Porosity and lattice distortion are decisive yet often independently treated factors in determining the dielectric performance of ceramics, making pore suppression a fundamental, while lattice distortion a key to further dielectric enhancement. Here, we establish a unified methodology that simultaneously suppresses residual nano-pores through powder activation and introduces controlled lattice distortion via Nd 3+ substitution in Sm 2 Zr 2 O 7 . This dual approach transforms porous, opaque pyrochlore ceramics into fully dense, transparent dielectrics with markedly enhanced properties. Structural and optical analysis combined with finite element simulations reveal how nano-pores act as electric-field hotspots that reduce breakdown strength and permittivity, whereas their elimination ensures field uniformity and improved energy storage reliability. Concurrently, Nd 3+ -induced lattice expansion enhances ionic displacement polarization, further elevating dielectric constant. The resulting transparent ceramics achieve a dielectric constant of 48, breakdown strength of 600 kV cm⁻ 1 , and energy storage efficiency of 78.7%. This work provides the first direct experimental–computational correlation between microstructural methodology and dielectric enhancement, offering a broadly applicable strategy for designing high-performance energy storage ceramics.
Li et al. (Wed,) studied this question.