Nonlinear dielectric and discharge properties of Pb_0.94La_0.04[(Zr_0.56Sn_0.44)_0.84Ti_0.16]O₃ antiferroelectric ceramics

Pb_0.94La_0.04[(Zr_0.56Sn_0.44)_0.84Ti_0.16]O₃ antiferroelectric (AFE) ceramics were prepared by solid-state reaction and their nonlinear dielectric and discharge properties were studied. The releasable energy density and dielectric constant will increase sharply near 30 kV/cm due to the phase transition from antiferroelectric (AFE) to ferroelectric. The releasable energy density reaches maximum (0.50 J/cm³ under 40 kV/cm) at 30 °C and then decreases with temperature rise. The declination rate is less than 13% below 60 °C and will be remarkable at 160 °C due to the phase transition from AFE to paraelectric. The unique dielectric properties of AFE materials would result in special discharge properties. The discharge current density could be as high as 447 A/cm², and the process finishes in sub-microsecond. The discharge current and hysteresis loop change very slightly after 10 000 charge-discharge cycles. The high energy density, fast discharge speed, and good fatigue resistance show the potential of obtained AFE ceramics for pulse power applications.