Magnetic-assisted alignment of nanofibers in a polymer nanocomposite for high-temperature capacitive energy storage applications

Abstract

Flexible polymer-based dielectrics with high energy storage characteristics over a wide temperature range are crucial for advanced electrical and electronic systems. However, the intrinsic low dielectric constant and drastically degraded breakdown strength hinder the development of polymer-based dielectrics at elevated temperatures. Here, we propose a magnetic-assisted approach for fabricating a polyethyleneimine (PEI)-based nanocomposite with precisely aligned nanofibers within the polymer matrix, and with Al₂O₃ deposition layers applied on the surface. The resulting polymer nanocomposite exhibits simultaneously increased dielectric constant and enhanced breakdown strength at high temperatures compared to pristine PEI. The enhanced dielectric constant is contributed by the depolarization effect of out-of-plane orientated nanofibers in composite films, while the surficial Al₂O₃ layers, with a wide bandgap, effectively prevent charge injection and transport at the electrode/dielectric interface. The optimally aligned composite films exhibit a significantly enhanced discharged energy density of 6.5 J cm⁻³ at 150 °C, with approximately 41% and 132% enhancement compared to random films and pristine PEI films, respectively. Additionally, a metalized multilayer polymer-based capacitor utilizing this composite film produces a high capacitance of 88 nF, while demonstrating excellent cyclability and flexibility at 150 °C. This work offers an effective strategy for developing polymer-based composite dielectrics with superior capacitive performance at elevated temperatures and demonstrates the potential of fabricating high-quality flexible capacitors.