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April 10, 2026Nature Communications3 citationsOpen Access

Enhanced energy storage in high-entropy superparaelectrics via local ferroelectric polarization

TWTongxin WeiJZJinzhu ZouMSMiao Song

Key Points

  • This research investigates how local ferroelectric polarization can enhance energy storage in superparaelectric materials.
  • Developed a hybrid strategy combining local ferroelectric and global superparaelectric properties.
  • Conducted phase-field simulations to predict the material performance.
  • Performed experiments with varying amounts of PbTiO₃ in a high-entropy superparaelectric matrix.
  • Utilized multiscale structural characterization and theoretical calculations to explain the mechanisms.
  • Achieved an energy storage density of approximately 21 J/cm³ and an efficiency of 87% at 110 kV/mm.
  • Identified optimal PbTiO₃ concentrations (≤30%) that enhance local polarization without disturbing the superparaelectric structure.
  • Observed the formation of submicro-scale domains and macroscopic piezoelectric effects at higher PbTiO₃ concentrations (40-50%).

Abstract

Abstract Dielectric ceramic capacitors with ultrahigh power density have become essential in modern power electronics. Guided by phase-field simulations and experiments, we propose a “local ferroelectric–global superparaelectric” strategy. This approach enhances P m by introducing local ferroelectric polarization within a superparaelectric matrix, enabling superior energy storage performance. Introducing strong ferroelectric PbTiO₃ into a (Bi 0.2 Na 0.2 K 0.2 La 0.2 Sr 0.2 )Ti 0.9 Zr 0.1 O 3 high-entropy superparaelectric achieves an ultrahigh energy storage density of ~21 J/cm³ with an efficiency of ~87% at 110 kV/mm. Multiscale structural characterization and theoretical calculations reveal the atomic-scale mechanism for this performance enhancement. At ≤ 30% PbTiO 3 , the Pb 2+ lone pair effect is locally confined, boosting local ferroelectric distortion while maintaining a superparaelectric average structure for superior energy storage. At 40-50%, this effect extends throughout the matrix, inducing submicro-scale domains and macroscopic piezoelectricity. This work presents a design and material system for high-performance energy storage ceramics, laying the theoretical foundation for advanced high-entropy ferroelectric applications.

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Cite This Study

Wei et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69d8958f6c1944d70ce068abhttps://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-71370-7
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