High energy storage density and power density achieved simultaneously in NaNbO3-based lead-free ceramics via antiferroelectricity enhancement

High-performance lead-free dielectric ceramics with simultaneously high energy storage density and power density are in high demanded for pulse power systems. To realize excellent energy-storage characteristics, a strategy to enhance antiferroelectricity and construct a local random field simultaneously was proposed in this study. Based on the above strategy, a series of (1-x)NaNbO3-xBi(Ni1/2Sn1/2)O3 [xBNS, x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.22] solid solutions were designed and fabricated. An ultrahigh energy storage density (Utotal) of 7.35 J/cm3, and recoverable energy density (Urec) of 5.00 J/cm3 were achieved in the 0.10BNS ceramics. In addition, an adequate stability of energy storage properties at a range of temperatures (20–140 °C), frequencies (1–100 Hz), and fatigue test durations (1–104 cycles) were realized in 0.10BNS ceramics. 0.10BNS ceramics displayed a high current density of 1005 A/cm2, an ultrahigh power density of 100.5 MW/cm3, and an ultrashort discharge time of 46.5 ns? This remarkable performance not only justified our strategy but also confirmed 0.10BNS ceramics as a promising candidate for energy storage. [Display omitted] •Achieving ultrahigh Urec of 5.00 J/cm3 and PD of 100.5 MW/cm3 in 0.10BNS ceramics.•An excellent stability has been achieved in 0.10BNS ceramics.•An ultrashort t0.9 of 46.5 ns was achieved in 0.10BNS ceramics.