Enhanced energy storage and fast discharge properties of BaTiO3 based ceramics modified by Bi(Mg1/2Zr1/2)O3

Lead-free (1-x)BaTiO3 -xBi(Mg1/2Zr1/2)O-3 ((1-x)BT-xBMZ) ceramics with perovskite structure were synthesized by solid-state reaction methods. (1-x)BT-xBMZ solid solution transforms from tetragonal (x <= 0.04) to pseudo-cubic (x >= 0.08) and exhibits a dispersive dielectric behavior with respect to frequency, showing typical relaxor characteristics with BMZ increasing. The optimal energy storage density of 1.25 J cm(-3) and energy efficiency of > 95% are obtained at x = 0.15, with maximum dielectric breakdown strength of 185 kV cm(-1) at 200 mu m thickness., The energy storage density and energy efficiency of 0.85BT-0.15BMZ ceramics maintain at about 0.8 J cm(-3) and 89% at 150 kV cm(-1) over temperature range of 25 degrees C similar to 150 degrees C, exhibiting good thermal stability. The pulse discharge capability of 0.85BT-0.15BMZ ceramics were measured under different electric fields, showing a short charge-discharge time of 1.3 mu s. Therefore (1-x)BT-xBMZ solid solution with high energy density and efficiency, good temperature stability and fast discharge speed, is promising candidate for high power applications.