Effects of ZnNb2O6 addition on BaTiO3 ceramics for energy storage

Highlights: • The BaTiO3–ZnNb2O6 ceramics were prepared by a solid state reaction method. • ZnNb2O6 addition lowers sintering temperature, decreases grain size, while introduces second phase (Ba2Ti5O12) for x ≥ 7.26 wt%. • TC shifts to lower temperature with the substitution of the Ti-site by Zn2+ and Nb5+ in BT system. • Pr of BT-based ceramics are decreased effectively by addition of ZnNb2O6. • The dielectric breakdown strength is enhanced with the increasing doping level of ZnNb2O6 and reaches a maximum value at x = 7.26 wt%, exhibiting a maximum energy storage capability. -- Abstract: BaTiO3 ceramics were prepared using solid state reaction with addition of ZnNb2O6, to investigate the effects of ZnNb2O6 addition on structure and properties. The results show that the ZnNb2O6 addition lowers sintering temperature, decreases grain size, while introduces second phase (Ba2Ti5O12) for x ≥ 7.26 wt%. The dielectric breakdown strength is enhanced with the increasing doping level of ZnNb2O6 and reaches a maximum value at x = 7.26 wt%, exhibiting a maximum energy storage capability