Effect of Zn2P2O7 additive on the electrical breakdown strength and energy storage properties of (Ba0.6Sr0.4)0.85Bi0.1TiO3 ceramics

(Ba0.6Sr0.4)0.85Bi0.1TiO3 (abbreviated as BSBT) ceramics doped with x wt% Zn2P2O7 (x = 0, 1, 5, 10, 15) were synthesized. The influence of Zn2P2O7 on microstructures and electrical properties of BSBT ceramics were studied. Microstructural observation indicated that Zn2P2O7 doping could inhibit the growth of grain and improve the microstructure homogeneity of BSBT ceramics. Dielectric measurements exhibited a relaxor-like characteristic for all samples. Breakdown strength measurements indicated that undoped BSBT ceramics owned a breakdown strength of 122 kV/cm. However, with increasing Zn2P2O7 content, the breakdown strength enhanced monotonously, and the maximum breakdown strength reached 326 kV/cm at x = 15. Meanwhile, the energy storage efficiency was improved greatly by Zn2P2O7 addition. The results suggest that BSBT ceramics doped with Zn2P2O7 could be taken for a candidate for energy storage applications. In addition, the correlation between energy storage efficiency and interface polarization was qualitatively discussed by complex impedance spectra.