Effect of Zn2P2O7 additive on the electrical breakdown strength and energy storage properties of (Ba0.6Sr0.4)0.85Bi0.1TiO3 ceramics

Highlights: • Zn₂P₂O₇ is added to (Ba_0.6Sr_0.4)_0.85Bi_0.1TiO₃ ceramics as sintering aid. • The sintering temperature decreases from 1325 °C to 1130 °C. • The breakdown strength increases from 122 kV/cm to 326 kV/cm. • The energy efficiency increases due to depressed interface polarization. - Abstract: (Ba_0.6Sr_0.4)_0.85Bi_0.1TiO₃ (abbreviated as BSBT) ceramics doped with x wt% Zn₂P₂O₇ (x = 0, 1, 5, 10, 15) were synthesized. The influence of Zn₂P₂O₇ on microstructures and electrical properties of BSBT ceramics were studied. Microstructural observation indicated that Zn₂P₂O₇ doping could inhibit the growth of grain and improve the microstructure homogeneity of BSBT ceramics. Dielectric measurements exhibited a relaxor-like characteristic for all samples. Breakdown strength measurements indicated that undoped BSBT ceramics owned a breakdown strength of 122 kV/cm. However, with increasing Zn₂P₂O₇ content, the breakdown strength enhanced monotonously, and the maximum breakdown strength reached 326 kV/cm at x = 15. Meanwhile, the energy storage efficiency was improved greatly by Zn₂P₂O₇ addition. The results suggest that BSBT ceramics doped with Zn₂P₂O₇ could be taken for a candidate for energy storage applications. In addition, the correlation between energy storage efficiency and interface polarization was qualitatively discussed by complex impedance spectra.