Maximum Polarization Research Articles

Enhanced dielectric and ferroelectric properties near the morphotropic phase boundary in BNBT-BSN ceramics prepared by the solid-state combustion technique

The effect of firing temperatures on the phase structure, microstructure, and electrical properties of 0.99Bi0.47Na0.47Ba0.06TiO3-0.01BaSn0.70Nb0.24O3 (abbreviated as BNBT-BSN) lead-free ceramics fabricated by the solid-state combustion technique, with glycine used as the fuel, were investigated. All BNBT-BSN samples were calcined at temperatures ranging from 750 to 850 °C for 1 to 4 h and sintered at temperatures from 1100 to 1200 °C for 2 h. A pure perovskite structure was obtained after calcination at 800 °C for 2 h. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns showed the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases in all ceramics. The average grain size tended to increase with rising sintering temperatures. The optimal condition for fabricating BNBT-BSN ceramics with a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) was observed at a sintering temperature of 1175 °C for 2 h, where the material exhibited the highest measured density (5.50 g/cm3), maximum dielectric constant at Tm (ɛm = 6513), maximum polarization (Pmax = 42.21 µC/cm2), the largest bulk resistivity (ρ = 1.70 × 104) and the highest activation energy of conduction (Ea = 1.52 eV). These features suggest that this ceramic is a suitable material for applications in actuators, transducers, and high-performance capacitors.

Ni-modified BaTiO3 film prepared by sol-gel with high energy storage performance

The development of lead-free dielectric capacitors with high recoverable energy storage density and high energy storage efficiency is important for improving the overall performance of electronic and power systems. BaTiO3 (BTO) is one of the most common ferroelectric materials and has attracted much attention for energy storage applications in the past decades due to its excellent dielectric and ferroelectric properties. However, high remnant polarization and low electrical breakdown strength of BTO limit its development in energy storage applications. Many efforts (e.g., elements doping, interface/heterostructure, etc.) have been made to improve the energy storage density of BTO thin films. In this paper, Ba1-xNixTiO3 thin films (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08; abbreviated as BNxT) were synthesized via sol-gel and spin-coated method. The effect of Ni doping on the structural, dielectric, ferroelectric and energy storage properties of BTO thin films has been studied. The results confirmed that with the increase of Ni doping, a second phase arises and the dielectric constant decreases. While appropriate Ni doping led to the improvement of the breakdown strength, further increase of Ni deteriorated the energy storage because of the high oxygen vacancy. Finally, optimized energy storage performance was obtained for BN0.04T thin film: dielectric constant of 401, dielectric loss of 0.002, recoverable energy density of 20.2 J/cm3 and energy storage efficiency of 83.6% at 965 kV/cm. Meanwhile, the remnant and maximum polarization of the films were 0.06 μC/cm2 and 50 μC/cm2, respectively. BN0.04T thin film has an excellent application prospect and is expected to appear as a component in the future composite energy storage film system.

Theoretical and experimental study on optical polarization states in overhead optical cables under complex weather conditions such as real lightning

Abstract By analyzing the changes in three Stokes vectors, the trajectory of polarization state on the Poincaré sphere, and the polarization change rate, both theoretical and practical aspects of polarization state variations in signal light within optical fiber composite overhead power ground wires (OPGWs) during real thunderstorm conditions, were examined. Our findings reveal that lightning and mechanical vibrations both impact the polarization state of the signal light in OPGW. Theoretical models demonstrate that lightning induces polarization changes through the Faraday magneto-optic effect and exhibits nonlinear electro-optic effects, leading to a maximum polarization change rate of Mrad s−1. In contrast, mechanical vibrations cause long-term, low-intensity polarization rate changes, with a maximum polarization rate of Krad s−1, highlighting a significant optical birefringence effect. Digital signal processing algorithms for coherent receivers with over 100G polarization multiplexing provide valuable guidance for recovering polarization states.

Enhanced energy storage performance in BaZrxTi1–xO3 lead-free ferroelectrics near phase transitions

The present study explores the energy storage properties of BaZrxTi1-xO3through 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-xO3is established, closely aligning with experimental measurements. Variations in Zr content and temperature have a significant impact on the polarization-electric field (P - E) response, influencing the energy storage properties. Calculations of energy storage properties are derived from theP - Eresponse. In addition, a thorough diagram is developed to illustrate the discharge energy density of BaZrxTi1-xO3as 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.

Double enhancement of energy storage density in relaxor ferroelectric 0.8BaTiO3-0.2BiScO3 by Li defect-regulated strategy

To meet the ever-increasing demands for pulsed power technologies, the development of lead-free dielectric ceramics with a large energy storage density (Wrec) and high energy storage efficiency (η) is crucial for enhancing the electrical performance of power capacitive devices. The conventional solid-solution, while effective in suppressing long-range order and improving energy storage performances, often results in a reduction of maximum polarization. This reduction necessitates the application of a larger electric field to obtain a relatively high Wrec. Herein, an effective strategy to enhance Wrec again via inducing Li-related defect dipoles is proposed. By introducing (Bi0.5Li0.5)TiO3 into 0.8BaTiO3-0.2BiScO3 matrix, the polarization contribution from defect dipoles together with intrinsic polarization induces an at least two-time enhancement in Pmax. Our findings indicate ∼62.9 % enhancement in the Wrec of 0.8BT-0.2BS, elevating from 2.56 J cm−3 to 4.17 J cm−3 at electrical field of 300 kV cm−1, while preserving an energy storage efficiency of 90.35 %. Furthermore, it also exhibits good thermal stability with the variations of ΔWrec < 3 % and η< 5 %. This research introduces a novel strategy for defect regulation strategy in the design of high-performance dielectric materials, which is expected to expedite the optimization of the advanced energy storage capacitors.

Machine learning-guided design of direct methanol fuel cells with a platinum group metal-free cathode

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) offer a promising solution for clean electricity generation, particularly in small electronics and remote auxiliary power units. However, optimizing their efficiency and performance is challenging due to the complex interactions between various factors. Here, we present a novel approach that integrates experiments with machine learning to model and predict the performance of these fuel cells using atomically dispersed platinum group metal (PGM)-free catalysts at the cathode. Our machine learning models, trained on diverse input parameters, allow for the comprehensive optimization of DMFC performance prior to fabrication and testing. Through extensive experimental validation, we demonstrate that this data-driven approach accurately predicts key performance metrics, such as maximum power output and polarization curves. By combining our models with interpretable game-theory methods, we provide deep insights into the factors governing fuel cell performance, ultimately paving the way for the design of scalable and efficient DMFC technologies.

Multiferroic properties in poly(vinylidene-fluoride)-based magnetostrictive/piezoelectric laminate composites

Multiferroic materials (MFM) have drawn considerable attention for developing smart multifunctional devices. Herein, poly(vinylidene-fluoride)-based (PVDF) MFM composite films of Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3-PVDF/CoFe2O4-PVDF/Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3-PVDF with sandwich-laminated structure are developed and investigated for its dielectric, magnetic, ferroelectric and magnetodielectric (MD) properties. An improved polar β–phase is formed with the particles of CoFe2O4 and Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 embedded in PVDF matrix. Both magnetic (M–H) and ferroelectric polarization (P–E) hysteresis loops indicate the multiferroic nature at room temperature, i.e., the coexistence of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic ordering in composite films. An enhanced ferroelectricity is obtained for the maximum polarization (Pmax∼1.57 μC/cm2 at 750 kV/cm) and the higher dielectric constant (εr∼16.84) as well as a lower dielectric loss tanδ < 0.04, compared to the pristine PVDF matrix (Pmax∼0.88 μC/cm2, εr∼10.26). A recyclable energy density of Wrec∼0.84 J/cm3 at 750 kV/cm is observed, together with a high efficiency (η∼87.82 %). The ferromagnetic behavior is confirmed by the M-H hysteresis loop, which exhibits significant magnetic properties, i.e., saturation magnetization (MS∼0.58 emu/g) and coercivity (HC∼1.72 kOe). Additionally, a robust magnetodielectric effect with a large negative coefficient (∼8.23 %) is achieved at a low magnetic field H∼3 kOe. The laminate composite film exhibits room temperature multiferroic with a large MD response, making it a promising candidate for utilization in intelligent multifunctional devices.

Achieving an appropriate polarization-breakdown synergy of multilayer films for dielectric energy storage through temperature gradient annealing

Large polarization and high breakdown strength are the key to achieving an idea energy storage density in dielectric capacitors, but unfortunately the trade-off problem between them is difficult to evade, particularly for those dielectrics with different crystalline degrees. Herein, we propose an appropriate polarization-breakdown synergistic strategy of dielectric multilayer films through temperature gradient annealing. The dielectric properties of a serials of (Pb, La)(Zr, Ti)O3/SrTiO3/(Pb, La)(Zr, Ti)O3 (PLZT/STO/PLZT) structures with different annealing temperature for each layer are compared. The optimum recoverable energy density of 57.9 J/cm3 is achieved at a high breakdown electric field of 5.78 MV/cm and a moderate maximum polarization of 22.5 μC/cm2. In addition to the role of suppressing the carriers transport of interlayer STO, the balance between polarization and breakdown strength in bottom and top PLZT layers with individual dielectric characteristics should be responsible for the enhanced energy storage performance (ESP). The results suggest that it is a feasible way to optimize the ESP of dielectric multilayer films through designing different stacking layer via temperature gradient annealing heat treatment.

Enhanced comprehensive energy storage properties of lead-free KNN based ceramics through composition optimization strategy

As one of the most potential lead-free dielectric capacitors in pulsed power systems, K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN)-based ceramic possesses comparatively high dielectric breakdown strength (BDS) due to its particular submicron grains. Nonetheless, it is hard to improve both the energy efficiency η and the recoverable energy density Wrec of potassium sodium niobate ceramic at the same time. Herein, a composition optimization strategy is used, Bi(Li0.5Nb0.5)O3 (BLN) as a second component and NaNbO3 (NN) as a third component are introduced into KNN-based ceramic. It is corroborated that BLN content facilitates the growth of polar nano-regions (PNRs), and then strengthens the relaxation behavior, lows the remnant polarization Pr and upgrades the maximum polarization Pmax value of the ceramic. A transition from ferroelectricity to relaxation ferroelectricity occurred and an ultrahigh Wrec of 10.03 J/cm3 with a η of 64.15 % and the BDS of 1140 kV/cm are gained in KNN-0.100BLN-NN ceramic, Wrec of 8.25 J/cm3, η of 71.26 % and the BDS of 840 kV/cm are obtained in KNN-0.075BLN-NN ceramic. Besides, the KNN-0.075BLN-NN ceramic exists not only fine energy storage properties, but also high hardness and good temperature and frequency stability, confirming it’s a feasible material to be applied in pulsed power systems

Enhanced low-field energy storage performance and dielectric stability in (Bi0.4Sr0.2K0.2Na0.2)(Ti1-xZrx)O3 high-entropy ceramics via B-site modification

The current global energy situation is tense, necessitating the development of high-efficiency, low-cost, and eco-friendly energy materials. In this study, a series of perovskite lead-free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics, denoted as (Bi0.4Sr0.2K0.2Na0.2)(Ti1-xZrx)O3 (BSKNT-xZr) were designed to enhance the storage performance. The findings indicate that all samples exhibit a single perovskite structure. As the Zr4+ content increases, the configurational entropy of the samples increases, the cell volume expands, and the hysteresis loops become finer, while maintaining a high maximum polarization (Pm) and effectively enhancing the energy storage performance. For the ceramic with x = 0.10, the energy density (Wtot), recoverable energy density (Wrec), and energy storage efficiency (η) values were determined to be 3.16 J/cm3, 2.67 J/cm3, and 84.3%, respectively, under an electric field of 230 kV/cm. Moreover, the introduction of Zr4+ reduces the relative permittivity and broadens the temperature range (ΔT) that simultaneously satisfies Δε/ε150°C ≤ ±15% and 0 ≤ tanδ ≤ 0.02. This investigation underscores the potential of BSKNT-xZr ceramics as high-performance, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy materials for addressing global energy requirements.

Optimized energy storage performance of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 ceramic through incorporation of Ca(Nb0.5Al0.5)O3

Dielectric capacitors, because of their rapid charging-discharging capabilities and high power density, are indispensable in advanced cutting-edge pulsed power systems and electronic components. However, they typically exhibit lower energy densities compared to other energy storage systems likely batteries and fuel cells. Herein, we propose a novel approach for optimizing the energy storage performance of Bi0.39Na0.36Sr0.25TiO3 (BNST) ceramic through the modification effects of Ca(Nb0.5Al0.5)O3 (CAN). The incorporation of CAN could concurrently achieve a maximum polarization Pmax and breakdown strength. Consequently, the BNST-0.2CAN ceramic achieves a high recoverable energy density (Wrec) ∼ 6.02 J/cm3 accompany with efficiency (η) close to 90 % at 580 kV/cm. This composition also exhibits exceptional frequency stability from 1 Hz to 200 Hz, robust temperature stability from 25 °C to 200 °C, and outstanding cyclic stability exceeding 104 cycles. This work offers a promising pathway to improve the energy storage performance for application in advanced dielectric capacitors.

Enhancing energy storage performance in multilayer ceramic capacitors with (Pb,La)(Zr,Sn,Ti)O3-based antiferroelectric solid solutions

Antiferroelectric dielectrics (AFEs) have gained exponentially soaring attention in pulsed power systems owing to their high-energy storage and power densities. However, simultaneously achieving high recoverable energy density (Wrec) and high energy efficiency (η) remains challenging due to low electric breakdown strength (Eb) and large hysteresis. This work proposes a solid solution strategy based on the composition modification of AFEs to reconcile the contradiction between maximum polarization (Pmax) and Eb while maintaining high η. The high-Eb Pb0.95Ca0.02La0.02(Zr0.93Sn0.05Ti0.02)O3 (PCLZST) was mixed with the low-hysteresis (Pb0.885Ba0.04La0.05)(Zr0.65Sn0.3Ti0.05)O3 (PBLZST) to increase the Eb and induce the polarization saturation of the PBLZST-PCLZST solid solution ceramics. The resulting 60PBLZST-40PCLZST multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) demonstrate a favorable Wrec of 13.1 J cm-3 and a high η of 94.2 % at 570 kV cm-1. The synergistic design of composition and multilayer structure provides a versatile approach to optimize the energy storage performance of AFE dielectric capacitors.

Enhanced functionalities of isovalently substituted 0.67(Bi1-xLaxFe0.97Ga0.03O3)-0.33(BaTiO3) relaxor piezoceramics synthesized via air quenching

The isovalently substituted lead-free binary solid solution, 0.67(Bi1-xLaxFe0.97Ga0.03O3)-0.33(BaTiO3) (BF-BT) (x ≤ 0.07), has been synthesized by solid state ceramic method via air quenching sintering. FTIR and XRD along with Rietveld structure refinement confirmed a pure perovskite phase with a pseudocubic structure (space group Pm3‾m) for developed compositions. SEM revealed a dense microstructure with fine grain size (<1.5 μm) and minimal porosity. XPS analysis reveals predominantly Bi+3 and Fe+3 states, along with oxygen vacancies (VO··). Ferroelectric studies demonstrated a maximum remanent polarization (Pr) of 12.3 μC/cm2 and coercive field EC of 30.95 kV/cm for La3+ concentration of x = 0.03. Overall decrement in Pr can be attributed to dipolar defect-induced random fields reducing the activation barrier for domain nucleation. Leakage current measurement reveals improved resistivity (∼108 Ω cm) up to an applied field of 30 kV/cm. Dielectric measurements unveiled two frequency-dependent anomalies in temperature dependence above room temperature, indicative of diffuse phase transitions. The Vogel-Fulcher model depicted an increasing freezing temperature (from 465 K for x = 0.01–551 K for x = 0.07) and decreasing activation energy (from ∼0.61 eV to 0.07 eV) with increasing La3+ concentration. The estimated diffuseness parameter around ∼2 suggested relaxor behavior. Doping with La resulted in increased dielectric permittivity at 10 kHz (from 4100 to 24066), showcasing the efficacy of site engineering in augmenting the functional properties of BF-BT for high-temperature dielectric and transducer applications.

Improving the Energy Storage Performance in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-Based Ceramics by Combining Relaxor and Antiferroelectric Properties.

Ceramic capacitors have received great attention for use in pulse power systems owing to their ultra-fast charge-discharge rate, good temperature stability, and excellent fatigue resistance. However, the low energy storage density and low breakdown strength (BDS) of ceramic capacitors limit the practical applications of energy storage technologies. In this work, we present a series of relaxor ferroelectric ceramics (1-x) [0.94 Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 -0.06BaTiO3]- x Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 (1-x BNT-BT- x SBT; x = 0, 0.20, 0.225, 0.25, 0.275 and 0.30) with improved energy storage performances by combining relaxor and antiferroelectric properties. XRD, Raman spectra, and SEM characterizations of BNT-BT-SBT ceramics revealed a rhombohedral-tetragonal phase, highly dynamic polar nanoregions, and a reduction in grain size with a homogeneous and dense microstructure, respectively. A high dielectric constant of 1654 at 1 kHz and low remnant polarization of 1.39 µC/cm2 were obtained with the addition of SBT for x = 0.275; these are beneficial for improving energy storage performance. The diffuse phase transition of these ceramics displays relaxor behavior, which is improved with SBT and confirmed by modified the Curie-Weiss law. The combining relaxor and antiferroelectric properties with fine grain size by the incorporation of SBT enables an enhanced maximum polarization of a minimized P-E loop, leading to an improved BDS. As a result, a high recoverable energy density Wrec of 1.02 J/cm3 and a high energy efficiency η of 75.98% at 89 kV/cm were achieved for an optimum composition of 0.725 [0.94BNT-0.06BT]-0.275 SBT. These results demonstrate that BNT-based relaxor ferroelectric ceramics are good candidates for next-generation ceramic capacitors and offer a potential strategy for exploiting novel high-performance ceramic materials.

Structure regulation and performance optimization mechanism of Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3-based energy storage ceramics based on charged defect design engineering

The linear-like relaxor ferroelectric Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 with regulable microstructure offers a new platform to reveal the essential mechanism of energy storage properties improvement and develop advanced pulse capacitors. Herein, Li with relatively weak volatility accompanied by Bi was introduced in Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 to form a charged defect and increase the maximum polarization (Pmax) while avoiding the deterioration of dielectric breakdown strength (BDS). The occupation of Li and the formation of Li-Bi defect dipole polar were analyzed using first principle calculations. A unique local superlattice induced by the lattice distortion was first observed in related systems. The Pmax was enhanced due to the increased size and number of polar structures. The breakdown behaviour and local electric field distribution were analyzed using numerical simulation. The BDS was improved due to the decreased oxygen vacancies, high thermal conductivity and enhanced electrical insulation. The excellent and stable energy storage performance was achieved in different temperatures, frequencies and cycles. Meanwhile, the optimized sample possesses excellent and stable charge–discharge properties, especially fatigue resistance (105 cycles under 25 °C and 150 °C). After the process optimization, the sample shows a higher energy storage density of 3.44 J/cm3 with a high efficiency of 93.74 % at 345 kV/cm due to the further enhanced BDS. In this work, the performance improvement mechanism was studied in-depth, providing a new strategy for optimizing linear-like lead-free relaxor ferroelectric energy storage properties.

Supercooled Water Cloud Detection From Polarized Multi‐Angle Imager Data Using 1.37 μm Water Vapor Polarized Channel

AbstractDetecting supercooled water clouds (SWCs) is essential for enhancing artificial rainfall, preventing aircraft ice accretion, and developing a better understanding of radiative energy balance. The 1.37 μm channel, known as strong water vapor absorbing, was made polarized in the polarized multi‐angle imager (PMAI) onboard FengYun‐3G satellite. The infight data shown that the new 1.37 μm polarized channel could be used to detect SWCs. The cloudbow is observed around the 140° scattering angle in the 1.37 μm polarization image, with a maximum polarization reflectance of approximately 0.04–0.06. The indicated water clouds with spherical particles in the high‐level altitude could be SWCs. Then, the SWCs detected by 1.37 μm polarized channel is verified using polarized reflectance of other channels, the reflectance difference of channels, and thermal infrared bright temperature. The presence of cloudbow in 1.03 and 1.64 μm channels indicate liquid water cloud. The reflectance difference between 1.03 and 1.64 μm of SWCs agree with characteristic of water cloud. The thermal infrared channels from the imager on the same platform indicate cold cloud with the brightness temperature far below 273.16 K. Therefore, the only use of 1.37 μm polarized channel could perform the identification of SWCs. PMAI provides a powerful tool for monitoring supercooled water clouds.

First-principles investigation of Rb2NaXCl6 (X = In, Tl) compounds for energy harvesting applications

Lead free halide double perovskites (HDPs) have attracted significant interest of the scientific community owing to their better stability, low cost, and eco-friendly nature, and high power conversion efficiency for optoelectronic, and thermoelectric usages. Herein, the physical properties of two novel Rb2NaInCl6 and Rb2NaTlCl6 HDPs are reported via first principles methods. Both HDPs are found to be stable thermodynamically and geometrically, supported by negative formation enthalpies, and structural optimization. Electronic properties analysis revealed direct band gap values of 4.88 and 3.13 eV for respective Rb2NaInCl6 and Rb2NaTlCl6 structures. Corresponding to these band gap values, both HDPs are optically active in the ultraviolet (UV) region of light. Static dielectric constant (Ɛ1 (0)) is consistent with Penn's model. Maximum polarization is achieved at 7.1/5.16 eV for Rb2Na(In/Tl)Cl6, respectively. Maximum absorption peaks occurred in UV region, predicting their suitability for high energy optoelectronic applications. The optical conductivity revealed the highest intensity of 3049.72 (at 5.4 eV) for Rb2NaTlCl6 and 2632.08 Ω−1cm−1 (at 7.4 eV) for Rb2NaInCl6. Moreover, our analysis of thermoelectric parameters revealed that Rb2NaInCl6 and Rb2NaTlCl6 have figure of merit (ZT) values of 0.73/0.75, respectively. High ZT values and greater absorption in the UV region suggest that Rb2Na(In/Tl)Cl6 are suitable for TE and optoelectronic usages.

Preparation and ferroelectric properties of metal-organic frame lithium ion liquid crystal composites

ABSTRACT Two series of lithium ion liquid-crystalline composites (LCCs) containing metal-organic frame (MOF) materials were fabricated via a self-assembly process by use of poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) lithium polymers, a cholesteryl-based liquid-crystalline monomer with terminal sulphonic acid group, and Fe-MIL-53_NH2. The chemical structure, chiral smectic C mesophase and ferroelectric property of the LCCs were characterised by various instruments, and the effect of liquid crystal monomer and lithium polymers on the ferroelectric property were investigated. The cholesteryl-based liquid crystal monomer presents a dominant role in the ferroelectric property of the LCCs, in which the asymmetric carbon atoms are responsible for the spontaneous polarisation. For the LCCs, the mechanical properties and porous loading characteristics of liquid crystal polymer are improved by the MOF materials, and the lithium-ion polymer connects the liquid crystal monomer with the MOF by ionic bond and improves the polarity of the material. When the electric field changed from −10 V and 10 V, the maximum residual polarisation strength (Pr) of the LCCs reached 74.82 nC/cm2. Because the LCCs showed excellent ferroelectric and mechanical properties, it has some potentials of application in the field of ferroelectric materials.

Evidence of multiferroic behavior in sintered BaTiO3 obtained from high-energy ball-milled powders

Multiferroic BaTiO3 exhibiting ferroelectric and ferromagnetic behavior was synthesized via the high-energy ball milling of pure BaTiO3 (BTO) powders for durations ranging from 15 to 60 min, followed by pressing and sintering at 1200 °C X-ray diffraction patterns of all synthesized samples predominantly revealed a BTO phase with a tetragonal structure and a secondary Ba12Fe28Ti15O84 (BFTO) phase. The BFTO phase was formed after milling for more than 30 min because of chemical interactions between the BTO powder and milling media. Vibrating sample magnetometry confirmed the ferromagnetic nature of the sintered pellets. The specific magnetization increased with increasing milling duration, reaching a maximum value of 1.15 emu/g after 60 min of milling. This increase can be attributed to the distortion of the crystal structure and presence of a secondary phase, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Additionally, electrical characterization revealed the dielectric nature of the materials, with relative permittivity ranging from 500 to 1800, maximum spontaneous polarization from 9.77 to 11.31 μC/cm2, coercive field from 3.86 to 11.12 kV/cm, and AC conductivity from 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−3 S/cm. The method described in this study is a simple and cost-effective approach to produce multiferroic materials with ferroelectric and relaxor ferroelectric behavior at room temperature, broadening their potential for technological applications.

Enhanced low‐field energy storage performance in Nd3+‐doped (Bi0.40K0.2Na0.2Sr0.2)TiO3 high‐entropy ceramics

AbstractThe burgeoning requirement for compact electronic devices has intensified research into lead‐free dielectric ceramics that offer superior recoverable energy storage density and efficiency at low electric fields. In this study, we report the synthesis of Nd3+‐doped (Bi0.4K0.2Na0.2Sr0.2)TiO3 perovskite ceramics via the solid‐state reaction technique. The synthesized ceramics adopted a tetragonal crystal structure. As the concentration of Nd3+ ions increased, both the maximum dielectric constant (εm) and its corresponding temperature (Tm) decrease. The incorporation of Nd3+ ions perturbed the long‐range ferroelectric order, leading to diminished maximum polarization (Pm) and remanent polarization (Pr). The ceramics achieved optimal properties with 12 mol% Nd3+ doping, showcasing a significant recoverable energy storage density of 1.50 J/cm3 at a low electric field of 140 kV/cm, along with an exceptional storage efficiency of 94.6%. This research not only highlights a promising candidate for dielectric materials in low electric field applications but also introduces an innovative approach to enhance energy storage performance.