Facile Planetary Ball Mill Synthesis, Structural and Ferroelectric Properties in Nanostructured BaTiO3–SrTiO3–KNbO3 for Energy Storage Applications

Abstract

The ternary nanostructured 0.39BaTiO₃–0.31SrTiO₃–0.30KNbO₃ mol% (BKS) system was prepared via the mechanical milling technique. The composite powders were ball milled for durations of 0.5, 5, 10, and 20 h to facilitate the synthesis of nanostructured materials. XRD at ambient temperature for these nanostructured materials was precisely examined across varying ball milling durations. The characterization and identification of BKS were carried out using FTIR and HRTEM at a milling time 20 h. HRTEM verified the nanoparticle formation, and the mean size of the particles is estimated to be ~13.07 nm. The dielectric parameters were systematically plotted in relation to temperature at varying frequencies. The sample exhibited a wide and dispersed peak at the temperature-dependent dielectric permittivity ɛ′ (T) and loss tangent, as the temperature increased alongside the measuring frequency, indicative of the typical relaxor ferroelectric behavior. Electrical conduction properties of the synthesized BKS were measured through (AC) electrical conductivity at various temperatures. Moreover, the relaxor ferroelectric characteristics evidenced by a P–E hysteresis loop indicate an energy-recovered storage density (W_rec = 13.40 mJ/cm³) and efficiency of about (η = 79%) at 333 K. These findings propose that the nanostructured BKS sample may serve as an applicable candidate for energy preservation technologies.