Permittivity Research Articles

Remarkably Boosted High‐Temperature Electrostatic Energy Storage of Polyetherimide Film Induced by TiO2@Au@AlOx@Au Core‐shell Nanofibers

AbstractPolymer dielectrics have broad applications in advanced electronics and power systems. However, they suffer from low energy density and poor breakdown performance at high temperatures, limiting their applications in high‐temperature environments. Herein, TiO2@Au@AlOx@Au nanofibers with double coulomb blockade nanolayers are obtained via a physical sputtering strategy to improve the high‐temperature energy storage performance of polyetherimide composites. Experimental studies and finite elemenet phase‐field simulations demonstrate that the double‐layer coulomb blockade effect and micro‐capacitor effect of Au nanoparticles synergistically enhance the breakdown strength and dielectric permittivity of polyetherimide composite at high temperatures. Notably, the composite exhibits ultra‐high discharged energy densities of 11.33 and 9.70 J cm−3 at 150 and 200 °C, respectively, along with high charge–discharge efficiencies of 93.4% and 84%, which far exceed that of the polymer nanocomposites reported so far. Furthermore, the composite exhibits excellent charge–discharge cycling performance (>50000 cycles at 400 MV m−1) and high‐power density (1.16 MW cm−3) at 200 °C, making it an ideal candidate for high‐temperature capacitors. Hopefully, these nanofibers not only serve as excellent nanofillers for high‐temperature energy storage dielectric composites but also holds tremendous potential and inspirational significance for other applications such as electronics, biomedical fields, optics, and catalysis.

Enhanced energy storage performance inBaZrxTi1-xO3 lead-free ferroelectrics near phase transitions.

The present study explores the energy storage properties of BaZrxTi1-xO3 through phase-field modeling, focusing on the impact of composition and temperature on energy storage performance. The obtained results reveal a variety of polarization phases and configurations based on Zr compositions and temperatures. A detailed phase diagram for temperature-composition of BaZrxTi1-xO3 is established, closely aligning with experimental measurements. Variations in Zr content and temperature have a significant impact on the polarization-electric field response, influencing the energy storage properties. Calculations of energy storage properties are derived from the polarization-electric field response. In addition, a thorough diagram is developed to illustrate the discharge energy density of BaZrxTi1-xO3 as a function of temperature and composition. Notably, high discharge energy density is achievable near the Curie temperature, corresponding to the transition from ferroelectric to paraelectric phase. Furthermore, the present study emphasizes the importance of the disparity between maximum and remanent polarization, as well as the electric field-dependent effective permittivity, in determining the discharge energy density.&#xD.

Dielectric Hybrid Optimization Model Based on Crack Damage in Semi-Rigid Base Course

To accurately predict the relative permittivity of cement-stabilized base materials, a study on the dielectric mixing model for cracked base materials was conducted. Based on the electromagnetic mixing theory of multiphase composites, a comprehensive dielectric mixing model of cement-stabilized base materials was derived. The volume ratios and relative permittivity values of the specimen constituents in different cracking states of the cement-stabilized base were determined using industrial CT and a Percometer relative permittivity meter, with comprehensive consideration given to the effects of different initial porosities and crack widths on the dielectric properties. Based on the volumetric and dielectric properties of the base material specimens in both intact and cracked states, as well as the error analysis between the predicted and measured values of the relative permittivity constant, the u-optimal solution of the dielectric mixing model for cement-stabilized base material was determined to be 1. Consequently, an optimization dielectric mixing model for semi-rigid base course materials in a cracked state was developed. The optimization model proposed is suitable for predicting the dielectric properties of cement-stabilized base material with crack widths generally greater than 3 mm during the service life of semi-rigid base course in engineering practice.

High entropy alloy reinforcement for superior electromagnetic interference shielding performance in carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites

AbstractThis study explores the enhancement of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) in carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites through the integration of equatomic CoCuFeNi high entropy alloy (HEA) particles. Employing mechanical alloying (MA), CoCuFeNi HEA powders were synthesized, revealing a face‐centered cubic structure with crystallite and particle sizes of 14.7 nm and 11.62 μm, respectively. The integration of these HEA particles at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight into epoxy resin, followed by the fabrication of composites using the hand lay‐up technique. Detailed structural analysis of HEA particles confirmed the successful synthesis of equatomic HEAs via MA. Structural analysis of the HEA integrated composites revealed vacancy regions at 5% concentration, a uniform distribution at 10%, and particle agglomeration causing inhomogeneity and vacancies at 15%. The composites demonstrated significant improvements in EMI SE, with the 10% HEA sample showing superior performance compared to the other samples. Specifically, the 10% HEA composite achieved a peak SE of 73.09 dB at 4.72 GHz, attributed to the optimized distribution of HEA particles that enhanced electrical conductivity and reflective properties.Highlights CoCuFeNi HEA particles were successfully synthesized via MA. HEA particles were added to epoxy at 5, 10, and 15 wt% for composite fabrication. Voids were observed in HEA5, uniformity in HEA10, and clustering in HEA15. EMI shielding was assessed using VNA, SE, dielectric permittivity, and magnetic permeability. The HEA10 composite achieved peak EMI shielding, 73.09 dB at 4.72 GHz.

Dissipative split-charge formalism: Ohm's law, Nyquist noise, and non-contact friction.

The split-charge equilibration method is extended to describe dissipative charge transfer similarly as the Drude model, whereby the complex-valued frequency-dependent dielectric permittivities or conductivities of dielectrics and metals can be mimicked at non-zero frequencies. To demonstrate its feasibility, a resistor-capacitor circuit is simulated using an all-atom representation for the resistor and capacitor. The dynamics reproduce the expected charging process and Nyquist noise, the latter resulting from the thermal voltages acting on individual split charges. The method bears promise to model friction caused by the motion of charged particles past metallic or highly polarizable media.

Dispersion of dielectric permittivity for composite material based on resistive dipoles

A correspondence has been established between the electrodynamic characteristics of a thin conductive cylindrical dipole and a needle-shaped ellipsoid. A well-known experimental result is theoretically justified, according to which an ellipsoid of the same material inscribed in it corresponds to a dipole. It is shown that, depending on the magnitude of the skin effect, the dispersion dependence of the effective dielectric constant of a dipole-based composite can correspond to both the Lorentz dielectric model and the Debye model. The results of calculating the dielectric constant of the composite according to various mixing formulas are compared with experimental data.

Modeling and simulation of the structural, and optoelectronic properties of aluminum trihydride (β-[formula omitted]) for hydrogen storage

Hydrogen is a promising clean energy source, but its storage poses challenges. In this research, we conducted an in-depth study of the structural and optoelectronic properties of the β-AlH3 phase as a potential material for hydrogen storage. Using the density functional theory (DFT)-based Wien2k code, we optimized the structure of β-AlH3. Hydrogen storage properties show that β-AlH3 contains 10.1% hydrogen by weight, which is a significant amount. Electronic properties reveal that this material is a semiconductor with a wide indirect bandgap of 5.947 eV, obtained by the generalized gradient approximation with modified Becke-Johnson correction (GGA-mBJ). The optical response of β-AlH3 to photons with energies from 0 to 10 eV is also examined for a better understanding of this material. β-AlH3 exhibits a static dielectric permittivity value ε1(ω) of 2.1, indicative of its semiconducting nature. The optical conductivity σ1(ω) shows peaks at 7.25 eV and 8.5 eV, while the absorption coefficient α(ω) increases significantly above the band gap of 5.947 eV, with peaks at 7.2 eV and 9 eV. The refractive index n(ω) and extinction coefficient κ(ω) both display notable features at 7.2 eV and 9 eV, reflecting substantial electronic transitions and optical resonances.This research is crucial to understanding how this material can meet the technological demands of hydrogen storage. The results provide valuable insights into the potential of β-AlH₃ within the future energy landscape, highlighting both advances and challenges in this promising field.

Modelling and experimentation of failure modes to obtain safe operating range for improved dielectric elastomer actuation performance

Abstract Dielectric elastomers (DEs) possess high energy density, lightweight, and low response time making them suitable material candidatures for electromechanical transducers (ET). Performance enhancement of ET necessitates escalated electrical load making prone to failure and subsequently hindering reliability and life cycle. Existing models towards failure mitigation focus on mechanical and electrical loads individually with constant relative permittivity, whereas DEs undergoes combined loading and stretch-electrostriction in real-time application. This study aims to identify safe design and operating parameters by addressing various modes of failures under combined loads and stretch-electrostriction. Under combined load, pre-strain emerges as a crucial parameter to reduce EMI, while extensive pre-strain leads to diminish thickness which in turn promotes electrical breakdown of elastomer. The optimized design for DEs exhibit substantial failure suppression at a pre-strain value of 1.7 ( λ pre ) under maximum electrical load of 37.66 MV / m ( E max ). The efficacy of optimized parameters for the failure suppression is verified through an in-house fabricated planar actuator. Operation within the identified range of parameters is observed to enhance the reliability and lifespan of DE-actuators, marking a noteworthy advancement in the field of soft robotics.

Numerical Estimation of Bending in Holographic Volume Gratings by Means of RCWA and Deep Learning

In this paper, we introduce a novel approach to model bending phenomena on holographic volume gratings based on Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA), in which the bending as a phase in the dielectric permittivity expansion is introduced, and the Shooting Method (SM) is employed to solve the resulting system of equations. Further validation of our model is conducted by comparing its predictions to those obtained from reference Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) simulations and Coupled Wave Theory (CWT, referring to Kubota’s model that includes the bending phenomenon). Furthermore, we propose a methodology for estimating the bending from the diffraction efficiency curves in transmission volume gratings based on deep learning models, with a subsequent study of their accuracy and applicability.

Polarizing Magnetic Field Effect on Some Electrical Properties of a Ferrofluid in Microwave Field

The complex dielectric permittivity, ε (f, H) = ε′ (f, H) − i ε″ (f, H), in the microwave frequency range f, of (0.1–3) GHz and polarizing field values H, in the range of (0–135) kA/m, was measured for a kerosene-based ferrofluid with magnetite particles. A relaxation process attributed to interfacial type relaxation was highlighted, determining for the first time in the microwave field, the activation energy of the dielectric relaxation process in the presence of the magnetic field, EA(H), in relation to the activation energy in zero field, EA(H = 0). Based on the complex permittivity measurements and the Claussius–Mossotti equation, the dependencies on frequency (f), and magnetic field (H), of the polarizability (α) and electrical conductivity (σ), were determined. From the dependence of α(f,H), the electric dipolar moment, p, of the particles in the ferrofluid, was determined. The conductivity spectrum, σ(f,H), was found to be in agreement with Jonscher’s universal law and the electrical conduction mechanism in the ferrofluid was explained using both Mott’s VRH (variable range hopping) model and CBH (correlated barrier hopping) model. Based on these models and conductivity measurements, the hopping distance, Rh, of the charge carriers and the maximum barrier height, Wm, for the investigated ferrofluid was determined for the first time in the microwave field. Knowledge of these electrical properties of the ferrofluid in the microwave field is useful for explaining the mechanisms of polarization and control of electrical conductivity with an external magnetic field, in order to use ferrofluids in various technological applications in microwave field.

The dielectric characteristics of spray deposited α-Si3N4:ZnO thin films: The nitride effect on frequency-dependent capacitance and conductance profiles

The study focused on the effect of α-Si3N4 doping on the electrical/dielectric properties of ZnO thin films. Both α-Si3N4 doped and additive-free ZnO thin films were coated on p-Si substrates via a spray deposition method to achieve this. The electrical (current density (J)-voltage (V)) and dielectric properties (capacitance (C), conductance (G), dielectric loss (tanδ), reel/imaginary part of dielectric permittivity (ε′ and ε″) and electric modulus (M′ and M″)) were determined for all samples by using dielectric spectroscopy (DS) method. On the other hand, scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis were performed to evaluate microstructure, X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to define chemical composition and atomic-force microscopy (AFM) analysis was carried out to characterise the topology of the coating layers. The thickness/surface roughness was obtained as ∼82.5 nm/10.6 nm for undoped and ̴ 99.5 nm/10.4 nm for nitride-doped samples, respectively. The maximum capacitance value (C) was obtained as 275 pF at −3.0V and 200 Hz, and the optimal conductance (G) value was also found as 45 μS around 4.0V and 1 MHz in the nitride-doped sample. The average of α and τ values was calculated as 5.67 × 10−5 s, 0.146 and 4.49 × 10−5 s, 0.081 for nitride-doped and undoped ZnO, respectively. The increase in performance can be attributed to the homogeneous and almost equally-size distribution of the ZnO grain growth which is strongly controlled by α-Si3N4.

Coarse-grained polarizable soft solvent models, with applications in dissipative particle dynamics.

We critically examine a broad class of explicitly polarizable soft solvent models aimed at applications in dissipative particle dynamics. We obtain the dielectric permittivity using the fluctuating box dipole method in linear response theory and verify the models in relation to several test cases, including demonstrating ion desorption from an oil-water interface due to image charge effects. We additionally compute the Kirkwood factor and find that it uniformly lies in the range gK≃0.7-0.8, indicating that dipole-dipole correlations are not negligible in these models. This is supported by the measurements of dipole-dipole correlation functions. As a consequence, Onsager theory over-predicts the dielectric permittivity by 20%-30%. The mean square molecular dipole moment can be accurately estimated with a first-order Wertheim perturbation theory.

The Effect of Salinity on the Dielectric Permittivity of Nanoconfined Geofluids

The Effect of Salinity on the Dielectric Permittivity of Nanoconfined Geofluids

Impact of N+ Ion Irradiation on the Electrochemical Behavior of ZnO Thin Film Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces.

Defect engineering serves as a crucial technique for enhancing the performance of advanced next-generation devices. Ion beam irradiation stands out as a highly promising method for introducing defects in a controlled manner. This study investigates the impact of nitrogen ion (N+) irradiation-induced defects on the electrochemical behavior of ZnO thin-film electrode-electrolyte interface. The oxygen vacancy defects were introduced and tuned by varying the fluence of ion irradiation. The increased Urbach energy in the irradiated samples confirms the enhanced disorder. Photoluminescence data show the emergence of new defect states upon irradiation. The behavior of the ZnO thin-film electrode-electrolyte interface was studied using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. At a fixed scan rate, the enhanced peak current was observed in cyclic voltammetry in N+ Irradiated electrodes. Furthermore, reduced charge transfer resistance was observed in the case of irradiated electrodes. To unravel the underlying mechanism, we analyze the AC conductivity, which shows varying dependency on the frequency. It shows the existence of multiple ion-ion correlations in irradiated electrodes. Furthermore, the AC conductivity in the entire frequency region is enhanced significantly. Dielectric permittivity spectra suggest low-frequency dipole interactions and increased dielectric losses after irradiation, indicating non-Debye type relaxation processes. Understanding irradiation-induced changes will help engineer thin film electrodes for batteries, supercapacitors, and other electrochemical applications.

Effect of Sr2+ substitution on structural, morphological, electrical and dielectric properties of Ca2MgSi2O7 ceramic

Despite the excellent properties of ceramic materials for electronic devices, this study systematically investigates the significant effects of strontium (Sr2⁺) substitution on the structural, morphological, electrical, and dielectric behavior of Ca2-xSrxMgSi2O7 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6) ceramics. The composite was prepared via a solid-state route and characterized using techniques such as FESEM-EDAX, BET, XRD, Hall Effect measurements, and an LCR meter, respectively. The surface morphology of the structure was initiated to be smooth, compact, dense, island-shaped and porous. It is noted that the grain size reduced (from 1.10 μm to 0.72 μm) while the surface area enlarged (from 90 m2/g to 122 m2/g) with Sr substitution. XRD study showed that all the ceramics samples, after sintering at 1250 °C for 5 h. Higher amount of Sr, enhanced the crystallinity, as validated by the peak intensification. Correspondingly, the electrical resistivity and dielectric permittivity of Ca2-xSrxMgSi2O7 was decreased with Sr substitution. Particularly, the Ca1.6Sr0.4MgSi2O7 unveiled the lowermost electrical resistivity (76 Ω cm) and dielectric permittivity (εr = 848) but the uppermost dielectric loss (tan δ = 1.06) at 1 kHz. The attained outcomes exhibited the appropriateness of these samples for use in capacitor and antennas design.

Radio-transparent celsian ceramics modified with glass in a pseudoternary system BaO–Al2O3–SiO2: synthesis, microstructure, thermal and physical properties

The article presents the results of the study of radio-transparent celsian ceramics, in which part of the components were introduced using eutectic glass of the pseudoternary BaO–Al2O3–SiO2 system. The bonding of the components of the experimental glass into the celsian phase was realized according to the principle of reactive structure formation by adding the missing components (crystalline fillers). In this case, the obtained dense sintered water-resistant ceramic, the only crystalline phase in the composition of which is the monoclinic form of celsian, which forms a microhomogeneous structural matrix of the material. Celsian is represented by distinct prismatic crystals of tetragonal and hexagonal shape. The size of celsian crystals increases from 3–5 m to 7–10 m with increasing the content of eutectic glass. The developed celsian ceramic has a set of enhanced physical and thermal properties: zero water absorption and open porosity, mechanical compressive strength (up to 157 MPa), refractory index is 1540–15800C. Celsian ceramic is characterized by a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of 3410–7 0C–1, which provides a sufficiently high thermal shock resistance of 7000C. In terms of the level of relative dielectric permittivity (5.5) and dielectric losses (0.0005) at a frequency of 1010 Hz, the developed ceramic meets the requirements for ultra-high-frequency radio-transparent materials for aviation and rocket technology, which operate under conditions of high-speed high-temperature heating.

Polymer nanocomposites based on flexible BaTiO3 networks anchored with gold nanoparticles towards simultaneous high dielectric permittivity and low loss

Polymer composites filled with conductive fillers have been proven to have ultra-high effective permittivity near percolation, but they usually have high dielectric loss due to the easy contact between the conductive fillers. Herein, a polymer composite with a three-dimensional BaTiO3 ceramic skeleton loaded with gold nanoparticles, which effectively avoids the direct contact of gold nanoparticles, is proposed. Benefiting from numerous equivalent micro-capacitors and the Coulomb blockade effect of gold nanoparticles, obviously enhanced permittivity and low loss are concurrently achieved. Particularly, with a gold sputtering time of 12 min, a high permittivity of 47.7@10 kHz, which is approximately 454 % (i.e. from 8.2 to 47.7@10 kHz) of the PVDF matrix, is achieved in the composite. Meanwhile, a low loss of about 0.032, which is merely about 65 % that of pure PVDF (0.0492@10 kHz) is maintained. This work provides an effective approach for designing polymer composites with high permittivity and low loss.

Enhanced optical, dielectric and transport properties in PVDF based (La0.5Bi0.5FeO3)0.5-(BaTiO3)0.5 composites

In this comprehensive study, we investigated PVDF composites incorporating LaBiFeO3-BaTiO3 (LaBiFO-BaTO) perovskite fillers, focusing on their structural, optical, dielectric, impedance, modulus and DC-conductivity properties. The fabrication involved precise preparation of LaBiFO-BaTO perovskite via solid-state reaction, ensuring phase purity conducive to composite integration. Using a solution casting method, PVDF films with varying LaBiFO-BaTO concentrations (5 %, 10 %, and 15 % wt) were successfully synthesized. XRD confirmed the synthesis of single-phase LaBiFO-BaTO and revealed structural modifications in PVDF composites, highlighting improved filler-matrix interactions at higher concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy depicted the morphological evolution and surface roughness changes with increasing filler content. Optical studies indicated a red shift in absorption spectra with higher LaBiFO-BaTO concentrations, correlating with a decrease in the direct band gap energy of the composites. Electrical characterization demonstrated enhanced dielectric properties and impedance behaviour in PVDF/LaBiFO-BaTO composites, suggesting their suitability for applications in capacitors and optoelectronic devices. This systematic investigation provides valuable insights into optimizing PVDF-based composites for advanced functional materials. The composites exhibit enhanced dielectric permittivity at room temperature, attributed to space charge polarization and the high dielectric constant of LaBiFO-BaTO. Dielectric loss (tanδ) remains minimal (<0.1), decreasing with frequency, indicative of low energy dissipation suitable for high-frequency applications. Further the dielectric relaxation have been examined using Havrilak-Negami model. Impedance and modulus analyses reveal temperature-dependent behaviours, with reduced impedance and enhanced charge transfer kinetics in higher concentration composites. DC conductivity measurements demonstrate increased charge transport properties with temperature, influenced by thermally activated charge hopping mechanisms. Overall, PVDF/LaBiFO-BaTO composites show promising characteristics for capacitors, sensors, and optoelectronic devices, suggesting avenues for further optimization and broader application in advanced technologies.

Effect of Gd2O3 substitution for La2O3 on structure, physicochemical and electrical properties in aluminoborosilicate glasses for advanced microelectronics packaging

Currently, to develop new glass materials with lower dielectric constant (εr) and dielectric loss (tanδ), low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), excellent thermal stability and chemical stability for advanced microelectronics packaging has been significant pursuits of many researchers. In this work, novel 58SiO2-20B2O3-8Al2O3-10CaO-1Na2O-(3-x) La2O3-x Gd2O3 (x=0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 mol%) were successfully fabricated by the conventional melt annealing method. The results revealed that single addition of Gd2O3 or La2O3 (x=0, 3 mol%) strengthened glass network structure, which in turn improved performances of the glass. It was interestingly found that similar to the mixed-base effect, double-doped Gd2O3 and La2O3 played a greater role in improving glass structure and properties. The glass with x=1.5 mol% Gd2O3 exhibited the lowest dielectric permittivity, dielectric loss and low coefficient of thermal expansion (εr = 4.72, tanδ = 0.0004 (@1 MHz), CTE = 3.78 ppm/°C) and good chemical stability, which is optimal for the comprehensive performance compared with other aluminoborosilicate (Al-B-Si) glasses reported so far. These findings highlight that this glass is expected to be used in the microelectronics packaging field.

Carbon dots induced homeotropic alignment in a negative dielectric nematic liquid crystal material

Abstract Recently, doping guest materials such as quantum dots (QDs) into liquid crystals (LCs) has been of great interest since their addition substantially enhances the properties of LC and opens new avenues for scientific advancement. Here, we report the induction of homeotropic alignment in cells without alignment layers of the negative dielectric nematic liquid crystal, N-(4-Methoxybenzylidene)-4-butylaniline (MBBA) by doping with carbon dots (CDs ~2.8±0.72 nm). The CDs-MBBA composites (CDs concentration: 0.002, 0.01, 0.03, 0.1 and 0.3 wt%) were investigated using optical polarising microscopy, electro-optical and dielectric techniques. Polarizing optical micrographs and voltage dependent optical transmission revealed the induced homeotropic alignment for all the composites under investigation. Interestingly, the least concentrated sample, 0.002 wt% exhibited partial homeotropic alignment. However, due to light leakage, the optical transmission value below threshold voltage was relatively higher than the rest of the composites. MBBA is a negative dielectric material, hence the application of a voltage across the cell was able to switch the alignment from a dark to a bright state for all composites. However, above a certain voltage (&gt; threshold voltage), the bright state produced some instabilities. The value of dielectric permittivity was observed to decrease with increasing concentration, confirming the effect of CDs in producing homeotropic alignment in MBBA. Measurements as a function of temperature were conducted to examine the thermal stability of the induced alignment. The alignment was found to be stable throughout the nematic phase of MBBA. The induction of such alignment without conventional alignment (i.e., rubbing of polyimides) technique can be helpful in addressing the evolving display demands by making liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and other display devices cost effective.