Innovative perspectives on porous ferroelectric ceramics and their composites: Charting new frontiers in energy applications

Ferroelectric ceramics, renowned for their exceptional piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric attributes, have become a focal point in materials research. This review delves into the innovative integration of porosity into ferroelectric ceramics and the development of polymer composites to amplify their performance. The introduction of porosity induces captivating dimensions, modifies surface areas, and enhances critical parameters such as piezoelectric coefficients (dᵢʲ), relative permittivity (εᵣ), and Young's modulus, unlocking novel piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties, thereby significantly expanding their applicability. The main focus of this review is to investigate the synthesis methods, microstructural evolution, and mechanical properties of porous ferroelectric ceramics, which further extends to the applications of these materials in energy harvesting, catalysis, and sensing. Despite their vast potential, challenges persist in controlling pore size and distribution while maintaining the inherent ferroelectricity. Our comprehensive analysis aims to illuminate these challenges, providing insights into material design and uncovering the underlying physics governing their porous nature. Noteworthy contributions of this review include elucidating the novel synergy between porosity, microstructure, and material properties. By unraveling this intricate relationship, our work not only presents a critical assessment of the field's current state but also identifies avenues for future advancements. This review positions porous ferroelectric ceramics as a pioneering area at the forefront of scientific progress, offering exciting prospects for developing advanced materials with unprecedented applications.