Polymer Nanocomposites for Power Energy Storage

Abstract

Dielectric capacitors are ubiquitous in electronics and electric power systems as basic electrical component for power energy storage, in which the energy stored is limited by the dielectric constant and electric breakdown strength of the dielectric material employed. Realization of high-energy-density in capacitors hence relies on the development of advanced dielectric materials. Inorganic dielectric materials, while enjoying high dielectric constant, suffer from low breakdown strength. On the other hand, polymer dielectrics possess excellent processability, high breakdown strength, and graceful failure mechanism but have dielectric constant that are orders of magnitude smaller than those of their inorganic counterparts. Recent advancements in the research area of dielectric materials are represented by integration of the complementary advantages of inorganic and organic dielectric materials which creates the polymer nanocomposite dielectrics. In this chapter we summarize the recent progress in polymer nanocomposites for dielectric power energy storage.