Novel BaTiO₃-Based, Ag/Pd-Compatible Lead-Free Relaxors with Superior Energy Storage Performance

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid State Chemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Ceramic dielectrics are crucial for energy storage applications, particularly in power electronics.
• Developing lead-free materials with high energy density and efficiency is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate lead-free relaxor BaTiO3-based ceramics for enhanced energy storage.
• To explore the impact of A-site deficiency on dielectric properties and breakdown strength.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of BaTiO3-0.06Bi2/3(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 ceramics.
• Evaluation of recoverable energy density (Wrec) and efficiency (η).
• Analysis of electrical heterogeneity and breakdown strength under high electric fields.

Main Results:

• Achieved a recoverable energy density of ~4.55 J cm⁻³ with ~90% efficiency at ~520 kV cm⁻¹.
• Demonstrated co-firing compatibility with Ag/Pd for multilayer ceramic capacitor fabrication.
• A-site deficient doping reduced electrical heterogeneity, enhancing breakdown strength.

Conclusions:

• A-site deficient Bi2/3(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 doping significantly improves energy storage performance in BaTiO3 ceramics.
• These lead-free dielectrics show promise for commercial multilayer ceramic capacitors.
• The strategy of controlling A-site vacancies is effective for developing advanced energy storage materials.