Abstract:

Materials chemistry is present in a large quantity of fields of our quotidian live. Almost everything, since complex devices such as hydrogen cars or simpler gadgets like lighters, is related with chemistry. It’s important to motivate students to these areas, so that, they can understand the importance of the chemistry and the material science in our society. In this sense, the synthesis of materials which can be obtained in a simple way offers a possibility to motivate students to learn these sciences.

Piezoelectric compounds can be defined as materials that produce some electric charge when a mechanical stress is applied. These materials are used in several devices such as lighters, speakers, sensors or sonars.

Compounds based on Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) are the most extended piezoelectric materials used in lighters. Relation between structure-composition-properties of this material and its easy preparation makes it suitable to use in low value added devices.

In this work, we propose an example for demonstrating students the importance and complexity of the materials chemistry by obtaining a piezoelectric material based on PZT by the classical ceramic method, after analyzed a commercial piezo material presented in a lighter. Different characterization techniques applied in solid-state chemistry, such as X-ray Diffraction and Electronic Microscopy are used in this study. Finally, electric properties of the obtained materials are studied and these materials are tested in a real lighter. It allows to students to know the steps used in solid state chemistry to prepare a material. This work can also be interesting for general public, teachers of inorganic chemistry and material science and undergraduate students owing to its pedagogical character.

Keywords:

Materials chemistry, piezoelectric, solid state, inorganic chemistry.