High discharge energy density and fast release speed of (Pb, La)(Zr, Sn, Ti)O3 antiferroelectric ceramics for pulsed capacitors

The pulsed capacitors have been widely applied in advanced electronic and electrical systems due to their high discharge energy density and fast release speed. In this article, the antiferroelectric Pb0.97La0.02(Zr0.60Sn0.35Ti0.05)O3 ceramics were prepared by a rolling method, and the effects of grain size, porosity, thickness as well as electrode area on breakdown strength (EBDS) have been investigated detailedly. The discharge properties were directly evaluated by a resistance-inductance-capacitance (R-L-C) circuit rather than hysteresis loops. Both underdamped and overdamped state were achieved to explore the current variations, and results show that at 150 kV/cm, the real discharge energy density (Wdis) is about 1.66 J/cm3, much smaller than that indirectly obtained from the hysteresis loops (∼2.85 J/cm3, under 100 Hz). The discrepancy is likely caused by the distinct polarization responses to DC and AC voltage of dielectrics. All these consequences demonstrate the potential of antiferroelectric ceramics for pulse power applications. •The Wdis should be calculated by R-L-C circuit instead of hysteresis loops.•The underdamped state lasts longer than the overdamped one.•Current expression is deduced from the R-L-C series circuit model.•Discharge current can be adjusted by circuit parameters or initial voltage.•Approximate prediction of the current is given.