Polymer Nanocomposite Dielectrics: Understanding the Matrix/Particle Interface

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposite dielectrics possess exceptional electric properties that are absent in the pristine dielectric polymers. The matrix/particle interface in polymer nanocomposite dielectrics is suggested to play decisive roles on the bulk material performance. Herein, we present a critical overview of recent research advances and important insights in understanding the matrix/particle interfacial characteristics in polymer nanocomposite dielectrics. The primary experimental strategies and stateof-the-art characterization techniques for resolving the local property− structure correlation of the matrix/particle interface are dissected in depth, with a focus on the characterization capabilities of each strategy or technique that other approaches cannot compete with. Limitations to each of the experimental strategy are evaluated as well. In the last section of this Review, we summarize and compare the three experimental strategies from multiple aspects and point out their advantages and disadvantages, critical issues, and possible experimental schemes to be established. Finally, the authors' personal viewpoints regarding the challenges of the existing experimental strategies are presented, and potential directions for the interface study are proposed for future research.

Ultralow loading of carbon quantum dots leading to significantly improved breakdown strength and energy density of P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE)

“…52 Moreover, shallow traps in the loose layer at the interface can improve the charge carrier mobility because the electrons trapped by them are more prone to detrap. 39,53,54 Under these conditions, the conductivity loss will emerge and the traps can no longer restrict free carriers. Therefore, the E b of the nanocomposite lm at 1.0 wt% CQD loading is reduced to values close to the initial values.…”

Interface Charge Characteristics in Polymer Dielectric Contacts: Analysis of Acoustic Approach and Probe Microscopy

“…For example, the morphology, structure, composition, and molecular bonding in the interfacial region between the filler and polymer matrix are complex, making it challenging to understand the influence of interfacial properties on composites. [3,75] The traditional acoustic method is not suitable for testing space charges at the interface region due to limited resolution. [75][76][77]85,86,94] Acoustic method calculates the charge density with a depth resolution of up to about 1 µm and typically has no lateral resolution.…”

“…In recent years, researchers have focused on establishing a correlation between interfacial regions and material performance by understanding the accumulation of interface charges. [3][4][5]90] Figure 2 illustrates the interface charges formed by electrode injection, interfacial polarization, and localized state trapping in the three types of interface. [112][113][114] The accumulated interface charges affect various material properties such as electric field distribution, [16] energy level alignment, [98,115,116] carrier migration, [117] thermal conductivity, [118] and dielectric loss.…”

Unparalleled Dielectric‐Switching Effects Caused by Dual Polarization Synergy

“…In addition to enhancing the stability of the emulsion, SiO 2 as an emulsifier for Pickering emulsions also acts as the charge-blocking layer in the outer layer of the conductive phase, [25,26,47,[53][54][55] which renders Pickering emulsions higher dielectric properties in the frozen state while reducing the dielectric constants in the molten state, thereby increasing the dielectric switching ratio (Figure 4f). A brief discussion is made in Figure S25 (Supporting Information).…”