Ultrahigh output energy density of explosive-energy-conversion devices assembled from multilayer ferroelectric films

Abstract

Explosive-energy-conversion materials are increasingly utilized in energy, defense, and mining due to their ultra-rapid response, extra-long storage life, and enormous power density. The energy output capability and temperature stability determine the application potential of these materials. Herein, we report 0.25Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃–0.75Pb(Zr_0.4Ti_0.6)O₃ + 0.2 wt% Li₂CO₃ (PMN–PZT + 2Li) multilayer films developed by cost-effective low-temperature sintering with ultrahigh output energy density and high temperature stability. The multilayer PMN–PZT + 2Li films with a volume of 0.9 cm³ could generate a current of 3156 A, exceeding that of existing ferroelectric ceramics by two orders of magnitude. The output energy density of the multilayer PMN–PZT + 2Li films is up to 3.059 J cm⁻³, which is the state-of-the-art value achieved so far. The temperature stability of PMN–PZT + 2Li with the energy output could be stable up to 213 °C, higher than those of most of the ferroelectrics. In situ high-pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction revealed that the ultrahigh output energy was derived from polar rhombohedral phase (R3m) to non-polar phase (Rc) shock-induced phase transitions. These findings provide a paradigm of multilayer design for high performance explosive-energy-conversion devices.