Ultrahigh energy storage density and efficiency in PLZST antiferroelectric ceramics via multiple optimization strategy

Antiferroelectric (AFE) ceramic materials possess ultrahigh energy storage density due to their unique double hysteresis characteristics, and PbZrO3 is one of the promising systems, but previous materials still suffer from the problem that energy storage density and energy storage efficiency can hardly be improved synergistically. In this work, a multiple optimization strategy is proposed to substantially improve the energy storage efficiency while maintaining the high energy storage density of PZ-based AFE ceramics. Sr2+-doped (Pb0.90La0.02Sr0.08) [(Zr0.5Sn0.5)0.9Ti0.1]0.995O3 ceramics was successfully synthesized by viscous polymer process and two-step sin-tering. The diffuse phase transition constructed in this ceramic depleted the threshold electric field hysteresis and current while the breakdown field strength was increased again. An ultrahigh recoverable energy density (Wrec) of 7.9 J/cm3 with a high energy storage efficiency (& eta;) of 96.4 % are achieved synchronously at an electric field of 510 kV/cm. Moreover, the AFE ceramics possess remarkable discharge energy storage properties with a high discharge energy density (Wd) of 7.4 J/cm3 and a large power density (Pd) of 224 MW/cm3.