Abstract. Full text article available at: https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c08714
Sodium niobate (NN)-based lead-free ceramic DyxNa1–x(Nb0.9Ta0.1)O3 denoted as (DNNT) x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 was synthesized via a conventional solid-state method to achieve bulk lead-free dielectric ceramics having an improved energy storage capability that can conceivably be used in pulsed power technology. The addition of Dy3+ broadened the phase transition peak, thereby strengthening the relaxor properties of the DNNT ceramic materials. The sample’s microstructure was explored using a scanning electron microscope, and its corresponding phase structure via X-ray diffraction (XRD). A systematic study was carried out for energy storage properties of 0.2 mol of Dy3+ (DNNT20) where a recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) of 4.61 J cm–3 with a breakdown strength (BDS) of 478 kV cm–1 and an energy storage efficiency (η) of ≈84% were achieved. Additionally, the DNNT20 ceramics displayed comparatively reasonable temperature stability (20–140 °C), excellent frequency stability (0.1–100 Hz), and also fast charge–discharge speed (≤0.5 μs). Thus, the DNNT20 ceramic materials can be of probable use for future energy storage applications.