Simple isovalent substitution route enhancing energy storage performance of linear dielectric ceramics

Linear dielectrics get wide attention in the field of high-voltage dielectric energy storage due to their high electrical breakdown resistance; but its low polarization feature inherited from the quasi-elastic ionic polarization limits their practicality. A simple isovalent substitution route enhancing the field-induced polarization and energy storage performance of linear dielectric Sr_0.65Ca_0.35Zr_0.875Ti_0.125O₃ ceramics was put forward in this study. By incorporating 20 mol.% Ba^2 + cations in A-site, sample Ba_0.2(Sr_0.65Ca_0.35)_0.8Zr_0.875Ti_0.125O₃ realizes a high recoverable energy density of 3.40 J/cm³ and high efficiency over 90 %, accompanied with excellent temperature stability. The introduced Ba²⁺ cations promote the orthorhombic and pseudo-cubic coexistence and reduce the lattice transition energy, which enhance the field-induced polarization while keeping the linear dielectric nature. This simple isovalent substitution route provides important insights into improving the field-induced polarization of a linear dielectric.