J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2025, Vol. 220: 290-298.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2024.09.024

• Research Article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Crystal structure, sintering behavior, and microwave dielectric properties of LiF-tailored high entropy Li2Mg6ZnTi6O20 ceramics

Qianbiao Dua, Linzhao Maa, Jianhong Duana, Longxiang Jianga, Hao Lia,*, Hanning Xiaob   

  1. aCollege of Electrical and Information Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China;
    bCollege of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
  • Received:2024-07-02 Revised:2024-09-19 Accepted:2024-09-21 Published:2025-06-10 Online:2025-06-17
  • Contact: *E-mail address: hli@hnu.edu.cn (H. Li)

Abstract: This study designs and synthesizes highly dense Li2Mg6ZnTi6O20 microwave dielectric ceramics based on a high-entropy strategy, focusing on achieving stable structures, low sintering temperatures, and excellent comprehensive performance. The ceramics exhibit a predominant face-centered cubic disordered phase (Fd-3 m) sintered at 1200-1280 °C, alongside an increased presence of the second phase MgTiO3 at higher temperatures. Remarkably, these ceramics demonstrate excellent microwave dielectric properties (εr = 16.69, Q × f = 88,230 GHz, and τf = -36.5 ppm/°C). Additionally, we have explored the addition of x wt% LiF (1 ≤ x ≤ 5) to the Li2Mg6ZnTi6O20 ceramics to enhance their applicability. The ceramics feature a spinel structure for LiF contents up to 3 wt%, while higher LiF concentrations induce the formation of a secondary phase, LiTiO2, characterized by a rock salt structure. Notably, the lattice distortion induced by LiF leads to a constant decrease in εr. A moderate degree of lattice distortion serves to enhance the lattice stability of ceramics, which is reflected in increased lattice energy. Excellent microwave dielectric properties (εr = 16.23, Q × f = 89,728 GHz, τf = -43.5 ppm/°C) were obtained for x = 3 ceramic sintered at 1140 °C. Even at x = 5, the ceramic retains excellent microwave dielectric properties (εr = 16.02, Q × f = 63,079 GHz, τf = -26 ppm/°C) at a low sintering temperature of 900 °C. This work realizes the multiple effects of LiF and confirms good chemical compatibility with silver for LTCC (low-temperature co-fired ceramics) applications.

Key words: Microwave dielectric ceramics, High-entropy strategy, Spinel structure, Lattice distortion