Ultrahigh energy storage density of Ca2+-modified PLZST antiferroelectric ceramics prepared by the tape-casting method

Abstract High energy density is the goal pursued by energy storage dielectric capacitors. Lead-based antiferroelectric ceramics are the most promising material system. Herein, the improved recoverable energy storage of 14.5 J/cm3 and efficiency of 77.1 % are obtained at x = 0.02 in Ca2+-modified Pb0.97-xCaxLa0.02(Zr0.93Sn0.05Ti0.02)O3 (PCLZST) antiferroelectric ceramics, which are fabricated by the tape-casting method. It is proved that the partial substitution of Ca2+ to Pb2+ at A-site can effectively strengthen the antiferroelectricity due to the reduced tolerance factor. Besides, the addition of Ca2+ can refine the grains and increase the breakdown strength, up to 448 kV/cm vs 376 kV/cm for PLZST ceramics. In addition, the discharge energy density and time are 11.6 J/cm3 and 5.09 μs, respectively. These characteristics indicate that Pb0.95Ca0.02La0.02(Zr0.93Sn0.05Ti0.02)O3 ceramic is a potential energy storage material for pulsed power systems.