Local ferroelectric studies on interconnected PVDF nano-dot thin films using piezo force microscopy

Abstract

The local ferroelectric domain structure of interconnected PVDF nano-dots with applied DC voltages of ± 10 V to ± 100 V is evaluated using various Piezo force microscopy (PFM) methods such as conventional PFM and Dynamic contact electrostatic force microscopy (DC-EFM). The self-assembled PVDF nano-dots are fabricated by using a spin coater method with 2 wt% of PVDF-DMSO solution. The polar gamma phase is found to be induced by the microstructural confinement of PVDF monomers and also reveals a strong ferroelectric nature after poling at different DC bias voltages. Poling with altered directions of the voltages renders a 180° phase reversal of PVDF domains. The local domain study depicts that each nano-dot is functioning as a single domain and switches as a whole. The single nano-dot switching signifies the potential of using the nano-dots for organic ferroelectric memory devices.