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Breaking polarization-breakdown strength paradox for ultrahigh energy storage density in NBT-based ceramics

Author

Listed:
  • Wenjun Cao

    (Anhui University)

  • Yanwei Wu

    (Anhui University)

  • Xiaoyu Yang

    (Anhui University)

  • Daqin Guan

    (Curtin University)

  • Xuecen Huang

    (Anhui University
    Chuzhou University)

  • Feng Li

    (Anhui University)

  • Youmin Guo

    (Anhui University)

  • Chunchang Wang

    (Anhui University)

  • Binghui Ge

    (Anhui University)

  • Xu Hou

    (Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute)

  • Zhenxiang Cheng

    (University of Wollongong)

Abstract

Dielectric capacitors are crucial in contemporary electronic devices for storing and recycling electric energy. However, their energy-storage density is significantly hindered by the paradox between polarization (P) and breakdown strength (Eb). Herein, we propose a strategy to overcome the paradox through a unique high-entropy design aimed at regulating phase structure and minimizing interfacial polarization. This approach ensures an ample polar phase while providing a sufficiently high field to induce a transition from antiferroelectric to ferroelectric, significantly enhancing polarization. This strategy has been successfully applied to the Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT) system, modified by high-entropy material (Na1/6Bi1/6Ca1/6Sr1/6Nd1/6Li1/6)TiO3 (NBCSNLT). For the (1-x)NBT-xNBCSNLT bulk ceramics, our findings indicate that Eb consistently increases with the NBCSNLT content, effectively resolving the paradox for electric field above 550 kV/cm. This leads to simultaneously high Eb and large P. Consequently, an ultrahigh recoverable energy-storage density (Wrec) of 18.2 J/cm3, a high efficiency (η) of 85.6%, and a record-breaking energy-storage potential (Wrec/Eb) value of 0.026 mC/cm2, were achieved in the bulk 0.55NBCSNLT. Additionally, this sample exhibited excellent temperature/frequency stability. This strategy provides an effective pathway for surmounting the P-Eb paradox, paving the way for ultrahigh energy-storage density.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenjun Cao & Yanwei Wu & Xiaoyu Yang & Daqin Guan & Xuecen Huang & Feng Li & Youmin Guo & Chunchang Wang & Binghui Ge & Xu Hou & Zhenxiang Cheng, 2025. "Breaking polarization-breakdown strength paradox for ultrahigh energy storage density in NBT-based ceramics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-61030-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-61030-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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