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Ultra-high energy storage in lead-free NaNbO3-based relaxor ceramics with directional slush-like polar structures design

Author

Listed:
  • Zhentao Wang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Da Li

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Wenyuan Liu

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Liqiang He

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Diming Xu

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Jinnan Liu

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Jiajia Ren

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Xin Wang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Yang Liu

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Guoqiang He

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Jian Bao

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Zhen Fang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Guiwei Yan

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Xu Liang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Tao Zhou

    (Hangzhou Dianzi University)

  • Weichen Zhao

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Wenfeng Liu

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Dong Wang

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Di Zhou

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

Abstract

Multilayer ceramic capacitors with ultra-high-power densities are widely used in electronic power systems. However, achieving a balance between high energy density and efficiency remains a substantial challenge that limits the practical application of advanced technologies. Here, guided by a phase-field simulation method, we propose a directional slush-like polar structure design with nanodomains embedded in polar orthorhombic matrix in NaNbO3-based lead-free multilayer ceramic capacitors. This strategy can effectively reduce the hysteresis loss by lowering domain size and improve the breakdown electric field by grain refining, which leads to a high energy storage density of 14.1 J▪cm−3 and an ultrahigh energy storage efficiency of 96.8% in multilayer ceramic capacitors. The proposed strategy can be utilized to design high-performance energy storage dielectrics and other related functionalities.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhentao Wang & Da Li & Wenyuan Liu & Liqiang He & Diming Xu & Jinnan Liu & Jiajia Ren & Xin Wang & Yang Liu & Guoqiang He & Jian Bao & Zhen Fang & Guiwei Yan & Xu Liang & Tao Zhou & Weichen Zhao & Wen, 2025. "Ultra-high energy storage in lead-free NaNbO3-based relaxor ceramics with directional slush-like polar structures design," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58268-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58268-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Li-Feng Zhu & Shiqing Deng & Lei Zhao & Gen Li & Qi Wang & Linhai Li & Yongke Yan & He Qi & Bo-Ping Zhang & Jun Chen & Jing-Feng Li, 2023. "Heterovalent-doping-enabled atom-displacement fluctuation leads to ultrahigh energy-storage density in AgNbO3-based multilayer capacitors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Jian Fu & Aiwen Xie & Ruzhong Zuo & Yiqian Liu & He Qi & Zongqian Wang & Quan Feng & Jinming Guo & Kun Zeng & Xuefeng Chen & Zhengqian Fu & Yifan Zhang & Xuewen Jiang & Tianyu Li & Shujun Zhang & Yuan, 2024. "A highly polarizable concentrated dipole glass for ultrahigh energy storage," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    3. Yang Li & Ningbo Fan & Jie Wu & Bin Xu & Xuexin Li & Xuechen Liu & Yizhou Xiao & Dingwei Hou & Xinya Feng & Jinjing Zhang & Shujun Zhang & Jinglei Li & Fei Li, 2024. "Enhanced energy storage performance in NBT-based MLCCs via cooperative optimization of polarization and grain alignment," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    4. Mao-Hua Zhang & Hui Ding & Sonja Egert & Changhao Zhao & Lorenzo Villa & Lovro Fulanović & Pedro B. Groszewicz & Gerd Buntkowsky & Hans-Joachim Kleebe & Karsten Albe & Andreas Klein & Jurij Koruza, 2023. "Tailoring high-energy storage NaNbO3-based materials from antiferroelectric to relaxor states," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    5. Hiroyuki Takenaka & Ilya Grinberg & Shi Liu & Andrew M. Rappe, 2017. "Slush-like polar structures in single-crystal relaxors," Nature, Nature, vol. 546(7658), pages 391-395, June.
    6. Weichen Zhao & Diming Xu & Da Li & Max Avdeev & Hongmei Jing & Mengkang Xu & Yan Guo & Dier Shi & Tao Zhou & Wenfeng Liu & Dong Wang & Di Zhou, 2023. "Broad-high operating temperature range and enhanced energy storage performances in lead-free ferroelectrics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
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