Interfacial Engineering of Hydrophobic Montmorillonite for High-Energy-Capability Polypropylene Nanocomposite Dielectrics

Li, Shiheng; Zheng, Guangsen; Cao, Chu; Zhu, Chaoqiong; Zhang, Baojing; Cai, Ziming; Feng, Peizhong

doi:10.3390/cryst15090786

Open AccessArticle

Interfacial Engineering of Hydrophobic Montmorillonite for High-Energy-Capability Polypropylene Nanocomposite Dielectrics

by

Shiheng Li

^*

,

Guangsen Zheng

,

Chu Cao

,

Chaoqiong Zhu

,

Baojing Zhang

,

Ziming Cai

^* and

Peizhong Feng

^*

School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China

^*

Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Crystals 2025, 15(9), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15090786

Submission received: 5 August 2025 / Revised: 27 August 2025 / Accepted: 31 August 2025 / Published: 31 August 2025

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Abstract

Polypropylene (PP) dielectric capacitors are crucial for electronics and electric power systems due to their high power density. However, their relatively low energy density limits their practical application in energy storage devices, presenting a long-standing challenge. Montmorillonite (MMT), a natural phyllosilicate mineral abundantly found on earth, features a two-dimensional nanosheet structure and excellent insulating properties. MMT nanosheets have shown promise in enhancing the breakdown strength and energy storage capability of PP dielectric, but compatibility issues with the PP matrix remain a challenge. In this study, we propose a novel surface modification strategy in which polystyrene (PS)-capped MMT (PCM) nanosheets are synthesized through a polymerization–dissolution process. The modified PCM nanosheets demonstrate improved compatibility and are well dispersed within the PP matrix. Optimal loading of the PCM nanosheets effectively dissipate charge energy and hinder the growth of electric trees in the PP matrix. As a result, the PP nanocomposite with 0.2 wt% PCM nanosheets exhibits an enhanced breakdown strength of 619 MV m⁻¹ and a discharged energy density of 4.23 J cm⁻³, with an energy storage efficiency exceeding 90%. These findings provide a promising strategy for the development of high-energy-density dielectric capacitors in an economical manner.

Keywords: dielectric capacitor; polypropylene nanocomposite; energy storage; montmorillonite; surface modification

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MDPI and ACS Style

Li, S.; Zheng, G.; Cao, C.; Zhu, C.; Zhang, B.; Cai, Z.; Feng, P. Interfacial Engineering of Hydrophobic Montmorillonite for High-Energy-Capability Polypropylene Nanocomposite Dielectrics. Crystals 2025, 15, 786. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15090786

AMA Style

Li S, Zheng G, Cao C, Zhu C, Zhang B, Cai Z, Feng P. Interfacial Engineering of Hydrophobic Montmorillonite for High-Energy-Capability Polypropylene Nanocomposite Dielectrics. Crystals. 2025; 15(9):786. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15090786

Chicago/Turabian Style

Li, Shiheng, Guangsen Zheng, Chu Cao, Chaoqiong Zhu, Baojing Zhang, Ziming Cai, and Peizhong Feng. 2025. "Interfacial Engineering of Hydrophobic Montmorillonite for High-Energy-Capability Polypropylene Nanocomposite Dielectrics" Crystals 15, no. 9: 786. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15090786

APA Style

Li, S., Zheng, G., Cao, C., Zhu, C., Zhang, B., Cai, Z., & Feng, P. (2025). Interfacial Engineering of Hydrophobic Montmorillonite for High-Energy-Capability Polypropylene Nanocomposite Dielectrics. Crystals, 15(9), 786. https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15090786

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Interfacial Engineering of Hydrophobic Montmorillonite for High-Energy-Capability Polypropylene Nanocomposite Dielectrics

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