摘要

The focus on piezoelectric ceramics based on the potassium sodium niobate system began in 2004. After years of dedicated research, these materials can be considered one of the most promising lead-free piezoceramics with comprehensive performance. While their structure-property relationships are still not completely understood, the thermal stability issue is partly resolved, which leaves further room for phase-boundary engineering. Technological advancement has recently focused on using base metals as inner electrodes for multilayer actuators, which provides cost benefits as compared to lead zirconate titanate devices. The remaining challenges, however, such as poor sinterability and weak reproducibility of functional properties, still hinder extensive applications of these materials.