Pyrochlore oxides: Redefining dielectric materials prospective towards fresh energy storage capacitors

Abstract

Pyrochlore oxides (A₂B₂O₇) are gaining prominence as advanced dielectric materials, overcoming intrinsic limitations of conventional ferroelectric and relaxor-based dielectrics through structural adaptability and tunable compositional flexibility. This review critically evaluates recent developments in pyrochlore ceramics and thin films, focusing on compositional design, microstructural engineering, and integration strategies for high-performance dielectric energy storage. Key advantages, such as exceptional thermal stability, minimized hysteresis losses, and enhanced breakdown strengths, are analyzed in depth. The roles of configurational entropy, nanoscale grain refinement, and defect engineering in optimizing polarization and reliability are systematically explored. Challenges, including temperature-dependent dielectric stability, microstructural uniformity, and scalability, are identified, with strategies proposed for future breakthroughs. These advances position pyrochlore oxides as an essential platform for overcoming the key trade-offs that have long limited conventional dielectric ceramics, presenting new opportunities for reliable, high-efficiency energy storage in a wide range of demanding applications. By integrating crystallographic insights with practical device considerations, this work highlights the potential of pyrochlore oxides as transformative materials to bridge existing gaps between high energy density and reliability in next-generation capacitor technologies.