Abstract
Ancient human history invites significant learning with unknowing facts and
fascinations. Significant development and transitions in the human lifestyle are
visualized from the capitalized materials. “Ceramics”, as antique as it sounds, is
frequently used for innumerable applications. From pottery to pellets, ammunition to
antennas, electrolytes to electronics, all exist under the radar of ceramic materials. The
dominant trait of ceramic materials for advanced applications is constantly replenished
to extract peerless products for future utilization. Ionic or covalent bonding in ceramic
microstructures administers their suitable mechanical, electrical and chemical
characteristics. Pristine ceramics display low conductivity and chemical stability, while
doped ceramics via implanted impurities empower their characteristics. The nature of
dopants and defect substitution differs on the target application. The vastly introspected
energy sector is permeated with acceptor-doped perovskite ceramics, while the defense
sector inquests over piezoelectric ceramics and ceramic composites. The trivial facet
amongst all is the use of Barium Zirconate (BaZrO3
) based ceramic compositions. It
has been substantially contemplated to visualize the role played by BaZrO3
in multiple
domains. Either as a parent material or as an additive, BaZrO3
attracts research groups
from diverse sectors. Compiled with innumerable advantages, it accompanies a few
limitations. The vital thing is the high sintering temperature along with the trade-off
between proton conductivity and chemical stability. However, BaZrO3
-based ceramics
are keenly monitored and tailored in an attempt to subsidize the maximum possible
drawback with a simultaneous improvement in their properties. In the following
chapter, we emphasize BaZrO3
-based ceramic and ceramic composites as smart
materials for advanced applications. The extended applications in the energy sector,
photocatalysts for hydrogen production, smart bullet systems in defense and microwave
dielectric resonators for wireless communications are elaborately introspected with key
insights.