Enhancing High-Temperature Energy Storage Performance of PEI-Based Dielectrics by Incorporating ZIF-67 with a Narrow Bandgap

Polymer dielectrics are crucial for use in electrostatic capacitors, owing to their high voltage resistance, high energy storage density, and ultrahigh reliability. Furthermore, high-temperature-resistant polymer dielectrics are applied in various emerging fields. Herein, poly(ether imide) (PEI)-based polymer dielectrics prepared by adding a low loading of dimethylimidazolium cobalt (ZIF-67) with a narrow bandgaps are investigated. The results show that the composites exhibit considerably increased Young's modulus, suppressed conductivity loss, and improved breakdown strength compared with pure PEI. Consequently, a stable energy storage performance is realized for ZIF-67/PEI composites. Particularly, at 150 °C, 1 wt % ZIF-67/PEI composite affords an excellent energy storage density of 4.59 J/cm3 with a discharge energy efficiency of 80.6%, exhibiting a considerable increase compared with the values obtained for PEI (2.58 J/cm3 with a discharge energy efficiency of 68.8%). The results of this study reveal a feasible pathway to design polymer dielectrics with the potential for use in capacitive applications in harsh environments.