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High-K, Low Loss Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications
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High-K, Low Loss Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposite Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 14992

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Wenying Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi’an University of Science & Technology, Xi’an, China
Interests: energy storage; dielectric breakdown strength; dielectric properties; interface; polymers nanocomposites; thermal conductivity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Great mechanical flexibility, favorable processing conditions, and excellent high-voltage endurance make polymers attractive for energy storage and conversion applications. However, most pristine polymers suffer from a low intrinsic dielectric constant (with a k typically below 10) and cannot meet the growing expectations of advanced dielectric applications. The incorporation of metallic fillers and carbon-based or ceramic high-k fillers into polymer matrices represents a classic and extensively reported approach to obtaining a high permittivity in the corresponding composite materials.

Nowadays, high-k polymer nanocomposites are attracting widespread attention in various areas, in particular for their application in film capacitors, gate dielectrics, solid-state electrocaloric cooling, wearable flexible devices, etc. However, these polymer nanocomposites often show a deteriorated breakdown strength (Eb) due to the intensified local electric fields around the fillers and the presence of microvoids in a loose structure. A decreased Eb limits the maximum electric field that can be applied, thus compromising operation efficiency and reducing device reliability. Thus, improving the Eb of polymer nanocomposites and obtaining a high k are urgent research focuses in the dielectric materials community with promise to greatly benefit the electrical and electronic industries.

Many approaches have been proposed to address the decreased Eb, which constitute the focus of this Special Issue. For instance, filler interfaces (i.e., surface functionality, core–shell structures, etc.) could be tailored to improve the interfacial compatibility between fillers and polymers and enhance the Eb of nanocomposites. Therefore, we aim to explore innovative strategies to preserve a high Eb in polymer nanocomposites and obtain an enhanced Eb in unfilled polymers.

Prof. Dr. Wenying Zhou
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • energy storage
  • dielectric breakdown strength
  • dielectric properties
  • interface
  • polymers nanocomposites
  • thermal conductivity

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 7054 KiB  
Communication
Improved Breakdown Strength and Restrained Leakage Current of Sandwich Structure Ferroelectric Polymers Utilizing Ultra-Thin Al2O3 Nanosheets
by Yi Zeng, Hao Pan, Zhonghui Shen, Yang Shen and Zhifu Liu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(21), 2836; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13212836 - 26 Oct 2023
Viewed by 800
Abstract
Flexible capacity applications demand a large energy storage density and high breakdown electric field strength of flexible films. Here, P(VDF-HFP) with ultra-thin Al2O3 nanosheet composite films were designed and fabricated through an electrospinning process followed by hot-pressing into a sandwich [...] Read more.
Flexible capacity applications demand a large energy storage density and high breakdown electric field strength of flexible films. Here, P(VDF-HFP) with ultra-thin Al2O3 nanosheet composite films were designed and fabricated through an electrospinning process followed by hot-pressing into a sandwich structure. The results show that the insulating ultra-thin Al2O3 nanosheets and the sandwich structure can enhance the composites’ breakdown strength (by 24.8%) and energy density (by 30.6%) compared to the P(VDF-HFP) polymer matrix. An energy storage density of 23.5 J/cm3 at the ultrahigh breakdown strength of 740 kV/mm can be therefore realized. The insulating test and phase-field simulation results reveal that ultra-thin nanosheets insulating buffer layers can reduce the leakage current in composites; thus, it affects the electric field spatial distribution to enhance breakdown strength. Our research provides a feasible method to increase the breakdown strength of ferroelectric polymers, which is comparable to those of non-ferroelectric polymers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-K, Low Loss Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications)
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17 pages, 6586 KiB  
Article
Interfacial Insight of Charge Transport in BaTiO3/Epoxy Composites
by Beibei Jia, Jun Zhou, Jiaxin Chen, Zixuan Zhang, Yang Wang, Zepeng Lv and Kai Wu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13030406 - 19 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1597
Abstract
Space charge accumulation greatly influences the dielectric performance of epoxy composites under high voltage. It has been reported that nano-fillers can suppress the charge accumulation in the bulk of insulation materials. However, it is still unclear how the nano-fillers influence the charge distribution [...] Read more.
Space charge accumulation greatly influences the dielectric performance of epoxy composites under high voltage. It has been reported that nano-fillers can suppress the charge accumulation in the bulk of insulation materials. However, it is still unclear how the nano-fillers influence the charge distribution at the interface between the filler and polymeric matrix. In this work, the dielectric properties and the local dynamic charge mobility behavior at the interface of barium titanate/epoxy resin (BTO/EP) composites were investigated from both bulk and local perspectives based on the macroscopic test techniques and in-situ Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) methods. Charge injection and dissipation behavior exhibited significant discrepancies at different interfaces. The interface between BTO and epoxy is easy to accumulates a negative charge, and nanoscale BTO (n-BTO) particles introduces deeper traps than microscale BTO (m-BTO) to inhibit charge migration. Under the same bias condition, the carriers are more likely to accumulate near the n-BTO than the m-BTO particles. The charge dissipation rate at the interface region in m-BTO/EP is about one order of magnitude higher than that of n-BTO/EP. This work offers experimental support for understanding the mechanism of charge transport in dielectric composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-K, Low Loss Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications)
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19 pages, 6286 KiB  
Article
Significantly Suppressed Dielectric Loss and Enhanced Breakdown Strength in Core@Shell Structured Ni@TiO2/PVDF Composites
by Juanjuan Zhou, Wenying Zhou, Mengxue Yuan, Xinbo Dong, Jiebing Zhang, Xuejiao Zhang, Yanqing Zhang, Xiaolong Chen, Yanrong Chen and Xiangrong Liu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(1), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13010211 - 03 Jan 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1613
Abstract
An insulating shell on the surface of conductive particles is vital for restraining the dielectric loss and leakage current of polymer composites. So as to inhibit the enormous loss and conductivity of pristine nickel (Ni)/poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF) composites but still harvest a high dielectric [...] Read more.
An insulating shell on the surface of conductive particles is vital for restraining the dielectric loss and leakage current of polymer composites. So as to inhibit the enormous loss and conductivity of pristine nickel (Ni)/poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF) composites but still harvest a high dielectric permittivity (εr) when filler loading approaches or exceeds the percolation threshold (fc), pristine Ni particles were covered by a layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) shell via a sol–gel approach, and then they were composited with PVDF. The impacts of the TiO2 coating on the dielectric performances of the Ni/PVDF composites were explored as a function of the filler concentration, the shell thickness and frequency. In addition, the dielectric performances were fitted using the Havriliak–Negami (H–N) equation in order to further understand the TiO2 shell’s effect on polarization mechanism in the composites. The Ni@TiO2/PVDF composites exhibit high εr and enhanced breakdown strength (Eb) but remarkably suppressed loss and conductivity when compared with pristine Ni/PVDF because the TiO2 shell can efficiently stop the direct contact between Ni particles thereby suppressing the long–range electron transportation. Further, the dielectric performances can be effectively tuned through finely adjusting the TiO2 shell’ thickness. The resulting Ni@TiO2/PVDF composites with high εr and Eb but low loss show appealing applications in microelectronics and electrical fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-K, Low Loss Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications)
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12 pages, 4038 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Role of Soft X-ray in Charging Solid-Film and Cellular Electrets
by Yue Feng, Zehong Rao, Ki-Young Song, Xusong Tang, Zilong Zhou and Ying Xiong
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4143; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234143 - 23 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1444
Abstract
Solid-film electrets and cellular electrets are defined as promising insulating dielectric materials containing permanent electrostatic and polarizations. High-performance charging methods are critical for electret transducers. Unlike dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) charging, the soft X-ray charging method, with its strong penetration ability, has been [...] Read more.
Solid-film electrets and cellular electrets are defined as promising insulating dielectric materials containing permanent electrostatic and polarizations. High-performance charging methods are critical for electret transducers. Unlike dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) charging, the soft X-ray charging method, with its strong penetration ability, has been widely used in electrets after packaging and has even been embedded in high-aspect-ratio structures (HARSs). However, the related charging model and the charging effect of the soft X-ray irradiation remain unclear. In this study, the charge carrier migration theory and the one-dimensional electrostatic model were employed to build the soft X-ray charging models. The influence of soft X-ray irradiation under deferent poling voltages was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The conducted space charge measurement based on a pulsed electro-acoustic (PEA) system with a soft X-ray generator revealed that soft X-ray charging can offer higher surface charge densities and piezoelectricity to cellular electrets under the critical poling voltage lower than twice the breakdown voltage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-K, Low Loss Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications)
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19 pages, 7281 KiB  
Article
Optimized Properties in Multifunctional Polyphenylene Sulfide Composites via Graphene Nanosheets/Boron Nitride Nanosheets Dual Segregated Structure under High Pressure
by Liangqing Zhang, Shugui Yang, Longgui Peng, Kepeng Zhong and Yanhui Chen
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(19), 3543; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12193543 - 10 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1712
Abstract
The practical application of polymer composites in the electronic and communications industries often requires multi-properties, such as high thermal conductivity (TC), efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding ability with low electrical conductivity, superior tribological performance, reliable thermal stability and excellent mechanical properties. However, the [...] Read more.
The practical application of polymer composites in the electronic and communications industries often requires multi-properties, such as high thermal conductivity (TC), efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding ability with low electrical conductivity, superior tribological performance, reliable thermal stability and excellent mechanical properties. However, the integration of these mutually exclusive properties is still a challenge, ascribed to their different requirement on the incorporated nanofillers, composite microstructure as well as processing process. Herein, a well-designed boron nitride nanosheet (BN)/graphene nanosheet (GNP)/polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composite with a dual-segregated structure is fabricated via high-pressure molding. Rather than homogenous mixing of the hybrid fillers, GNP is first coated on PPS particles and followed by encapsulating the conductive GNP layers with insulating BN, forming a BN shell-GNP layer-PPS core composite particles. After hot-pressing, a dual segregated structure is constructed, in which GNP and BN are distinctly separated and arranged in the interfaces of PPS, which on the one hand gives rise to high thermal conductivity, and on the other hand, the aggregated BN layer can act as an “isolation belt” to effectively reduce the electronic transmission. Impressively, high-pressure is loaded and it has a more profound effect on the EMI shielding and thermal conductive properties of PPS composites with a segregated structure than that with homogenous mixed-structure composites. Intriguingly, the synergetic enhancement effect of BN and GNP on both thermal conductive performance and EMI shielding is stimulated by high pressure. Consequently, PPS composites with 30 wt% GNP and 10 wt% BN hot-pressed under 600 MPa present the most superior comprehensive properties with a high TC of 6.4 W/m/K, outstanding EMI SE as high as 70 dB, marvelous tribological performance, reliable thermal stability and satisfactory mechanical properties, which make it promising for application in miniaturized electronic devices in complex environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-K, Low Loss Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications)
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14 pages, 2264 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Crack Resistance of Reactor Epoxy Insulation with Boron Nitride Nanosheets and Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes
by Jun Yang, Zhijie Chen, Longyi Liang, Zhiwen Guan and Junwen Ren
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(18), 3235; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12183235 - 18 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1652
Abstract
Epoxy composites with high thermal conductivity, excellent dielectric, and mechanical properties are very promising for solving epoxy cracking faults in reactors and for extending their service life. In this work, we report on epoxy composites enhanced by ternary fillers of boron nitride nanosheets [...] Read more.
Epoxy composites with high thermal conductivity, excellent dielectric, and mechanical properties are very promising for solving epoxy cracking faults in reactors and for extending their service life. In this work, we report on epoxy composites enhanced by ternary fillers of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and silica (SiO2) nanoparticles. The obtained BNNSs/MWCNTs/SiO2/epoxy composites exhibit a high thermal conductivity of 0.9327 W m−1 K−1, which is more than 4-fold higher than that of pure epoxy. In addition, the resultant composites present an improved mechanical strength (from 2.7% of epoxy to 3.47% of composites), low dielectric constant (4.6), and low dielectric loss (0.02). It is believed that the integration of multifunctional properties into epoxy composites provides guidance for optimizing the design of high-performance materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-K, Low Loss Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications)
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Review

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45 pages, 9782 KiB  
Review
Energy Storage Performance of Polymer-Based Dielectric Composites with Two-Dimensional Fillers
by Liwen You, Benjamin Liu, Hongyang Hua, Hailong Jiang, Chuan Yin and Fei Wen
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(21), 2842; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13212842 - 26 Oct 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2046
Abstract
Dielectric capacitors have garnered significant attention in recent decades for their wide range of uses in contemporary electronic and electrical power systems. The integration of a high breakdown field polymer matrix with various types of fillers in dielectric polymer nanocomposites has attracted significant [...] Read more.
Dielectric capacitors have garnered significant attention in recent decades for their wide range of uses in contemporary electronic and electrical power systems. The integration of a high breakdown field polymer matrix with various types of fillers in dielectric polymer nanocomposites has attracted significant attention from both academic and commercial sectors. The energy storage performance is influenced by various essential factors, such as the choice of the polymer matrix, the filler type, the filler morphologies, the interfacial engineering, and the composite structure. However, their application is limited by their large amount of filler content, low energy densities, and low-temperature tolerance. Very recently, the utilization of two-dimensional (2D) materials has become prevalent across several disciplines due to their exceptional thermal, electrical, and mechanical characteristics. Compared with zero-dimensional (0D) and one-dimensional (1D) fillers, two-dimensional fillers are more effective in enhancing the dielectric and energy storage properties of polymer-based composites. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of 2D filler-based composites, encompassing a wide range of materials such as ceramics, metal oxides, carbon compounds, MXenes, clays, boron nitride, and others. In a general sense, the incorporation of 2D fillers into polymer nanocomposite dielectrics can result in a significant enhancement in the energy storage capability, even at low filler concentrations. The current challenges and future perspectives are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-K, Low Loss Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications)
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24 pages, 4495 KiB  
Review
Development and Perspectives of Thermal Conductive Polymer Composites
by Jiaqi Wang, Lin Hu, Wenhao Li, Yuge Ouyang and Liuyang Bai
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(20), 3574; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12203574 - 12 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3226
Abstract
With the development of electronic appliances and electronic equipment towards miniaturization, lightweight and high-power density, the heat generated and accumulated by devices during high-speed operation seriously reduces the working efficiency and service life of the equipment. The key to solving this problem is [...] Read more.
With the development of electronic appliances and electronic equipment towards miniaturization, lightweight and high-power density, the heat generated and accumulated by devices during high-speed operation seriously reduces the working efficiency and service life of the equipment. The key to solving this problem is to develop high-performance thermal management materials and improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the equipment. This paper mainly summarizes the research progress of polymer composites with high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, including the thermal conductivity mechanism of composites, the factors affecting the thermal conductivity of composites, and the research status of thermally conductive and electrical insulation polymer composites in recent years. Finally, we look forward to the research focus and urgent problems that should be addressed of high-performance thermal conductive composites, which will provide strategies for further development and application of advanced thermal and electrical insulation composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-K, Low Loss Polymer Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications)
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