Effects of Li⁺ enrichment on the structure and microwave dielectric properties of LiMgPO4 ceramics

In this study, Li+-enriched Li1+xMgPO4 ceramics were prepared at 875-1025 degrees C by the solid-phase methods. The effects of Li+-enriched on the sintering characteristics, phase composition, crystal structure, and microwave dielectric properties of LiMgPO4 ceramics were investigated. As x increased, the relative density initially increased and then marginally decreased. Raman spectroscopy revealed that P-O bonds significantly affected the dielectric properties. Further, the values of Q x f first increased and then decreased owing to the combined effects of the full width at half maximum of peak v1 and atomic packing density. Moreover, optimal Li+ enrichment reduced the distortion of the Li/PO4 tetrahedron, thereby increasing Q x f. Li1.0125MgPO4 ceramics exhibited the best dielectric properties when sintered at 950 degrees C, yielding er = 7.14, Q x f = 95039 GHz, and if = -56.1 ppm/degrees C. Thus, Li1+xMgPO4 ceramics can be potentially used in various microwave communication applications.