Electrostatic effects in nanoscale ferroelectrics

Lennard-Jones Centre discussion group seminar by Dr Chiara Gattinoni from London South Bank University. The behavior of nanoscale forms of matter, such as thin films or nanocrystal, is strongly influenced by the structure and behavior of their surfaces and interfaces. In nanoscale ferroelectrics, a surface charge arises as a consequence of the ferroelectric polarization itself, and this surface charge leads to an electrostatic instability – the so-called “polar catastrophe” – if it is not compensated. This talk shows how the properties of ferroelectric materials at the nanoscale are intimately linked to the compensation mechanism that takes place at their surface. It also demonstrates how the structural and electronic properties of PbTiO3, BiFeO3 and KTaO3 lead to a different compensation mechanism in each case, with a discussion of how to harness the properties of these nanoscale materials for technological applications. The seminar was held on 21st March 2022. 🖥️ Check out our websites: https://linktr.ee/cumaterials