LAUSR

Abstract Large-size Ca3Co4O9 microplates in the range of 10 μm to 18 μm, were prepared by using molten salt synthesis method. The piezoelectric properties of Ca3Co4O9 were reported in the first time. The crystal structure was characterized by X-ray diffractometry along with Rietveld refinement of lattice parameters. In situ piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) measurements demonstrated that a maximum piezoelectric strain coefficient d*33 of 95.1 pm/V was obtained, rooting in the non-centrosymmetric and anisotropic crystalline structure. This work suggests that the misfit-layered cobaltite oxides can be considered to be a promising alternative lead free piezoelectric material.