Recent Advances in Dielectric and Ferroelectric Behavior of Ceramic Nanocomposites: Structure Property Relationships and Processing Strategies
Nouf Ahmed Althumairi, M. Hjiri, Abdullah M. Aldukhayel, Anouar Jbeli, Kais Iben Nassar
Abstract
In the race toward next-generation electronics and energy systems, ceramic nanocomposites have taken center stage due to their remarkable dielectric and ferroelectric functionalities. By pushing the boundaries of nanoscale engineering, recent studies have shown how microstructural control and interfacial design can unlock unprecedented levels of polarization, permittivity, and frequency stability. This review presents a critical and up-to-date synthesis of the last decade's progress in ceramic-based nanocomposites, with a special focus on the structure property processing nexus. Diverse processing techniques ranging from conventional sintering to advanced spark plasma sintering and scalable wet-chemical methods are analyzed for their influence on phase purity, grain boundary behavior, and interfacial polarization. The review also explores breakthroughs in lead-free and eco-friendly systems, flexible ferroelectric nanocomposites, and high-k dielectrics suitable for miniaturized devices. By identifying both the scientific opportunities and persistent challenges in this rapidly evolving field, this work aims to guide future innovations in material design, device integration, and sustainable performance.