Lead-free KNN-based ceramics incorporated with Bi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3 possessing excellent optical transmittance and superior energy storage density

The application of lead-free dielectric ceramics for energy storage has received extensive attention because of their remarkable potential as pulse capacitors in power electronic devices. The current study developed a strategy for improving the energy storage performance of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN)-based ceramics by incorporating Bi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3 to reduce grain size, increase dielectric breakdown strength, and enhance ferroelectric relaxation degree. The resulting 0.87KNN-0.13BZN ceramics exhibited a high energy density (7.4 J/cm3) and moderate energy efficiency (74%) at an ultrahigh electric field (750 kV/cm) as well as excellent optical properties. Therefore, the 0.87KNN-0.13BZN ceramic is a promising candidate for pulse capacitors, providing a feasible approach for the development of new lead-free energy storage materials.

Automated summary

The current study developed a strategy to improve the energy storage performance of (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN)-based ceramics by incorporating Bi(Zn2/3Nb1/3)O3. The resulting 0.87KNN-0.13BZN ceramics exhibited high energy density (7.4 J/cm3) and moderate energy efficiency (74%) at an ultrahigh electric field (750 kV/cm), as well as excellent optical properties. Therefore, the 0.87KNN-0.13BZN ceramic shows great potential as a candidate for pulse capacitors and a feasible approach for developing new lead-free energy storage materials.