Achieving higher dynamic discharge energy and power density in PLZST antiferroelectrics with lower quasi-static recoverable energy density via tuning the phase transition properties

The energy density of dielectrics could be evaluated both via low-frequency P–E loop (quasi-static recoverable energy density, Wre) and fast discharge current (dynamic discharge energy density, Wdis). The value of Wdis represents the useful energy, which can be converted to electrical energy while most work about high-energy-density dielectrics is focused on enhancing Wre. In this work, we investigated the relationship between Wdis and Wre in (Pb1 − 3 x/2La x)[(Zr0.45Sn0.55)0.99Ti0.01]O3 antiferroelectrics. Tuning the phase transition properties could improve the fast discharge capability by reducing the difference between Wdis and Wre and accelerating the energy release rate. At 300 kV/cm, the composition with x = 0 has the highest Wre of 6.7 J/cm3 but a lower Wdis of only 4 J/cm3 and longer discharge time duration, indicating a “high-energy-density” (highest Wre) quasi-static performance but “low-energy-density” (lower Wdis) and slow discharge performance during fast discharge. A highest Wdis of 5.9 J/cm3 and power density were achieved in composition with x = 0.2 though with lower Wre. The various fast energy release performance was explained by their different domain mobility and phase switching behavior. Thus, purely pursing high Wre is with limitation and suppressing the difference between Wdis and Wre is with great significance. This work will give an approach for the development of energy storage dielectrics by connecting their fast discharge performance with polarization mechanism.