Phase Modulation Leads to Ultrahigh Energy Storage Performance in AgNbO₃-Based Ceramics and Multilayer Capacitors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid State Physics
• Ceramics Engineering

Background:

• Antiferroelectric (AFE) ceramics are promising for high-power energy storage applications.
• Current limitations include poor recoverable energy density and efficiency, hindering widespread use.
• Developing advanced AFE materials is crucial for next-generation energy storage devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the energy storage performance of AgNbO₃-based antiferroelectric ceramics.
• To investigate the effects of Bi³⁺, Sr²⁺, and Ta⁵⁺ co-doping on the phase structure and energy storage properties.
• To achieve superior recoverable energy density and efficiency for practical applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Bi³⁺-, Sr²⁺-, and Ta⁵⁺-codoped AgNbO₃ ceramics.
• Phase structure analysis using X-ray diffraction and other characterization techniques.
• Evaluation of energy storage properties, including recoverable energy density and efficiency, in both ceramic and multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) forms.

Main Results:

• Effective phase modulation using Bi³⁺ stabilized the paraelectric T phase at room temperature.
• Achieved a recoverable energy storage density of 9.27 J/cm³ and 83.2% efficiency in (Ag_0.71Bi_0.07Sr_0.04)(Nb_0.85Ta_0.15)O₃ ceramics.
• The corresponding MLCC demonstrated a remarkable recoverable energy storage density of 14.32 J/cm³ and 97.8% efficiency.

Conclusions:

• The co-doping strategy significantly enhances the energy storage performance of AgNbO₃-based ceramics.
• The achieved performance represents a significant advancement in AFE materials for energy storage.
• The developed approach offers a general pathway for designing high-performance AFE dielectric materials for energy storage devices.