Significant enhancement of energy storage density and polarization in self-assembled PbZrO3 : NiO nano-columnar composite films†
X. K. Ning,S. F. Wang,G. S. Fu
Nanoscale Pub Date : 12/20/2018 00:00:00 , DOI:10.1039/C8NR08887J
Abstract

Self-assembled nanostructures are important for determining the physical properties of epitaxial oxide films. We successfully fabricated perfectly ordered NiO nano-columns embedded in an antiferroelectric (AFE) PbZrO3 (PZO) matrix over large areas. In this system, a giant recoverable energy storage density of Wr = 24.6 J cm−3 and polarization of PS = 91 μC cm−2 were achieved in the structure of PZO : NiO nano-composites. These values are 333% and 253% larger than those of a pure PZO film, respectively. Additionally, the properties could be tuned by gradually changing the volume ratio of the constituents. Hence, we demonstrate a new approach for enhancing the energy storage of AFE materials and exercising control over nano-column-embedded nanocomposites.

Graphical abstract: Significant enhancement of energy storage density and polarization in self-assembled PbZrO3 : NiO nano-columnar composite films