Summary: | Variations in the crystal structure, electron density and formation energy of Mn2+ doped LiZnPO4 ceramic were discussed in accordance with the first principle calculation. The sintering and microwave dielectric properties of the doped ceramics were investigated through the solid-state reaction experiment. Characterisation methods included X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, network analysis, thermomechanical analysis and simultaneous thermal analysis. The bond length and bond population of oxygen-cation in the zinc group changed. The moderate substitution of Mn2+ to Zn2+ could densify the microstructure, improve the dielectric properties and modify the sintering property of the LiZnPO4 ceramic. The LiZn0.96Mn0.04PO4 ceramic sintered at 825 °C had εr = 5.57, Q × f = 77,900 GHz at 15 GHz, τf = −80.54 ppm/°C and relative density = 97.8%. Therefore, the sintering and microwave dielectric properties of the LiZnPO4 ceramic could be improved by Mn2+ substitution.
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