Tailoring the dielectric properties and energy storage density of 1−x(0.94NaNbO3−0.06SZ)−xBi2O3 through substitution strategy

Abstract Energy storage using dielectric capacitors is a growing area of research and development. However, designing a highly performing dielectric capacitor is still a challenge. Despite the excellent results achieved in lead-based dielectrics, lead-free substitutes are essential because of the environmental concerns associated with lead-based products. The lead-free 1−x (0.94NaNbO3− 0.06SrZrO3)+ x Bi2O3 ceramics abbreviated NNSZ + xB for x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.20 was fabricated via solid-state reaction. A recoverable energy density of 2.93 J cm−3 was obtained for NNSZ+0.1B, associated with high thermal stability (25–130 °C), excellent cycling (N = 105), and high efficiency (η) of 83.5%. Moreover, the introduction of Bi2O3 significantly improved the electrical insulation (ϵr at 1 kHz = 1608 and tan δ = 0.0038) and breakdown strength (380 kVcm−1) of NNSZ+0.1B by minimizing the formation of sodium, bismuth, and oxygen vacancies. The results obtained in this study provide a benchmark for further investigations on NaNbO3-based ceramics. More importantly, this study suggests that NNSZ + xB ceramics can be used in pulsed power technology.