Phase Structure, Bond Features, and Microwave Dielectric Characteristics of Ruddlesden-Popper Type Sr₂TiO₄ Ceramics

This work studied the phase constitution, bond characteristics, and microwave dielectric performances of Sr2TiO4 ceramics. Based on XRD and Rietveld refinement analysis, pure tetragonal Ruddlesden-Popper type Sr2TiO4 ceramic is synthesized at 1425-1525 degrees C. Meanwhile, the microstructure is dense and without porosity, indicating its high sinterability and densification. Great microwave dielectric performances can be obtained, namely an er value of 39.41, and a Q x f value of 93,120 GHz, when sintered at 1475 degrees C. Under ideal sintering conditions, the extrinsic factors are minimized and can be ignored. Thus, the intrinsic factors are considered crucial in determining microwave dielectric performances. Based on the P-V-L complex chemical bond theory calculation, the largest bond ionicity, and proportions to the bond susceptibility from Sr-O bonds suggest that Sr-O bonds mainly determine the dielectric polarizability. However, the Ti-O bonds show lattice energy about three times larger than Sr-O bonds, emphasizing that the structural stability of Sr2TiO4 ceramics is dominated by Ti-O bonds, and the Ti-O bonds are vital in determining the intrinsic dielectric loss. The thermal expansion coefficient value of the Sr2TiO4 structure is also mainly decided by Ti-O bonds.