Researchers Lan-Tien Hsu, Takeshi Nishimatsu, and Anna Grünebohm from the University of Vienna have published a study that explores the potential benefits of growing ferroelectric perovskites in a specific orientation. Their work, titled “Competing phases and domain structures of ferroelectric perovskites: the benefit of epitaxial (110) growth,” was published in the journal Physical Review Materials.
Ferroelectric materials are known for their ability to switch and maintain a spontaneous electric polarization, making them useful in various applications such as sensors, actuators, and memory devices. In this study, the researchers focused on a group of ferroelectric materials called perovskites, which have a specific crystal structure. The team used advanced computer simulations to investigate how applying strain to these materials in a particular direction, known as the (110) orientation, could influence their properties.
Most previous studies have concentrated on applying strain in the (100) orientation. However, the researchers found that the (110) orientation could offer significant advantages. Even modest strains in this orientation could stabilize a variety of nanoscale states within the material, leading to enhanced functional tunability. This means that the material’s properties can be more easily adjusted and controlled, which is crucial for practical applications.
The study revealed that under (110) strain, the ferroelectric films exhibited complex domain structures. These domains are regions within the material where the electric polarization is aligned in a specific direction. The researchers observed multidomain configurations with domain walls oriented along different directions, as well as the coexistence of different phases within the material. These findings suggest that the (110) orientation could be a promising avenue for engineering ferroelectric materials with tailored properties.
For the energy industry, this research could have practical implications in the development of more efficient and controllable ferroelectric devices. For instance, the ability to stabilize diverse nanoscale states could lead to the creation of advanced energy storage devices, sensors, and actuators with improved performance. The enhanced tunability offered by the (110) orientation could also facilitate the development of more responsive and adaptable materials for various energy applications.
In summary, the study by Hsu, Nishimatsu, and Grünebohm highlights the potential benefits of exploring lower-symmetry orientations in ferroelectric perovskites. By demonstrating the advantages of (110) strain, the researchers open up new possibilities for the design and optimization of ferroelectric materials in the energy sector. The research was published in the journal Physical Review Materials.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.