Synergistic optimization of antiferroelectric ceramics with superior energy storage properties via phase structure engineering

Abstract

Dielectric capacitors with high energy storage density and high efficiency exhibit potential applications in lightweight, miniaturized microelectronic devices. Here, (Pb, La)(Zr, Sn)O3 (PLZS) based ceramics with Ba substitution were selected and studied with in-situ Raman spectra and in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Results show that the room temperature phase structure consists of two coexisting antiferroelectric phases of OI and OII (O refers to orthorhombic), and between them the latter possesses lower forward phase-switching electric field (EAF) and should be the origin of FE(I). Meanwhile, Polarization-electric field (P-E) loops and Raman spectrum under variable temperature reveal optimal Ba content of 0.02. Suitable Ba substitution forms balanced coexisting structure and therefore achieves ultrahigh recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) of 12.8 J/cm3 and simultaneously high energy storage efficiency (η) of 84.2% under an electric field of 450 kV/cm. Extremely short discharge period of 51.6 ns and high Wrec support ultrahigh power density (PD) of 327 MW/cm3 and high discharge current density (Ddis) of 1815 A/cm2. Reasonable phase structure design after clarifying the relationship between structure and performance shows guiding significance, and the improved ultra-high Wrec and PD enhance the possibility of applications of antiferroelectric ceramics in pulsed power capacitor.