Unparalleled Dielectric-Switching Effects Caused by Dual Polarization Synergy

Dielectric switching materials are prospective candidates for smart electronic/electrical applications, and high dielectric switching ratios are crucial for their practical applications. However, the substantial improvement of the dielectric switching ratio is limited by the available dielectric switching mechanisms, and obtaining high dielectric switching ratios is a major challenge. Here, an unparalleled dielectric switching effect is reported in a water-in-oil emulsion system, caused by dual polarization synergy below the dielectric transition temperature in concert with suppression of the electrode polarization above the dielectric transition temperature. The synergistic dielectric switching effect of interfacial polarization and electrode polarization endows the emulsion with unprecedentedly high dielectric switching ratios. The highest room temperature dielectric switching ratio of this emulsion system up to 2.86 x 10(6) at 20 Hz, is four orders of magnitude higher than the highest switching ratio reported so far. The unparalleled high dielectric switching ratio, reliable cycle stability, good frequency adaptability, and satisfactory scalability make the inorganic salt solution/octadecane emulsions potentially excellent candidates for high-sensitivity room-temperature smart switching or sensing devices.