Abstract:

As a vital category of functional materials, dielectric materials underpin advancements ranging from the high-speed transmission in 5G/6G communications to the precise sensing capabilities of intelligent sensors, all enabled by their unique dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric properties. As material design advances from macroscopic scale to atomic-level precision, and performance optimization shifts from empirical accumulation to data-driven intelligence, research on dielectric materials has entered a new phase characterized by transformative innovation.

By controlling crystal defects, domain structures, and interfacial characteristics, dielectric materials exhibit smarter responsive behaviors. For instance, texturing techniques have improved lead-based piezoelectric ceramics; new ferroelectric states have emerged in Ruddlesden-Popper structures; and microwave dielectric ceramics have achieved greater temperature stability without sacrificing permittivity. These advances demonstrate the significance of atomic-level design and multidimensional control in advancing dielectric materials.

This special issue compiles cutting-edge research in the field. Prof. Wang Ke and Prof. Li Fei analyzed progress on lead-based textured piezoelectric ceramics. Prof. Liu Xiaoqiang explored unconventional ferroelectric mechanisms in Ruddlesden-Popper structures. Prof. Li Enzhu proposed molecular-level design guidelines for microwave dielectric ceramics based on P-V-L bond theory. Prof. Zhou Di reassessed Ba(Nd_1/2Nb_1/2)O₃ ceramics, and Prof. Li Lingxia advanced terahertz dielectric research with MgNb₂O₆ ceramics.

Notable breakthroughs include Prof. Fang Liang’s discovery of a Rattling-effect mechanism to enhance thermal stability in microwave ceramics, and Prof. Lei Wen and Prof. Zhang Bo's researches on performance enhancement in microwave ceramics via ion doping. Additionally, Prof. Zhu Jianguo and Prof. Zhou Zhiyong independently developed self-doping strategies for lead-free piezoelectric materials, while Prof. Wang Yaojin demonstrated the “structure determines properties” paradigm by optimizing PZT-based ceramics through phase boundary and domain engineering.

In fabrication and characterization, Prof. Zheng Mupeng’s team pioneered low-temperature sintering techniques, and Prof. Ma Mingsheng and Prof. Liu Zhifu designed composite oxide sintering aids to reduce sintering temperatures. Prof. Wen Zheng and Prof. Xu Fangfang utilized PFM and EELS to analyze ultrathin film relaxation and MLCC elemental structures, laying the groundwork for miniaturized dielectric devices. These efforts bridge academia and industry, driving sustainable high-performance materials.

Looking forward, three trajectories will guide future developments: (1) theoretical evolution, with the shift from empirical models to multiscale simulations integrated with machine learning for smart material design; (2) multifunctional integration, aiming to engineer materials with coupled opto-electro-mechanical- thermal responses for adaptive systems; (3) atomic-scale fabrication, leveraging epitaxial growth and topological assembly to create artificial materials with atomic precision. These trends position dielectric materials as crucial enablers in quantum computing, terahertz communications, humanoid robots, and other strategic fields.

We extend the deepest respect to researchers advancing dielectric materials. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and industry-academia partnerships, this field will continue delivering transformative innovations for both technological and societal progress.