Review on field-induced phase transitions in lead-free NaNbO_(3)-based antiferroelectric perovskite oxides for energy storage

Emerging new applications of antiferroelectric perovskite oxides based on their fascinating phase transformation between polar and nonpolar states have provided considerable attention to this class of materials even decades after the discovery of antiferroelectricity.After presenting the challenge of formulating a precise definition of antiferroelectric materials,we briefly summarize proposed applications.In the following,we focus on the crystallographic structures of the antiferroelectric and ferroelectric phases of NaNbO_(3),which is emerging as a promising alternative to PbZrO_(3)-based systems.The field-induced phase transition behavior of NaNbO_(3)-based AFE materials in the form of single crystals,bulk ceramics,and multilayer ceramic capacitors is reviewed.Recent advances in a group of materials exhibiting high energy storage performance and relaxor-like behavior are also covered.The influence of electrode geometry on phase transition behavior and thus on the energy storage property is briefly addressed.The review concludes with an overview of the remaining challenges related to the fundamental understanding of the scientific richness of AFE materials in terms of structure,microstructure,defect transport under high fields,and phase transition dynamics required for their future development and applications.

Enhanced breakdown strength and energy storage density of AgNbO_(3)ceramics via tape casting

Antiferroelectric materials are promising candidates for energy-storage applications due to their double hysteresis loops,which can deliver high power density.Among the antiferroelectric materials,AgNbO_(3)is proved attractive due to its environmental-friendliness and high potential for achieving excellent energy storage performance.However,the recoverable energy storage density of AgNbO_(3)ceramics is limited by their relatively low breakdown strength.Herein,the breakdown strength of the pure AgNbO_(3)ceramics prepared using the tape casting method is enhanced to 307 kV·cm^(-1),which is,to the best of our knowledge,among the highest values reported for pure AgNbO-3bulk ceramics.The high breakdown strength may be due to its dense microstructure and good crystallinity obtained by the tape casting method and the optimized sintering temperature.Owing to its enhanced breakdown strength,AgNbO_(3)ceramics show high recoverable energy storage density of 2.8 J·cm^(-3).These results have led to the development of lead-free antiferroelectric materials and devices with high energy storage density.

Determination of polarization states in(K,Na)NbO3 lead-free piezoelectric crystal

Polarization switching in lead-free(K0.40Na0.60)NbO3(KNN)single crystals was studied by switching spectroscopy piezoresponse force microscopy(SS-PFM).Acquisition of multiple hysteresis loops on a closely spaced square grid enables polarization switching parameters to be mapped in real space.Piezoresponse amplitude and phase hysteresis loops show collective symmetric/asymmetric characteristics,affording information regarding the switching behavior of different domains.As such,the out-of-plane polarization states of the domains,including amplitudes and phases can be determined.Our results could contribute to a further understanding of the relationships between polarization switching and polarization vectors at the nanoscale,and provide a feasible method to correlate the polarization hysteresis loops in a domain under an electric field with the polarization vector states.

Turning mechanism and composite control of stratospheric airships

The parametric model of stratospheric airships is established in the body axes coordinate system. In this paper we study the turning mechanism of stratospheric airships including the generated forces and the key parameters for steady turning. We compare and analyze the different driven-characteristics between aerodynamic control surfaces and vectored thrust in turning. We design a composite control combining aerodynamic control surfaces and vectored thrust according to different dynamic pressure conditions, to achieve coordinated turning under high or low airspeed situations.