Electric field tuning phase transition behavior and the discharge performance of (Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3 ferroelectric ceramics under shock compression

Abstract

Ferroelectric materials, owing to their polar structures and spontaneous polarization, can rapidly release charges under shock loading, offering striking potential for high-power pulsed power sources and energy conversion devices. In practical applications, ferroelectrics often operate under coupled pressure–electric field environments, where their phase transition behavior plays a key role in determining electrical responses. However, the phase transition mechanisms and phase diagrams under such coupled conditions remain unclear, and the output current lacks effective regulation. Here, the discharge behavior of (Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3 ferroelectric ceramics under coupled pressure–electric field conditions is investigated. Experiments reveal that increasing shock pressure promotes the ferroelectric–paraelectric transition and enhances charge release, while the electric field suppresses the transition, enabling effective control of the peak output current and phase transition ratio. This breaks the limitation of fixed current amplitude under shock conditions. Furthermore, a three-dimensional electric field-pressure-charge release map and a pressure–electric field phase diagram are established, unveiling the competitive interplay between pressure and electric field in governing the ferroelectric–paraelectric transition. These findings provide guidance for the design and application of lead-free ferroelectric ceramics in extreme multi-field environments.