Ag-only inner electrode Na₀.₅Bi₀.₅TiO₃-based X9R MLCC: achieving high performance and cost efficiency

The demand for high-power electronic applications is set to drive the necessity for robust components like multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). These MLCCs must endure a broad temperature range and withstand high electric fields. Simultaneously, the production cost of these components is a crucial concern for manufacturers. The regularly used Ag/Pd inner electrodes constitute the most significant cost factor. Hence, this study showcases the fabrication of a sodium bismuth titanate (NBT)-based MLCC using only Ag inner electrodes. This could be achieved by reducing the sintering temperatures with the help of sintering aids, but still maintaining excellent dielectric properties of the ceramic. This MLCC demonstrates an exceptional operational temperature range (− 90 to 310 °C), high energy density (up to 5.1 J/cm³), higher efficiency (92%) at 217 kV/cm, and robust capacitance stability (variation less than 10%) even under high temperatures and electric fields.