Microstructural engineering of sodium potassium niobate for enhanced and temperature-stable electromechanical responseBradeško, Andraž (Avtor) Roknić, Janina (Avtor) Suban, Nejc (Avtor) Žiberna, Katarina (Avtor) Drnovšek, Silvo (Avtor) Kmet, Brigita (Avtor) Shah, Aadil Abass (Avtor) Robić, Marko (Avtor) Uršič Nemevšek, Hana (Avtor) Rojac, Tadej (Avtor) Benčan, Andreja (Avtor) Malič, Barbara (Avtor) electronic ceramicspiezoelectricityelectromechanical stabilityThe development of high-performance lead-free piezoelectrics is a critical step toward sustainable electronic components, yet matching the electromechanical stability over external variables, such as temperature, of lead-based standards remains a significant challenge. This study investigates the synergistic effects of Ti-doping and K5.4Cu1.3Ta10O29 (KCT) co-modification on the structural and functional properties of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN) ceramics. Co-modification significantly enhances both electromechanical coupling and the mechanical quality factor, parameters essential for ultrasonic transducer applications. A comparative analysis of the ferroelectric behavior reveals that these modifications establish a stable internal bias field leading to the hardening of piezoelectric properties. Interestingly, the samples modified solely by Ti exhibit a stronger internal bias field than the Cu-containing co-modified samples, a phenomenon further explored through domain imaging. When benchmarked against commercial hard PZT, the optimized KNN-Ti-KCT ceramic demonstrates comparable thermal stability in the room-temperature to 100°C range. Although a trade-off exists between peak piezoelectric coefficients and environmental impact, these results highlight the potential of tailored KNN ceramics as reliable lead-free alternatives for high-temperature electromechanical devices.Wiley20262026-05-25 13:18:21Neznano29552UDK: 621.7+621.9ISSN pri članku: 1744-7402DOI: 10.1111/ijac.70201COBISS_ID: 279220483Združeno kraljestvosl© 2026 The Author(s).