Bi(Li${}_{1/2}$Nb${}_{1/2}$)O${}_3$ addition inducing improved energy storage performance in lead-free BCZT ceramics

BCZT ceramics are considered to be a promising material due to the presence of its morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). However, most of the research on this material is focused on piezoelectric properties, and there is still a lack of research on energy storage properties. Here, a component represented as BiMeO${}_3$ [Me = (Li${}_{1/2}$Nb${}_{1/2}$)${}^{3+}$] with a similar structure as BCZT was introduced into ceramics to improve the energy storage properties. The phase composition changes, relaxation behavior, and energy storage properties of the samples were carefully investigated. The improved relative densities brought about by the introduction facilitate the increase in bulk resistance, thus increasing the break-down field strength. Due to the addition of BLN, the Curie temperature drops substantially below room temperature. Under the influence of phase composition and polar nano-regions (PNRs), BCZT ceramics exhibit slim hysteresis loops. In BCZT--0.12BLN, the recoverable energy density can reach 2.06 J/cm${}^3$ and efficiency can stay in 80.5% at the same time. This proposed BCZT ceramic still has great research potential as an energy storage material.