Exploring domain behaviour in BaTiO₃ under distinct atmospheres: A pathway to tuning surface chemistry

In this DENSsolutions Climate webinar we welcome Tamsin O'Reilly from the CDT PIADS program at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

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Abstract

Ferroelectric materials exhibit spontaneous polarization and form regions of uniform polarization, called domains, that can be switched with an external field. In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful tool for studying the dynamic response of these domains. However, the interpretation of such studies remains a challenge because the sample preparation, experimental design, vacuum conditions, and other factors can drastically change the behavior from that of the bulk crystal.

During this webinar, Tamsin O'Reilly will present the use of our Climate system to map the thermal response of ferroelectric-ferroelastic 90° domains in <100>_pc BaTiO₃ lamellae via scanning-TEM (STEM) techniques. Moreover, Tamsin will discuss the effect that sample preparation has on the resulting domains patterns, as well as the benefits of in situ annealing in vacuum prior to observation. Furthermore, knowing that the polarity of domains can change the surface chemistry of ferroelectric materials and conversely that the chemical environment can be used to tune the ferroelectric polarization, she will show how the in situ gas capabilities of Climate can be utilized to study the thermal behavior of domains in oxygen-rich, inert and vacuum environments.

The results obtained here provide direct evidence that the domain microstructure changes with the chemical environment, consistent with previous reports, and that vacuum conditions can potentially be used to promote desirable thermal behaviors.

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