The templated grain growth (TGG) method has gained significant attention for its ability to produce highly textured piezoelectric ceramics with significantly enhanced performance, making it a promising method for transducer and actuator applications. However, the texturing process using the TGG method requires the optimization of multiple steps, which can be challenging for beginners in this field. Therefore, in this tutorial, we provide an overview of the TGG method mainly based on our previous published works, including its various processing steps such as synthesizing anisotropic-shaped templates with size and size distribution control using the molten salt synthesis technique, tape casting, and identifying key factors for proper alignment of the templates in the target matrix system. Our goal is to provide a resource that can serve as a basic reference for researchers and engineers looking to improve their understanding and utilization of the TGG method for producing textured piezoelectric ceramics.

Piezoelectric actuators, which utilize piezoelectric crystals or ceramics, are commonly used in precision positioning applications, offering high-speed response and precise control. However, the use of low-performance ceramics and expensive single crystals is limiting their versatile use in the actuator market, necessitating the development of both high-performance and cost-effective piezoelectric materials capable of delivering higher forces and displacements. The use of textured Pb (lead)-based piezoelectric ceramics formed by so-called templated grain growth method has been identified as a promising strategy to address the performance and cost issue. This review article provides insights into recent advances in texturing Pb-based piezoelectric ceramics for improved performance in actuation applications. We discussed the relevant issues in detail focusing on current challenges and emerging trends in the textured piezoelectric ceramics for their reliability and performance in actuator applications. We discussed in detail focusing on current challenges and emerging trends of textured piezoelectric ceramics for their reliability and performance in actuator applications. In conclusion, the article provides an outlook on the future direction of textured piezoelectric ceramics in actuator applications, highlighting the potential for further success in this field.

Energy storage capacitors based on dielectric ceramics with superior polarization properties and dielectric constant can provide much higher output power density due to their very fast energy charging/discharging rates, which are particularly suitable for operating pulsed-power devices. For an outstanding energy storage performance of dielectric capacitor, a large recoverable energy density could be derived by introducing a slim polarization-electric field hysteresis loop into dielectric materials by various technical approaches. Many research teams have explored various dielectric capacitor technologies to demonstrate high output power density and ultrafast charging/discharging behavior. This article reviews the recent research progress in high-performance dielectric capacitors for pulsed-power electronic applications.

In this study, we performed the deposition of Al thin film using a DC magnetron sputtering method. To evaluate electrical and structural properties, the growth conditions were changed in terms of two functions, namely, sputtering power ranging from 41.6 to 216 W and film growth rate ranging from 5.35 to 26.39 nm/min. The growth rate and the microstructure were characterized by a scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The plane of crystalline growth showed that the preferential (111) direction and defects due to the grain boundary increased with DC power. The resistivity of the Al film over 50 nm showed a constant value by horizontal grain growth. Our results can be applicable for the preparation of nano-templates for anodic aluminum oxide.

Alumina added with Mn3O4 up to 7.5 cat% of Mn was prepared by conventional ceramic processing, and the sintering behavior and the optical properties of which were studied as functions of Mn content. Densification and grain growth of alumina were enhanced by Mn addition up to 0.75 cat% but was leveled off at higher concentrations. XRD revealed that Al₂MnO₄(galaxite) was formed as a second phase in the specimens with more than 0.75 cat% of Mn. Thus it is believed that either the solid solution effect of Mn or the Zener effect of Al2MnO4 becomes predominant in the sintering of Mn-added Al₂O₃ according to the additive concentration. UV-VIS reflectivity(SCI) spectra of Mn-added Al₂O₃ consisted of smooth bottoms in 300~550 nm wavelength range and plateaus at wavelengths longer than 650 nm. The reflectivity spectrum continuously moved downward, and the specimen color became darker and thicker with increasing Mn content. The CIELAB color change with respect to standard white was also dependent on the amount of Mn added: TRIANGLE L^{*} (D65) negatively increased and TRIANGLE E _{ab} ^{*} (D65) positively increased with increasing Mn content, probably due to Mn substitution to Al and/or the mixing effect of black Al₂MnO₄ as a second phase.

Sintering and microwave dielectric properties of Zn2-2xSil+xO4 (x=O-0.10) ceramics were investigated. The secondary phase of ZnO was observed in the specimen for x=O whereas SiO2 was detected in that for x=0.05. The composition of Zn2SiO4 might be close to x=0.02, i.e., Zn1.96Si1.02O4; the ratio of Zn/Si is 1.922. The insufficient grain growth was observed in the specimen of x=O. For the specimens of x≥0.05 , the grain growth sufficiently occurred through the liquid phase sintering. The value of quality factor of all specimens was dependent on the x value, i.e., the ratio of Zn/Si, whereas that of dielectric constant was independent. Relative density, dielectric constant, and quality factor (Q×f) of the specimen for x=0.05, i.e., Znl.9Si1.05O4, sintered at 1,400℃ were 96.5%, 6.43, and 115,166 GHz, respectively.