TIAN Shuo ^{1, 2}, ZHAO Jianwei ¹, HE Bin ¹, KONG Lingbing ¹, XIAO Zhuohao ³

(1. College of New Materials and New Energies, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, Guangdong, China;

2. College of Applied Technology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China;

3. Jingdezhen Ceramic University, Jingdezhen 333403, Jiangxi, China)

Extended Abstract:[Significance] Ferroelectric glass-ceramics, due to their excellent dielectric properties, high-temperature stability, and rapid charge-discharge capabilities, have strong potential for dielectric energy storage applications. These materials exhibit a unique combination of high energy density and the ability to withstand extreme operating conditions, making them indispensable in lightweight and miniaturized electronic devices, such as capacitors, sensors and piezoelectric devices. By combining the processability of glass with the electrical advantages of ceramics, ferroelectric glass-ceramics address the growing demand for high-performance energy storage systems in a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to renewable energy storage. As the world continues to focus on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, ferroelectric glass-ceramics stand out for their potential to support the development of advanced energy storage solutions. Their ability to deliver both high energy density and reliability, coupled with their adaptability to various manufacturing methods, makes them key to overcoming current limitations in energy storage technologies. The global push for more environmentally friendly materials, particularly the need to replace lead-based systems with lead-free alternatives, has accelerated the search for ferroelectric materials that meet both performance and sustainability criteria.[Progress] Recent advancements in ferroelectric glass-ceramics have focused on optimizing their composition, microstructure and preparation methods to enhance energy storage performance. Two prominent systems, niobate-based and titanate-based materials, have been extensively studied for their favorable dielectric and energy storage properties. Niobate-based glass-ceramics, such as those derived from SrO-BaO-Nb₂O₅, exhibit high breakdown strength and low dielectric loss, making them ideal for high-frequency applications. These materials have demonstrated superior energy storage densities, particularly in high-power applications that require rapid charge-discharge cycles. For example, SrO-BaO-Nb₂O_5-based systems have achieved energy densities above 17 J·cm⁻³, making them suitable for power capacitors and other energy-intensive systems. Titanate-based glass-ceramics, including BaTiO₃ and its derivatives, are noted for their high dielectric constants and tunable properties. These materials are widely used in capacitors and high-frequency circuits, due to their ability to achieve large capacitance values. Advances in doping strategies, such as incorporating rare-earth elements, have been particularly beneficial in improving the breakdown strength and polarization characteristics of these systems. By enhancing their dielectric properties, titanate-based glass-ceramics can be optimized for use in both high-energy and high-power applications. However, challenges remain in maintaining a balance between dielectric constant and breakdown strength, particularly when incorporating with glass additives.In addition to material composition, advancements in preparation methods have played a crucial role in improving the performance of ferroelectric glass-ceramics. The melting method, a conventional technique, allows for the production of highly homogeneous materials but requires precise temperature control, which can be difficult to maintain at large scales. The sintering method, while cost-effective and scalable, often leads to issues with structural homogeneity, limiting its applicability for certain high-performance applications. In contrast, sol-gel method offers exceptional control over the materials microstructure, enabling the production of high-purity nanomaterials at lower temperatures. However, this process is more time-consuming and complex, making it less suitable for large-scale production. Recent research has also focused on the role of ferroelectric glass-ceramics as additives in traditional ceramics. By incorporating specific glass systems, such as B₂O₃-SiO₂ or PbO-SiO₂, into ceramic matrices, the breakdown strength and energy density of these materials can be significantly improved. Additionally, the reduced sintering temperatures associated with glass additives make them an energy-efficient alternative for manufacturing ferroelectric ceramics. This strategy has shown great potential in enhancing the performance of traditional ceramics used in energy storage devices.[Conclusions and Prospects] Ferroelectric glass-ceramics have shown immense potential in addressing the demands of high-performance energy storage devices. Their combination of high energy density, excellent dielectric properties and thermal stability positions them as key candidates for use in energy storage systems that require rapid charge-discharge cycles, such as those in capacitors and piezoelectric devices. However, the current limitations of these materials, such as the trade-off between dielectric constant and breakdown strength, as well as the challenges associated with lead-based systems, require further innovation and exploration. The development of lead-free ferroelectric glass-ceramics is becoming increasingly important, driven by environmental regulations and the global push for sustainable technologies. Niobate-based systems show promise in meeting these requirements, offering a viable alternative to traditional lead-containing systems, while still providing high energy density and breakdown strength. Furthermore, the continued optimization of titanate-based systems through compositional and structural modifications will be essential in achieving the necessary balance between performance and environmental sustainability.Future research should focus on exploring novel composite systems that combine the properties of glass and ceramics to optimize energy storage performance. The development of new preparation methods, such as advanced sintering techniques and additive manufacturing, could help overcome the challenges of achieving uniformity and scalability. Additionally, exploring the integration of ferroelectric glass-ceramics into multifunctional devices, such as energy harvesters and sensors, presents an exciting avenue for expanding their applications beyond traditional energy storage. With ongoing advancements in material science and manufacturing technologies, ferroelectric glass-ceramics are poised to play a transformative role in energy-efficient and sustainable electronics. By focusing on improving their dielectric properties, enhancing energy storage densities and developing environmentally friendly compositions, these materials will contribute significantly to the next generation of energy storage solutions.

Key words: ferroelectric glass ceramics; performance; niobate; titanate; energy storage and devices