect measurements across the temperature range considered reveal a large electrocaloric temperature change (ΔT) of approximately 5 K at 373 K. The enhanced ECE, which is significantly higher than those reported for some lead-free and lead-based electro-ceramics, was obtained by applying an electric field of 60 kV/cm lower than what has been reported for commonly studied ceramic systems. This result suggests that this system is a potential candidate for practical electrocaloric device applications.