Low temperature sintering lead-free dielectric xBiScO3-(1-x)BaTiO3 for energy storage applications

Fabrication of ceramic capacitors requires technological breakthroughs to address growing concerns regarding sustainability, cost, and increased power consumption in the manufacturing process. Low temperature sintered xBiScO(3)-(1-x)BaTiO3 (BS-BT) with x = 0.4 is found to possess excellent energy storage performance and temperature stability. The grain size decreases from 3.5 mu m sintered at 1100 degrees C to less than 0.5 mu m sintered at 800 degrees C, leading to much improved breakdown field and energy storage properties. Recoverable energy density of 4.7 J/cm(3) with a high efficiency of 89% was obtained at an electric field of 390 kV/cm, showing an excellent temperature stability over temperature range of 25-200 degrees C and fatigue endurance for more than 10(5) cycles. Of particular importance is that the ceramic tape cofired with silver electrode over temperature range of 800-850? shows no reaction and diffusion of silver at the electrode/ceramic interface, while a recoverable energy density of 3.3 J/cm(3) was achieved with satisfactory efficiency of 80% at an electric field of 340 kV/cm when sintered in reduced atmosphere, expanding the electrode selection to low-cost base metal, such as Cu and Ni. This work provides a good paradigm in ceramic capacitor fabrications that will help reduce overall cost and power consumption by utilizing low temperature sintered lead-free dielectrics with comparable or even superior energy storage properties over state-of-the-art dielectrics.

Automated summary

The fabrication of ceramic capacitors requires breakthroughs in technology to address concerns about sustainability, cost, and power consumption. A low temperature sintered xBiScO(3)-(1-x)BaTiO3 (BS-BT) with x = 0.4 has been found to have excellent energy storage performance and temperature stability. The use of this material leads to improved breakdown field and energy storage properties due to decreased grain size. This study also explores the compatibility of different electrode materials, expanding the possibilities for cost-effective production.