High Energy Storage Density Research Articles

Synergistic optimization of delayed polarization saturation and enhanced breakdown strength in lead-free capacitors for superior energy storage characteristics

High-performance dielectric energy-storage ceramics are indispensable core components in pulsed power systems. Despite progress in enhancing energy storage performance, there are still significant constraints among various macroscopic performance parameters, hindering their miniaturization and integration into devices. Herein, we propose a novel weakly coupled relaxor ferroelectric ceramic system that delays premature polarization saturation of BaTiO3-based ceramics to achieve the desirable energy storage characteristics. The ceramic exhibits a high energy storage density (Wrec) of ∼4.58 J cm−3 and high energy efficiency (η) of ∼95.2 % under an electric field of 540 kV cm−1, along with good performance stability in the range of 40–160 °C and 1–120 Hz. Furthermore, the enhanced insulation properties and refined average grain size contribute to the high breakdown field strength (Eb) of the system. These findings provide a viable framework for the design of dielectric ceramic capacitors with high energy-storage characteristics.

Flexible AIE/PCM composite fiber with biosensing of alcohol, fluorescent anti-counterfeiting and body thermal management functions

Alcohol sensing plays a critical role in medical detection and personal health management. AIE materials with high sensitivity, selectivity and fast response have been widely used in biosensing, but their application in the field of alcohol sensing still needs further research and development. Furthermore, developing flexible phase change materials (PCMs) is significant for the research of human-body thermal management. In this study, a kind of flexible polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/polyethylene glycol (PEG)/Py-CH (pyrene-based AIE molecule)/SiO2@h-BN composite fiber textile (PAB) with alcohol sensing performance, writable fluorescence property, and human body thermal management function has been prepared via electrospinning technique. The PAN/PVP fiber matrix successfully integrated AIE fluorescent sensing material and PCM into a multi-functional composite with great shape stability. Owing to the introduction of novel pyrene-based Py-CH with AIE characteristic, this innovative textile exhibited wonderful fluorescent properties, including sensitive alcohol fluorescence sensing, writable fluorescence performance and variable temperature fluorescence. Furthermore, proposed PAB textile delivered a high energy storage density of 87∼90 J/g, excellent thermal reliability, great comprehensive mechanical flexibility and enhanced thermal conductivity for flexible human body thermal management. Hence, this flexible multifunctional AIE/PCM composite sensing textiles can be widely used in alcohol sensing, fluorescence anti-counterfeiting and flexible body thermal management.

Experimental study and modeling of CaO carbonation: Effects of operating conditions on the carbonation behaviors of the calcined limestone particles

Thermochemical energy storage has received wide attention recently due to its high energy storage density and power cycle efficiency. However, most researchers focus on synthesizing new calcium-based heat storage materials, and there is still a significant knowledge gap on the effects of operating conditions on the carbonation behaviors of the calcium-based particles. In this study, the effects of carbonation temperature, CO2 concentration and raw particle size on the carbonation rate, conversion ratio and particle diameter were experimentally investigated. The results showed that the carbonation rate peaked between 873 K and 973 K, and it decreased at 1023 K due to sintering. Increasing the CO2 concentration from 15 vol% to 50 vol% enhanced the carbonation rate, while the promotional effect was weaker at higher CO2 concentrations. The maximum conversion ratio of the CaO particles was independent of the CO2 concentration, and the particle diameter increased by 7.3 % after the carbonation process. Additionally, a carbonation model was developed and validated by the experimental results. Simulation results revealed that increasing the raw particle size from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm caused the carbonation reaction to transition from a kinetic-controlled regime to a diffusion controlled regime, significantly reducing the carbonation rate.

Giant energy density with ultrahigh efficiency achieved in NaNbO3-based lead-free ceramics with polymorphic antiferrodistortive polar nanodomains

The development of dielectric ceramics with simultaneously high energy-storage density (Wrec) and efficiency (η) for capacitive energy storage poses a significant challenge. Herein, an effective strategy to achieve ultrahigh comprehensive energy-storage performance via designing polymorphic antiferrodistortive polar nanodomains is proposed, successfully realizing a giant Wrec of ∼7.5 J/cm3 with an ultrahigh η of ∼94 % in (0.9-x)NaNbO3-0.1BaZrO3-xBi(Mg0.5Ti0.5)O3 ((0.9-x)NN-0.1BZ-xBMT) lead-free ceramics at x = 0.08. The studied ceramic also exhibits excellent temperature-insensitive charge–discharge performances of high power density ∼204 ± 3 % MW/cm3, high discharge energy density ∼3.7 ± 3 % J/cm3 and fast discharge rate < 60 ns within 25–150 °C. The observation of ex-/in-situ piezoresponse force microscopy and transmission electron microscope reveals that polar nanodomains with multiple antiferrodistortive FE symmetries and diverse scales exhibit dissimilatory transformation behavior into FE microdomains during electric field loading/unloading, being responsible for a low-hysteresis polarization-field response with a near-zero remnant polarization and a high maximum polarization. Meanwhile, optimized bandgap structure and grain morphology contribute to the enhanced ceramic resistivity and conductivity activation energy as well as suppressed leakage current, resulting in significantly improved dielectric breakdown strength. These results demonstrate a feasible strategy for developing novel high-performance dielectric ceramics for high-efficiency capacitive energy storage.

Enhancing the electrochemical performance of a nickel molybdenum nitride for an energy storage device using cobalt nitride and phosphorus doping

Compared to traditional energy storage devices, hybrid solid-state supercapacitors have gained a lot of attention because of their exceptional power, energy density and outstanding cyclic stability. Transition metal nitrides are eminent candidates with high-performance electrochemical properties for energy storage devices. In this work, a high-performance CoN/NiMoN interface with P-doping was prepared by a simple feasible strategy for the positive electrode of a supercapacitor. The electrochemical performance in a 2 M KOH electrolyte revealed a specific capacity of 2070C·g−1 at a 5 A·g−1, which is exceptional compared to recently reported literature. Encapsulating NiMoN with CoN and its P-doping, resulting in a three-dimensional structure with desirable textural properties and easy permeation of electrolyte, enhances the electrochemical performances prepared electrode. Further, a hybrid solid-state supercapacitor was prepared with P-CoN/NiMoN (positive) and activated carbon (negative) as a electrodes. The prepared P-CoN/NiMoN//activated carbon supercapacitor showed an operating potential window of 1.7 V with an admirable specific capacity of 573.99C·g−1, for 135.5 Wh·kg−1 energy and 850 W·kg−1 power density at a 1 A·g−1. The results provide a feasible strategy to prepare and modify the electrochemical properties of NiMoN by CoN encapsulation and P-doping. The method gives insights for the preparation of other transition metal nitrides for high-density energy storage without much change in the power density.

Binary blends of poly(lactic acid) and poly(methyl methacrylate) for high energy density and charge/discharge efficiency capacitors

Polymer dielectrics are widely used in modern power electronics due to their high flexibility and high breakdown strength. However, the limited energy density of current polymer dielectrics limits their wider applications, and there is an urgent need to develop novel polymer dielectric materials. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is favored for biological applications due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. In general, PLA has three optical isomers, namely poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), poly(D-lactide) (PDLA), and poly(DL-lactide) (PDLLA), but the investigation of their dielectric properties remains limited. In this study, a significant increase in energy storage density and charge/discharge efficiency in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was achieved by incorporating isomers of PLA into PMMA. Experimental results indicate that the introduction of PLA creates a phase-separated structure within PMMA, and in particular, the introduction of the crystalline region significantly improved the breakdown strength (Eb). Finally, PLLA/PMMA 50/50 and PDLA/PMMA 50/50 exhibit the discharged energy densities of 8.55 J cm−3 and 8.18 J cm−3, respectively, with charge/discharge efficiencies of 89.6% and 90.9%. This work enables the achievement of all-organic dielectrics with high energy storage density and high efficiency through the construction of phase-separated structures and demonstrates the great potential of biodegradable polymers in electronic devices.

Surface modification of LiFePO4 cathode enabled by highly Li+ mobility wrapping layer towards high energy and power density

Surface-modified cathode materials have been developed to achieve high-performance lithium secondary batteries with higher capacity, rate capability, and longer cycle performance than bulk active materials. In this study, a new surface-modified active material was explored through a low-temperature in situ-solution wrapping method (LiFePO4@Li4SiO4 composite). In addition, high Li-ion and electronic conductivity materials with amorphous nanostructures, in which the bulk LiFePO4 nanoparticles were covered with a Li4SiO4 layer, were demonstrated. In lithium-ion batteries, the LiFePO4@Li4SiO4 composite demonstrated enhanced charge transfer kinetics, which lowered the interfacial resistance between electrode and electrolyte and resulted in enhanced electrochemical performance when compared to that of bulk LiFePO4. Furthermore, Li4SiO4 is introduced as a surface stabilizer and effective Li-ion conductor to avoid side reactions and prevent the dissolution of active materials into the electrolyte. The designed cathode delivers a high specific discharge capacity of 171.8 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C with 99.76 % capacity retention after 150 cycles and a high capacity of 121.2 mAh g-1 at 10 C. Moreover, Li-ion full batteries employing LiFePO4@Li4SiO4 and graphite displayed a high specific energy density of 416.078 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 69.34 W kg-1 at 5 C. In summary, this paper reports a new strategy based on low-temperature in situ solution phase wrapping materials for developing active materials for high energy-power density energy storage devices.

Enhanced energy storage and mechanical properties in niobate-based glass-ceramics

The advancement of energy storage glass-ceramics, serving as quintessential elements within pulse power capacitors, is deemed essential for the progression of sophisticated electronic systems, attributable to their ultrafast discharge rate and elevated dielectric breakdown strength (DBS). In this study, the incorporation of 1.2 mol% Nd2O3 into SiO2-Na2O-K2O-BaO-Nb2O5-Nd2O3 (SNKBNN) glass-ceramics has significantly enhanced the material performance. Specifically, a high recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) of 2.06 J/cm3 can be achieved, alongside an ultrahigh efficiency (η) of 92.3 % under an electric field of 630 kV/cm. Additionally, this glass-ceramics also exhibit a high discharge energy density (Wd) of 0.97 J/cm3, an ultrafast discharge rate of 7 ns, and an exceptionally high hardness (Hv) of 10.51 GPa. Additionally, these glass-ceramics exhibit exceptional stability across a range of temperatures (25 to 150 ℃), frequencies (10 to 1000 Hz), and cycling durability (up to 104 cycles). The research has corroborated the structural interdependence between energy storage and mechanical properties, establishing a foundational understanding of their synergistic relationship. The synthesized glass-ceramics demonstrate significant potential for use in high-power dielectric capacitors.

Development of highly stable low supercooling paraffin nano phase change emulsions for thermal management systems

Current research on thermal management systems focuses on aspects such as structural optimization of liquid cooling channels, with less research on the development of cooling media. Phase change emulsions, as latent heat functional fluids with significant potential, enhance heat transfer efficiency and temperature control in thermal management systems. However, the issues of significant supercooling and poor stability have hindered the further development of phase change emulsions. In this study, a highly stable, low-supercooling paraffin nano emulsion was successfully prepared by ultrasonication using SDBS, Span80, and Tween80 as composite surfactants and titanium dioxide nanoparticles as nucleating agents. It was found that the emulsion maintained excellent stability for 180 days of static stability and 200 thermal cycles without significant stratification. Subsequently, thermophysical property tests showed that the emulsion had a latent heat of phase transition of 45.48 J·g−1, and maintained good electrical insulating properties. The successful dispersion of 0.9 wt% titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the presence of SDBS resulted in a 77 % reduction in supercooling and a 20.5 % increase in thermal conductivity. Meanwhile, no instability was observed in the emulsion over 90 days of static stability test and 200 thermal cycles. The titanium dioxide-modified paraffin nano emulsions are characterized by high energy storage density, low supercooling, excellent stability, high thermal conductivity, and good electrical insulating properties, which give them significant potential as a cooling medium in thermal management systems.

Enhanced energy storage performance of Bi(Mg0.5Hf0.5)O3 modified K0.5Na0.5NbO3 relaxor ferroelectric ceramics via synergistic strategy

K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN)-based ceramics with large polarization (Pmax) and submicron grain size are considered as promising candidates for dielectric capacitors. However, the existence of significant remnant polarization (Pr) imposes constraints on achieving high recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) and efficiency (η). In this study, we developed and produced ceramic materials by utilizing the composition of (1-x)K0.5Na0.5NbO3-xBi(Mg0.5Hf0.5)O3 ((1-x)KNN-xBMH, x = 0–0.22), employing a viscous polymer rolling technique. We utilized a combined strategy to improve the energy storage capabilities of these materials by manipulating their crystal structures, inducing relaxor behavior, and minimizing microdefects. As a result, we obtained an optimum Wrec of 3.32 J/cm3 and η of 85.37 % at an electric field strength of 350 kV/cm in the x = 0.18 ceramic. Furthermore, excellent temperature stability was observed within the temperature range 20–120 °C, along with frequency stability across frequencies between 5 and 500 Hz. Moreover, at 200 kV/cm in the same composition (i.e., 0.82KNN-0.18BMH), we obtained a power density value as high as 103.13 MW/cm3, accompanied by a fast discharge speed reaching 30.6 ns. Overall, our results demonstrate that the comprehensive energy storage performances exhibited by the 0.82KNN-0.18BMH ceramic make it highly promising for applications in pulsed-power supply.

Constructing superparaelectric state for NaNbO3-based ceramics electrostatic supercapacitors

A crucial prerequisite for developing high-performance energy storage devices for high pulsed power systems is the urgent necessity to acquire dielectric ceramics with high recoverable energy density (Wrec) and ultrahigh energy efficiency (η), particularly through an environmentally friendly lead-free approach. Here, superparaelectric state with ultra-small nanodomains in NaNbO3-based ceramics is successfully induced by implementing a superparaelectric modulation strategy. This innovation not only reduces the curvature value of the polarization–electric field (P-E) curve, but also produces negligible remanent polarization (Pr) and a linear-like P-E curve, obtaining outstanding efficiency (η) of 92.2 % and high energy storage density (Wrec) of 7.05 J/cm3. This achievement not only opens new avenues for enhancing the energy storage performance of dielectric ceramics but also heralds extensive applications of this material in high-pulse power electronic devices.

Excellent energy-storage performance in BNT-BT lead-free ceramics through optimized electromechanical breakdown

Dielectric capacitors with high recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) are in urgent demand for clean energy technologies. However, their lower breakdown strength (Eb) strongly limits their energy storage performance. We, herein, propose a facile method to enhance Eb by enhancing mechanical strength via second phase modulation. The efficiency of this method is validated in the (1-x)(0.94Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-0.06BaTiO3)-xSr(Ta0.5Sb0.5)O3 ((BNT-BT)-xSTS, x = 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, and 0.3) ceramics. The introduction of Sr(Ta0.5Sb0.5)O3 (STS) increases the relaxor degree, refines grain size, and most importantly, creates a second phase of BiSb2O7, which hinders dislocation movement and improves mechanical strength. Our results show that the breakdown strength strongly depends on the mechanical strength. The highest hardness of 7.42 GPa accompanied by the largest Eb of 620 kV/cm was obtained in (BNT-BT)-0.25STS sample. The sample exhibits the best energy storage properties of a large Wrec = 8.3 J/cm3, a high efficiency of 82.3 %, and excellent temperature/frequency stability. Furthermore, the sample also exhibits good charge/discharge stability and ultra-fast transient discharge time (62.26 ns). This work provides a theoretical guidance for developing lead-free dielectrics with superior energy-storage performance.

Investigation of hydrohalic acids as lixiviants for the leaching of cathode metals from spent lithium-ion batteries

The exploration of alternative energy sources is inextricably linked with energy storage considerations. Current high density energy storage options on the market rely heavily on lithium (Li)-based technologies. A projected increase in energy storage technology demand has sounded the alarm on a need to develop suitable approaches for the recovery of the various constituent metals from spent Li-ion batteries (LIBs). This, coupled with urgent consideration for the environment has necessitated the investigation of various LIB metal recovery techniques. In this work, we explore the novel application of the hydrohalic acids, hydrobromic (HBr) and hydroiodic (HI) acid, as lixiviants in a series of leaching experimental investigations on LIB cathode powder. A methodology for battery disassembly and cell cathode material recovery is presented leading up to the metal leaching. Our results indicate that the lixiviants can be utilized in the absence of a reducing agent which is typically present in conventional LIB leaching systems. The highest recoveries of the constituent metals, Co, Li, Mn and Ni in the HI system were 92.9 %, 93.6 %, 93.1 % and 94.5 % respectively, at an operating temperature of 60 ℃ and with a 1.5 M HI concentration. The HBr system achieved metal recoveries of 90.6 %, 89.1 %, 83.1 % and 96.4 % for Co, Li, Mn and Ni respectively, at 60 ℃ and using 2 M HBr. Kinetic studies showed that the leaching mechanism for both acids follow a chemical reaction-controlled model.

Exploring the Diversity and Dehydration Performance of New Mixed Tutton Salts (K2V1−xM’x(SO4)2(H2O)6, Where M’ = Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) as Thermochemical Heat Storage Materials

Tutton salts form an isomorphic crystallographic family that has been intensively investigated in recent decades due to their attractive thermal and optical properties. In this work, we report four mixed Tutton crystals (obtained by the slow solvent evaporation method) with novel chemical compositions based on K2V1−xM’x(SO4)2(H2O)6, where M’ represents Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, aiming at thermochemical energy storage applications. Their structural and thermal properties were correlated with theoretical studies. The crystal structures were solved by powder X-ray diffraction using the Rietveld method with similar compounds. All of the samples crystallized in monoclinic symmetry with the P21/a-space group. A detailed study of the intermolecular interactions based on Hirshfeld surfaces and 2D fingerprint mappings showed that the main interactions arise from hydrogen bonds (H∙∙∙O/O∙∙∙H) and dipole–ion (K∙∙∙O/O∙∙∙K). On the other hand, free space percentages in the unit cells determined by electron density isosurfaces presented low values ranging from 0.53 (V–Ni) to 0.81% (V–Cu). The thermochemical findings from thermogravimetry, a differential thermal analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry indicate that K2V0.47Ni0.53(SO4)2(H2O)6 salt is the most promising among mixed salts (K2V1−xM’x(SO4)2(H2O)6) for heat storage potential, achieving a low dehydration temperature (≈85 °C), high dehydration enthalpy (≈360 kJ/mol), and high energy storage density (≈1.84 GJ/m3).

Local defect structure design enhanced energy storage performance in lead-free antiferroelectric ceramics

Antiferroelectrics (AFEs) are ideal candidates in dielectric, electromechanical, and electrothermal applications. NaNbO3 (NN), as a lead-free antiferroelectric (AFE) material under extensive investigation, exhibits ferroelectric (FE)-like polarization–electric field (P-E) hysteresis loops, characterized by high remnant polarization and large hysteresis. Herein, the local defect structure design is proposed to achieve high energy storage (ES) density in NN-based AFE ceramics. The pinning effect of defect dipoles and the enhancement of local structural disorder stabilize the AFE phase and reduce hysteresis losses. Consequently, an excellent ES performance of large recoverable energy density (Wrec) of 9.70 J/cm3 and high efficiency (η) of 88.75 % is concurrently obtained in NN-based relaxor AFE ceramics, with outstanding charge–discharge performance (PD∼413.2 MW/cm3, WD∼4.47 J/cm3), which are significantly improved compared to other reported values in lead-free ES ceramics. This indicates that NN-based ceramics are candidates for advanced ES capacitors and provides a feasible modulation approach for the development of new lead-free high-performance dielectric materials.

Molecular dynamics simulation on the variations in characteristics of aqueous solution with diverse additives: Inspirations for binary ice preparation

Ice slurry, as a novel energy storage medium, possesses the superiority of high energy storage density. The freezing point inhibitors are employed to regulate the supercooling phenomenon of water, while the macroscopic experiments are complicated to elucidate the action mechanism. Consequently, this paper adopts molecular dynamic simulation method to investigate the mean square displacement, radial distribution function, hydrogen bonds types, hydrogen bonds number and length of water at various concentrations of ethanol, NaCl, and SiO2 additives. The results indicate that the average number of hydrogen bonds of the system composed with 600 pure water molecules is 1127.24, and the average length of hydrogen bonds is 2.33 Å. Moreover, the addition of alcoholics and chlorides inhibits the hydrogen bonds between water and water molecules, and promotes the generation of hydrogen bonds, thus weakening the diffusion motion of water molecules. Whereas, it is observed that the addition of nanoparticles leads to agglomeration in pure water system, resulting an increase in the viscosity and a decrease in the diffusion rate of the system. The proposed microscopic model can effectively depict the potential interaction mechanisms of additives and water, which is contributing to develop effective freezing point inhibitors and improve the energy utilization efficiency.

High-density and anti-clogging three-phase absorption heat storage with crystallization management

Three-phase sorption heat storage can significantly enhance the energy storage density (ESD) through the crystallization of salt-water working pair. However, the crystals will cause the clogging of solution circulation, making it difficult to be realized in absorption heat storage with liquid absorbent. In this work, the crystal management strategy is proposed for three-phase absorption heat storage. By controlling the crystallization ratio, energy storage enhancement and clogging prevention can be achieved simultaneously. Both theoretical and experimental analyses were carried out. A detailed thermodynamic model of the three-phase absorption heat storage cycle was established, by considering the change of crystallization ratio. A prototype of LiBr-water three-phase absorption heat storage with crystallization management which includes crystal filtering, high-level solution intake, crystal fusion by electric heating rods, and water flushing, was designed and fabricated. The anti-clogging design ensures the circulation of solution, efficient vapor absorption and crystal dissolution in discharging process, thus achieving high energy storage density and stable heat output simultaneously. The three-phase absorption heat storage prototype demonstrated high ESD of 220 kWh/m3 and 178 kWh/m3 with crystallization ratio of 0.41 and 0.26 under the space heating and hot water supplying conditions, respectively. Comparing with the absorption heat storage prototype without crystallization, this represents ESD enhancement of 102% ∼ 210%, which confirms the feasibility and superiority of the proposed crystal management strategies.

Mechanism of chloride modification ambipolar polymer electrode materials for high-performance energy storage device

Ambipolar conducting polymer electrode materials exhibit a wide voltage window, contributing to fast development of high-energy–density storage devices. The doping levels of p-doped and n-doped in ambipolar conducting polymers determine the electrochemical performance of energy storage devices. However, n-doped materials always face low doping efficiency, caused by difficulty in electron injection and ion migration, thereby affecting specific capacitance and stability. In this study, two ambipolar conductive polymers were developed, in which the n-doped imine group was chlorinated to improve electron injection, and the mechanism of ion migration process was studied by changing the chlorination of different positions relative to the carbonyl group. The influence of chloride modification on n-doped electrochemical energy storage was thoroughly investigated. The results show that chloride modification can lower the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level of the monomer and make electron injection easier. Interestingly, the chloride modification position not only affects the oxidation–reduction of the carbonyl, but also the binding of the carbonyl with lithium ions. If the chloride modification position is too close to the carbonyl, lithium-ion migration in ambipolar conducting polymer will be restricted, although electron injection is beneficial. Based on this design, the developed PEPCl conducting polymer exhibits excellent electrochemical performance, and the mechanism of chlorination modification of ambipolar polymer electrode materials is described.

Cellulose-reinforced foam-based phase change composites for multi-source driven energy storage and EMI shielding

To address the increasingly serious environmental pollution and energy crisis, there is an urgent need to develop multi-source-driven energy storage materials, the field of new energy sources, such as solar thermal power generation, but electromagnetic pollution has become a primary problem that needs urgent resolution. Therefore, the development of multifunctional phase change composites (CPCMs) with multi-source drive capabilities and excellent electromagnetic shielding integration is crucial. In this study, polypyrrole (PPy)-coated conductive fibers were crosslinked with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to form a three-dimensional network, which was then combined with metal foam to prepare Ni–F/PPy@CNF-PVA (PCN) dual-network carriers with high electrical conductivity by vacuum-assisted adsorption and freeze-drying methods. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was subsequently encapsulated via vacuum impregnation to get the shape-stable PEG/Ni–F/PPy@CNF-PVA (PPCN) phase change composites. The PPCN exhibited good stability and high energy storage density (melt enthalpy up to 126.18 J/g, relative enthalpy efficiency over 99 %). Benefiting from its outstanding electrical conductivity (186680 S/m for PPCN-3), light-absorbing properties, and magnetism, the PPCN also exhibits highly efficient photothermal, electrothermal, and magnetothermal conversion capabilities. The electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency reaches up to 110.37 dB within the X-band frequency range (8.2–12.4 GHz). In conclusion, PPCNs are significant for multi-source-driven energy storage and electromagnetic shielding.

High energy storage performance of KNN-based relaxor ferroelectrics in multiphase-coexisted superparaelectric state

Although K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) possesses large maximum polarization and relatively high breakdown strength, the large remnant polarization constrains their practical applications as energy storage materials. In this work, through multi-element doping, (K0.5−0.5xNa0.5−0.5xBix)(Nb1−xSn0.2xZn0.6xTa0.2x)O3 relaxor ferroelectrics were prepared. As the superparaelectric states (SPE) were adjusted to room temperature, orthorhombic, tetragonal, and cubic phases coexisted, accompanied by the highly dynamic polar nanoregions (PNRs). In particular, a high recoverable energy storage density of 4.5 J/cm3 and an energy storage efficiency of 83% were achieved for the x = 0.125 ceramic, with the variations less than 11% and 4%, respectively, in the wide temperature range of 20–180 °C. These results demonstrate that the multiphase PNRs in the SPE state is an effective strategy for improving the energy storage performance of KNN-based ceramics.