Effect of Mn-doping on dielectric and energy storage properties of (Pb0.91La0.06)(Zr0.96Ti0.04)O3 antiferroelectric ceramics

Bulk ceramics with high recoverable energy density (W_re) and energy efficiency (η) play a critical role in the development of pulsed power systems for miniaturization and lightweight. The orthorhombic phase (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O₃-based antiferroelectric (AFE) ceramics have been regarded as one of the most promising candidates for pulsed power system applications due to their relatively high energy storage density and efficiency. However, the main drawback of orthorhombic phase (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O₃-based AFE ceramics is relatively low dielectric breakdown strengthen (DBS), which has always restricted the improvement of energy storage density. In this study, an effectively method to increase DBS by the introduction of Mn has been proposed. The relative density of orthorhombic phase (Pb_0.91La_0.06)(Zr_0.96Ti_0.04)O₃ (PLZT) ceramics was improved by Mn-doping. And the introduction of Mn can decrease the tolerance factor (t) of PLZT ceramics because the radius of Mn²⁺ is larger than that of B-site Zr⁴⁺/Ti⁴⁺, and thus enhancing antiferroelectricity. Meanwhile, the effects of Mn-doping on the phase structure, microstructure and dielectric properties of PLZT ceramics have been studied thoroughly in this study. It is found that the highest W_re of 7.65 J/cm³ is obtained at 1.0 mol% Mn-doped PLZT ceramic, which is obviously larger than that of undoped PLZT ceramic (5.71 J/cm³). These results suggest that the Mn-doped PLZT ceramics are potential energy storage materials in pulsed power systems.