Lead-free antiferroelectric niobates AgNbO3 and NaNbO3 for energy storage applications

Abstract

Antiferroelectric materials are attractive for energy storage applications and are becoming increasingly important for power electronics. Lead-free silver niobate (AgNbO₃) and sodium niobate (NaNbO₃) antiferroelectric ceramics have attracted intensive interest as promising candidates for environmentally friendly energy storage products. This review provides the fundamental background of antiferroelectricity with an introduction to the definition of antiferroelectricity, historical research evolution of antiferroelectric materials, and some advanced techniques for structural characterization. Meanwhile, recent progress on lead-free antiferroelectric ceramics, represented by AgNbO₃ and NaNbO₃, is highlighted in terms of their crystal structures, phase transitions and potential dielectric energy storage applications. Specifically, the origin of the enhanced energy storage performance is discussed from a scientific point of view. The modification approaches are then summarized for the development of new strategies to further improve the energy storage performance. This article concludes with a discussion of the remaining challenges and opportunities for further development of lead-free antiferroelectrics.