Ferroelectric instability in nanotubes and spherical nanoshells

Abstract

The emergence of ferroelectricity in nanotubes and spherical nanoshells is studied theoretically. We determine semi-analytically the size and thickness dependence of the ferroelectric instability, as well as its dependence on the properties of the surrounding media and the corresponding interfaces. By properly tuning these factors, we demonstrate possible routes for enhancing the ferroelectric transition temperature and promoting the competition between irrotational and vortex-like states in the ultra-thin limit due to the specific topology of these nanoparticles.