Spark plasma sintered PBLZST ceramics modified by BN nanosheets with significant energy storage density

The progress of antiferroelectric (AFE) ceramics exhibiting outstanding energy storage performance has attracted widespread attention. Nevertheless, for a single material, the energy storage density cannot satisfy the needs for integration and miniaturization of electronic devices. Herein, PBLZST ceramics modified by BN nanosheets via the SPS method are designed. As a result, when 0.1 wt% PB nanosheets are added, 7.9 J/cm3 of excellent recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) can be gathered, and the breakdown strength (BDS) is increased to 318 kV/cm, while that of pure PBLZST ceramics is 202 kV/cm. This outstanding energy storage property is associated with an increase in BDS, which is due to a certain number of insulating second phases with wide bandgaps and low dielectric constants being compounded. Additionally, superior charge–discharge performance can be obtained, including a 5.37-μs discharge rate and 6.81-J/cm3 discharge energy density (Wdis). The experimental outcomes suggest that this study provides in-depth systematic research and an innovative strategy for the further development of energy storage ceramics.