High performance BaTiO3–SrTiO3 ceramics with refined microstructure obtained by current-controlled reactive flash sintering of mixed powders†

Barium strontium titanate is a well-known perovskite-structured ferroelectric system that has recently gained attention for its energy storage capabilities. Here, fine-grained BaTiO₃–SrTiO₃ ceramics are obtained by reactive flash sintering of mixed BaTiO₃ and SrTiO₃ powders, a one-step sintering process that significantly reduces the energy consumption involved. The current control mode is employed here to manage the reactive flash sintering event for a striking refinement of the microstructure. The effect of microstructure on the dielectric, ferroelectric, and energy storage properties of flash-sintered ceramics is discussed through the analysis of impedance spectroscopy data. The quality and electrical homogeneity of the obtained materials are shown to be key factors in optimizing the energy storage properties of dielectric materials. This work highlights the potential of current-controlled flash sintering as a powerful tool for microstructural engineering in dielectric materials, offering new pathways for the development of energy-efficient energy storage systems.