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

Cao, Wenjun; Wu, Yanwei; Yang, Xiaoyu; Guan, Daqin; Huang, Xuecen; Li, Feng; Guo, Youmin; Wang, Chunchang et al. · Nat Commun · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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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 (E<sub>b</sub>). 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 Na<sub>0.5</sub>Bi<sub>0.5</sub>TiO<sub>3</sub> (NBT) system, modified by high-entropy material (Na<sub>1/6</sub>Bi<sub>1/6</sub>Ca<sub>1/6</sub>Sr<sub>1/6</sub>Nd<sub>1/6</sub>Li<sub>1/6</sub>)TiO<sub>3</sub> (NBCSNLT). For the (1-x)NBT-xNBCSNLT bulk ceramics, our findings indicate that E<sub>b</sub> consistently increases with the NBCSNLT content, effectively resolving the paradox for electric field above 550 kV/cm. This leads to simultaneously high E<sub>b</sub> and large P. Consequently, an ultrahigh recoverable energy-storage density (W<sub>rec</sub>) of 18.2 J/cm<sup>3</sup>, a high efficiency (η) of 85.6%, and a record-breaking energy-storage potential (W<sub>rec</sub>/E<sub>b</sub>) value of 0.026 mC/cm<sup>2</sup>, 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-E<sub>b</sub> paradox, paving the way for ultrahigh energy-storage density.