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The Special Issue on “Synthesis and Characterization of Ferroelectrics” reports on several physical properties of ferroelectric materials and their technological aspects. Different substitution mechanisms provide ideas toward future improvement of lead-free (Ba,Ca)(Zr,Ti)O3 piezoelectric ceramics, including the electrocaloric effect, fluorescence, and energy storage. It is established that axial and radial element segregation differently influences electrical properties of 0.68Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.32PbTiO3 (PMN-32PT for short) single crystals. While the electrical properties along the axial direction strongly depend on the PbTiO3 content, the electrical properties along the axial direction are mainly determined by the ratio of Nb and Mg. On the other hand, Fe-substitution of PMN-32PT crystals lead to an enhancement of the coercive field due to wall pinning induced by charged defect dipoles. It is also found, that capacitors based on Pt/Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3/La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 thin films display good fatigue resistance and retention. Another lead-free thin film capacitor fabricated from Ba0.3Sr0.7Zr0.18Ti0.82 features a low leakage current density and high breakdown strength. Such capacitors are essential for energy storage. Furthermore, an enhanced electrocaloric effect on 0.73Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.27PbTiO3 single crystals is demonstrated. This effect is promising for novel solid-state cooling systems.

PMN-32PT --- characterization --- segregation --- Bridgman technique --- ferroelectric materials --- piezoelectric --- ceramic --- lead-free --- PMN-32PT single crystal --- acceptor doping --- charged defects --- dielectric relaxation --- electrical conduction --- NBT epitaxial film --- ferroelectric properties --- ultraviolet light --- BSZT thin films --- capacitance properties --- RF magnetron sputtering --- PMN-PT --- single crystals --- P–E hysteresis loop --- electrocaloric effect --- Maxwell relation --- n/a --- P-E hysteresis loop

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Coatings based on hydroxyapatite and calcium phosphates have a significant relevance in several research fields, such as biomaterials, cultural heritage, and water treatment, due to their characteristic properties. Hydroxyapatite can easily accommodate foreign ions, which can either be incorporated into the lattice, thanks to its specific lattice characteristics, or be adsorbed onto its surface. All these substitutions significantly alter the morphology, lattice parameters, and crystallinity of hydroxyapatite so they influence its main properties. These ion substitutions can be sought or can derive from substrate contaminations, which is an important aspect to be evaluated. Finally, this capability can be used to obtain hydroxyapatites with specific properties, such as antibacterial characteristics, among others. For these reasons, the aim of this Special Issue is to document current advances in the field of ion-substituted hydroxyapatites and highlight possible future perspectives regarding their use. Contributions in the form of original articles and review articles are presented, covering different areas of application.

calcium phosphates --- ion-substituted apatites --- bone regeneration --- plasma-assisted deposition --- solubility --- crystallinity --- composition --- lithium-doped hydroxyapatite coatings --- renewable resources for implant coatings --- pulsed laser deposition --- biocompatibility --- inhibition of microbial biofilms development --- zinc --- hydroxyapatite --- ultrasound measurement --- sol–gel spin coating --- layers --- C. albicans --- S. aureus --- calcium phosphate --- magnesium phosphate --- struvite --- dolomite --- consolidating treatment --- cultural heritage --- ammonium phosphate --- marble --- calcite --- dissolution --- electrodeposition --- protective coatings --- acid attack --- potential --- current --- RF magnetron sputtering --- GLAD --- carbonated hydroxyapatite --- nanomaterials --- coatings --- cave painting --- inorganic consolidant --- ethyl silicate --- TEOS --- non-thermal plasma --- wettability --- bone --- allograft --- autograft --- xenograft --- ion-substituted calcium phosphates --- nanostructured coatings