Dual-Phase In Situ Symbiosis Structures for Ultrahigh Capacitive Energy Storage

Abstract

Dielectric capacitors, known for their high-power density and reliability, are key components in advanced electronics and electrical systems. However, the trade-off between polarization and breakdown strength in dielectric materials has significantly limited the improvement of energy storage density. In this work, a dual-phase structure is engineered in situ through phase separation to tackle this issue. Our results demonstrated that by introducing Hf into BaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅ ferroelectrics, a linear-like pyrochlore phase with high breakdown strength and low hysteresis loss is induced. Moreover, the phase ratio between the BaBi₄Ti₄O₁₅ and pyrochlore phases can be effectively controlled by adjusting the Hf content. As a result, this dual-phase in situ symbiosis structures exhibits simultaneously high polarization, low hysteresis loss, and high breakdown strength. Consequently, an ultrahigh energy density of 132.4 J cm⁻³ with an efficiency of 76% at a relatively low electric field of 4.9 MV cm⁻¹ is achieved. This study highlights that the in situ construction of a dual-phase structure via Hf doping provides a simple and effective approach to optimizing the energy storage properties of dielectric capacitors.

Keywords

Aurivillius phase / dielectric energy storage / dual-phase structure / pyrochlore phase

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2026 The Author(s). Energy & Environmental Materials published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Zhengzhou University.