Recent progress in dielectric nanocomposites

The rapid development of modern capacitor devices has raised an urgent need of high performance dielectric materials with superior electrical and mechanical properties with low fabrication costs. By now, individual ceramic or polymer dielectrics cannot meet these criteria. Recently, dielectric nanocomposites have shown very promising dielectric and mechanical properties, which combines both advantages of ceramic and polymers. In this review, the recent progress in dielectric nanocomposites has been systematically addressed. The key parameters which determine the performance of nanocomposites, such as dielectric constants, dielectric loss and breakdown strength have been discussed. The fabrication methods of ceramic nanopowders have been reviewed, including sol-gel, hydrothermal and molten salt method are some common techniques to synthesise nanoparticles. For fabrication of electronic device, printing techniques are utilised. Organic light-emitting diode and sensors from nanocomposite thin film capacitors have also been discussed. The review provides a guideline for designing flexible, printable capacitors from nanocomposites.