Abstract
Freestanding and single-crystal BiFeO3 (BFO) nanoplates have been successfully synthesized by a fluoride ion-assisted hydrothermal method, and the thickness of the nanoplates can be effectively tailored from 80 to 380 nm by the concentration of fluoride ions. It is revealed that BFO nanoplates grew via an oriented attachment of layer by layer, giving rise to the formation of the inner interface within the nanoplates. In particular, antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase-transition temperature (Néel temperature, TN) of the BFO nanoplates is significantly enhanced from typical 370 to ∼512 °C, whereas the Curie temperature (TC) of the BFO nanoplates is determined to be ∼830 °C, in good agreement with a bulk value. The combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and the first-principle calculations reveals that the interfacial tensile strain remarkably improves the stability of AFM ordering, accounting for the significant enhancement in TN of BFO plates. Correspondingly, the tensile strain induced the polarization and oxygen octahedral tilting has been observed near the interface. The findings presented here suggest that single-crystal BFO nanoplate is an ideal system for exploring an intrinsic magnetoelectric property, where a tensile strain can be a very promising approach to tailor AFM ordering and polarization rotation for an enhanced coupling effect.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
