Perspective on scalable high-energy-density polymer dielectrics with ultralow loadings of inorganic nanofillers

Abstract

Polymer composite dielectrics have been actively developed for electrical power and electronic applications. The latest advances in dielectric polymer composites with ultralow (<1 vol. %) filler loadings have overcome many of the significant drawbacks of polymer composites. Such composites now offer opportunities of gleaning insights into the impact of interfaces on dielectric behaviors and developing dielectric mathematical theories and models with the interface contributions. In this Perspective, we review key developments in the dielectric polymer composites with ultralow contents of small-sized fillers. We highlight the filler–polymer interface characterizations and the current understandings of the underlying mechanisms and examine the dielectric models in order to fit the dielectric data over a wide range of filler contents. We also discuss challenges and opportunities for the polymer composites with ultralow filler loadings in the development of scalable high-energy-density dielectrics.