Next Generation High Temperature Dielectrics for Energy Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Innovative strategies are required to design and manufacture next-generation dielectric ceramics for high-temperature and high-voltage capacitors. Power electronics, including conversion and conditioning in renewable energy generation, and control or sensing systems in the aerospace and electric vehicle sectors, provide a major stimulus for research into robust capacitor materials.

Stable and high values of relative permittivity to temperatures of 250–500 °C, well above the operating limits of traditional ferroelectric-based high volumetric efficiency (Class II) capacitors have been demonstrated in a number of relaxor ferroelectric ceramics. Fundamental studies are beginning to shed some light on the reasons for the near-flat relative permittivity response in these compositionally complex relaxors, all of which contain Bi.

From an energy storage perspective, there is a need to develop ceramic dielectrics with much higher energy densities.  The retention of high relative permittivity under high electric fields, allied to high electrical breakdown strengths in thick- and thin-film relaxor ceramics provides opportunities for maximising energy storage density.  Anti-ferroelectrics and relaxors with ‘pinched’ polarisation - electric field response are also promising candidates in this context. Increasing the electrical breakdown strength of thin and thick-film coatings through improved processing and microstructural control is yet another topical research area.

Barriers to industrial translation would be removed by demonstrating Bi- and Pb-free high-temperature dielectrics capable of stable operation from –55 °C to 250/300 °C.

In summary, the technological importance of discovering and developing new and improved ceramic dielectric materials provides the impetus for this Special Issue. It is my great pleasure to invite manuscript submissions: research articles, reviews, and short communications are all welcome.

Dr. Steven Milne
Guest Editor

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