Near-zero hysteresis in BaTiO₃-based piezoceramic enabled by non-freezing high-active glassy polar nanoregions

Near-zero strain hysteresis (H_s) is critical for the performance and reliability of electromechanical devices, yet its realization in environmentally friendly piezoelectric ceramics remains a challenge. Although defect engineering, phase boundary engineering, and the construction of polar nanoregions (PNRs) have been widely explored to reduce strain hysteresis, these individual approaches have yet to achieve significant improvements. Herein, we propose an effective strategy to engineer high-active glassy polar nanoregions (HAG-PNRs) and defect dipoles in Ba_(1−x)(Sn_0.11Ti_0.89)O₃–0.5xSb₂O₃ ceramics with multiphase coexistence. By reducing the domain switching energy barrier and frictional damping in piezoelectric ceramics, an ultralow strain hysteresis (~1.25%) is achieved, representing one of the lowest strain hysteresis values reported in ceramic systems to date. This work offers a novel design paradigm for developing BaTiO₃-based lead-free piezoceramics with near-zero strain hysteresis through the controlled formation of HAG-PNRs.