Unlocking Superior Energy Storage: Multiscale Optimized BNT‐Based Capacitors for Low‐Field Applications
Achieving superior energy storage performance in dielectric materials under low electric fields remains a challenge. Most recent advancements require high fields that limit device applicability. Developing dielectric capacitors with high recoverable energy density (W<sub>rec</sub>), efficiency (η), and energy-storage coefficient (W<sub>rec</sub>/E) at low/moderate fields is critical for safer, compact, and durable electronics. To address this, lead-free BNT-based {(1-x)(Bi<sub>0.5</sub>Na<sub>0.5</sub>)(Ti<sub>0.7</sub>Zr<sub>0.3</sub>)O<sub>3</sub>-x(Sr<sub>0.7</sub>Bi<sub>0.2</sub>)TiO<sub>3</sub>} is optimized, abbreviated as (1-x)BNZT-xSBT, solid solutions using multi-scale regulations to achieve a giant W<sub>rec</sub>/E. This approach modulates the rhombohedral (R)/tetragonal (T) phase ratio, refines grains, and induces polymorphic polar nanoregions (PNRs) through a macrodomain-to-nanodomain transition. SBT incorporation also raises activation energy, broadens band-gap energy, and suppresses interfacial polarization, enhancing breakdown strength. The optimized 0.7BNZT-0.3SBT ceramic delivers an exceptionally high W<sub>rec</sub>/E of 0.021 mC cm<sup>-2</sup> and W<sub>rec</sub> of ≈4.3 J cm<sup>-3</sup> at 204 kV cm<sup>-1</sup>, surpassing most recently developed dielectric bulk ceramics. Although a high η ≈ 97.52% is achieved at x = 0.4, all energy storage parameters are best at x = 0.3. Additionally, the material shows excellent stability across a wide temperature (≈160 °C) and frequency (≈150Hz) range and strong fatigue resistance (≈10<sup>4</sup> cycles). These findings highlight the potential and effectiveness of this BNT-based ceramic for highly efficient capacitors in low electric field applications.
Authors
- Shivam Kumar Mittal (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6438-5491)
- K. L. Yadav (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9549-2997)
- Deepanshu Kaneria (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7242-7320)
- Amiya Mandal (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7063-0580)
Institutions
- Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Small
- Published
- 2025-09-10
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202505440
- Citations
- 6
- Primary Topic
- Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Materials
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.11