Perspective on polarization regulation for advanced energy storage

Dielectric energy storage materials, which store electrical energy via field-induced polarization, lie at the heart of next-generation pulsed power systems. Their unique ability to deliver rapid energy release with high power density and conversion efficiency makes them indispensable for the miniaturization and integration of pulse power capacitors. This Perspective provides a concise overview of the historical evolution and current landscape of dielectric materials for energy storage, with a particular focus on strategies rooted in polarization engineering. The key mechanisms underlying performance enhancement are systematically analyzed across representative material systems, with particular attention to maximizing inducible polarization, minimizing hysteresis losses, optimizing polarization switching pathways, and suppressing polarization–strain coupling effects. We further highlight the emerging role of phase-field simulations in guiding material design and emphasize that the lack of standardized testing protocols remains a critical bottleneck impeding progress in the field.