Analysis on nonlinearity of antiferroelectric multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) for energy storage

The nonlinearity of a commercial antiferroelectric (AFE) multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) was investigated via hysteresis loop and DC bias characteristics. Capacitors based on linear polypropylene and relaxor ferroelectric with similar initial capacitance were chosen for comparison. Higher stored charge and energy can be achieved in AFE capacitor due to its nonlinear polarization behavior. In addition, the discharge current of AFE capacitor increases nonlinearly, resulting in higher discharge current. The special energy storage and discharge behaviors are explained physically by the electric-field-induced phase transition. This work indicates that AFE dielectrics are very promising for applications in power electronics and pulsed power.