Alkali-earth metal ion inducing multiphase transition of lanthanum-free Pb(Zr0.5Sn0.5)O3 ceramics improves the energy storage properties

Abstract

Constructing the stepwise phase transition can delay the polarization process of antiferroelectric ceramics, possessing certain significance for improving the energy storage density. However, the common multiphase transitions are obtained in the rare-earth ions doped PbZrO3-based systems. In the present work, the multiphase transition can also be induced in the lanthanum-free Pb(Zr0.5Sn0.5)O3 matrix with mere doping of the alkali-earth metal ion Sr. The introduction of Sr endows the matrix with a higher lattice distortion and the reduced phase-transition temperature. Moreover, related to the induced stepwise electric field-induced phase transition, the energy storage properties are remarkably enhanced to 10.5 J/cm3 and 83.2% when the substitution content of Sr is 3 mol. %. Sr modification can adjust the phase structure by regulating the phase stability of the matrix and suppress the leakage current originating from the structural changes. This work provides a successful attempt that the phase structure and energy storage performance of antiferroelectric ceramics can also be effectively controlled through cheaper and simpler element modification. The optimized energy storage performance provides a new material selection for pulsed power devices.