Enhanced Piezoelectric Properties of Lead-Free La and Nb Co-Modified Bi0.5(Na0.84K0.16)0.5TiO3-SrTiO3 Ceramics

New lead-free piezoelectric ceramics $0.96[\{Bi_{0.5}(Na_{0.84}K_{0.16})_{0.5}\}_{1-x}La_x(Ti_{1-y}Nb_y)O_3]-0.04SrTiO_3$ (BNKT-ST-LN, where $x=y=0.00{\leq}(x=y){\leq}0.015)$ were synthesized using the conventional solid-state reaction method. Their crystal structure, microstructure, and electrical properties were investigated as a function of the La and Nb (LN) content. The X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the formation of a single-phase perovskite structure for all the LN-modified BNKT-ST ceramics in this study. The temperature dependence of the dielectric curves showed that the maximum dielectric constant temperature ($T_m$) shifted towards lower temperatures and the curves became more diffuse with an increasing LN content. At the optimum composition (LN 0.005), a maximum value of remnant polarization ($33C/cm^2$) with a relatively low coercive field (22 kV/cm) and high piezoelectric constant (215 pC/N) was observed. These results indicate that the LN co-modified BNKT-ST ceramic system is a promising candidate for lead-free piezoelectric materials.