Enhanced energy-storage performance in BNT-based lead-free dielectric ceramics via introducing SrTi_0.875Nb_0.1O₃

Environmentally friendly lead-free ceramics capacitors, with outstanding power density, rapid charging/discharging rate, and superior stability, have been receiving increasing attention of late for their ability to meet the critical requirements of pulsed power devices in low-consumption systems. However, the relatively low energy storage capability must be urgently overcome. Herein, this work reports on lead-free SrTi_0.875Nb_0.1O₃ (STN) replacement of (Bi_0.47La_0.03Na_0.5)_0.94Ba_0.06TiO₃ (BLNBT) ferroelectric ceramics with excellent energy storage performance. Improving relaxor behaviour and breakdown strength (E_b), decreasing grain size, and mitigating large polarization difference are conductive to the enhancement of comprehensive energy storage performances. The phase-field simulation methods are further analysized evolution process of electrical tree in the experimental breakdown. In particular, the 0.70BLNBT-0.30STN ceramic exhibit a large discharged energy density of 4.2 J/cm³ with an efficiency of 89.3% at room temperature under electric field of 380 kV/cm. Additionally, for practical applications, the BLNBT-based ceramics achieve a high power density (~62.3 MW/cm³) and fast discharged time (~148.8 ns) over broad temperature range (20–200 ℃). Therefore, this work can provide a simple and effective guideline paradigm for acquiring high-performance dielectric materials in low-consumption systems operating in a wide range of temperatures and long-term operations.