Superior energy storage performance of BiFeO3–BaTiO3–CaHfO3 lead-free ceramics

Abstract

Lead-free ceramics have received considerable research interest because of their environmentally friendly characteristics and superb performance in energy storage applications, which are critical for pulsed power electronic systems. In this work, we sintered a series of (0.90 − x)BiFeO₃–xBaTiO₃–0.10CaHfO₃ lead-free ceramics and comprehensively probed the crystallographic structure, grain morphology, electrical properties, etc., to assess their capability for use in energy storage applications. The 0.50BiFeO₃–0.40BaTiO₃–0.10CaHfO₃ ceramic achieved an ultrahigh recoverable energy storage density of 4.70 J cm⁻³ and an outstanding energy conversion efficiency of 79% and can be considered an excellent material candidate for use in high-power energy storage devices.