Electromechanical Properties Research Articles

Multiple electromechanical coupling in wrinkled monolayer MoS2

Abstract The electromechanical coupling of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is crucial for the design of highly efficient optoelectronic devices. However, achieving multiple electromechanical coupling effects in one 2D material remain a major challenge. Here, we investigate the coexistence of energy funneling, piezoelectricity, and flexoelectricity in wrinkled monolayer TMDs through the atomic-bond-relaxation approach. We find that the periodic undulation strain induced by wrinkles can lead to multiple electromechanical coupling properties. The synergistic interaction of energy funneling, piezoelectric, and flexoelectric effects can result in spatially orthogonal charge separation and transport, as well as the suppression of recombination during charge separation and transport processes. Our study provides a new route for the design of 2D material based optoelectronic devices.

Replacing the Gallium Oxide Shell with Conductive Ag: Toward a Printable and Recyclable Composite for Highly Stretchable Electronics, Electromagnetic Shielding, and Thermal Interfaces.

Liquid metal (LM)-based composites hold promise for soft electronics due to their high conductivity and fluidic nature. However, the presence of α-Ga2O3 and GaOOH layers around LM droplets impairs conductivity and performance. We tackle this issue by replacing the oxide layer with conductive silver (Ag) using an ultrasonic-assisted galvanic replacement reaction. The Ag-coated nanoparticles form aggregated, porous microparticles that are mixed with styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) polymers, resulting in a digitally printable composite with superior electrical conductivity and electromechanical properties compared to conventional fillers. Adding more LM enhances these properties further. The composite achieves EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) exceeding 75 dB in the X-band frequency range, even at 200% strain, meeting stringent military and medical standards. It is applicable in wireless communications and Bluetooth signal blocking and as a thermal interface material (TIM). Additionally, we highlight its recyclability using a biodegradable solvent, underscoring its eco-friendly potential. This composite represents a significant advancement in stretchable electronics and EMI shielding, with implications for wearable and bioelectronic applications.

Achieving high piezoelectric performance in Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 ferroelectric single crystals through pulse poling technique

To maximize the piezoelectric performance of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 (PMN–PT) single crystals, a pulse poling (PP) method is proposed in this study. This study investigates the effects of pulse poling on the piezoelectric and dielectric properties of these PMN–PT single crystals and explores the polarization rotation mechanisms. Our findings indicate a significant improvement in the piezoelectric properties postpulse poling. The optimal PP conditions are identified as 30 pulse numbers at a pulsed electric field of 5 kV/cm. The dielectric constant ɛT33/ɛ0 and piezoelectric coefficient d33 of PMN–0.28PT post PP are 7000–7700 and 2200–2530 pC/N, respectively, representing increases of 49% and 66% compared with those of postdirect current poling (DCP). Additionally, the domain structures of the PMN–0.28PT single crystals after various DCP and PP treatments are examined and compared using piezoelectric force microscopy. The enhanced piezoelectric properties are attributed to the finer domain structures, as well as increased domain wall density achieved through PP. This research introduces a novel domain engineering approach to improve the electromechanical properties of relaxor ferroelectric single crystals.

One-step high-speed thermal-electric aerosol printing of piezoelectric bio-organic films for wirelessly powering bioelectronics.

Piezoelectric biomaterials hold a pivotal role in the progression of bioelectronics and biomedicine, owing to their remarkable electromechanical properties, biocompatibility, and bioresorbability. However, their technological potential is restrained by certain challenges, including precise manipulation of nanobiomolecules, controlling their growth across nano-to-macro hierarchy, and tuning desirable mechanical properties. We report a high-speed thermal-electric driven aerosol (TEA) printing method capable of fabricating piezoelectric biofilms in a singular step. Electrohydrodynamic aerosolizing and in situ electrical poling allow instantaneous tuning of the spatial organization of biomolecular inks. We demonstrate TEA printing of β-glycine/polyvinylpyrrolidone films, and such films exhibit the piezoelectric voltage coefficient of 190 × 10-3 volt-meters per newton, surpassing that of industry-standard lead zirconate titanate by approximately 10-fold. Furthermore, these films demonstrate nearly two orders of magnitude improvement in mechanical flexibility compared to glycine crystals. We also demonstrate the ultrasonic energy harvesters based on the biofilms, providing the possibility of wirelessly powering bioelectronics.

Increased inter-atrial and intra-atrial conduction times in pediatric patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The global incidence of pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising, and it is linked to various potentially dangerous complications such as cardiovascular complications, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial electromechanical conduction delay (EMD) has been reported as an early predictor for AF development. This study aimed to explore the link between NAFLD and the increased risk of AF development. This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 newly diagnosed NAFLD children (aged 14-18 years) as the patient group and 100 healthy individuals as a control group. Transthoracic echocardiography and simultaneous electrocardiography (ECG) recording were employed to estimate atrial electromechanical properties. EMD values were calculated for the inter-atrial, left intra-atrial, and right intra-atrial. Our results showed that pediatric patients with NAFLD exhibited significantly prolonged EMD values in the left and right intra-atrial as well as in inter-atrial regions compared to the control group (P = 0.03, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Children with NAFLD show atrial electromechanical alterations that may presage AF in adulthood.

Effective flexoelectric properties of inclusion-based composites based on strain gradient theory and homogenization technique

This study focuses on enhancing flexoelectricity in composites and develops a new micromechanical analytical framework to determine the effective electromechanical properties of inclusion-based flexoelectric composites within the context of SGE. Initially, we specialize in studying isotropic materials and derive the governing Navier equations for the problem. Subsequently, we streamline these differential equations by introducing a Laplacian-type gradient state variable, departing from higher-order gradient-enrichment treatments. The study employs Green’s functions and stress polarization tensors for spherical inhomogeneities, deriving homogenized material properties through volumetric averages of microscopic properties weighted by displacement localization operators. The analytical scheme’s relevance is validated against results from reference models and experimental data. Effective composite properties are evaluated using numerical methods, with an emphasis on assessing the impact of reinforcement on these properties. Our findings lay the foundation for developing a micromechanical method to predict the electromechanical behavior of composites. Specifically, we demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed theory by deriving effective flexoelectric properties of particulate composites.

Next-gen strain sensors: Self-healing, ultra-sensitive, lightweight, and durable MWCNT-silicone rubber for advanced human motion tracking

Strain sensors that have flexible wearable forms can be applied in different aspects, such as in soft robotics, human-computer interaction, motion monitoring, and medical treatment process. The main challenge is creating lightweight, flexible sensors with high sensitivity. In this study, we developed flexible strain sensors using a simple sandwich manufacturing method. To achieve this, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were chosen for their excellent conductivity, while silicone rubber (SR) provided a flexible and durable substrate. Advanced SEM-EDX and FTIR analyses were conducted to assess the material structure. Furthermore, the electromechanical performance of the sensors was thoroughly evaluated, highlighting their potential in real-world applications. Electromechanical performance evaluation showed that the SR/0.7-MWCNT/SR sensor in the 0–90 % strain range had a sensitivity of 34.47, an increase of 53.35 %, and a linearity of 0.978, an increase of 10 % compared to the SR/0.5-MWCNT/SR sensor. In addition, the sensor has extremely fast response and recovery times of 65 ms and 60 ms, respectively. The sensor is also able to withstand up to 1.200 cycles of stretching, twisting, and bending. The sensor also exhibited good autonomous electromechanical self-healing properties against physical damage. The sensor developed in the present study are proven to be used to detect human movements such as finger bending, wrist, elbow, and knee movements.

On the Origin of Signal and Bandwidth of Converse Magnetoelectric Magnetic Field Sensors

AbstractConverse magnetoelectric sensors enable the detection of low‐frequency and low‐amplitude magnetic fields over a bandwidth of several kilohertz by combining the electrical excitation of a magnetoelectric resonator via a piezoelectric layer with an inductive readout. Here, a comprehensive sensor model is presented to further foster the development of this promising sensor concept. The model relates the output signal to the device characteristics, taking into account the magnetoelastic and electromechanical properties, the resonator geometry, and operating conditions. The sensor system is thoroughly experimentally analyzed to validate the model. Based on the analysis, the sensor concept is explained in detail, including the origin of its loss and bandwidth and their connection with the magneto‐mechanical loss in the magnetostrictive layer. Significant advances have been made in the comprehensive understanding of converse magnetoelectric sensors, providing a solid basis for future improvements in magnetoelectric sensor systems.

Scalable Layered Heterogeneous Hydrogel Fibers with Strain-Induced Crystallization for Tough, Resilient, and Highly Conductive Soft Bioelectronics.

The advancement of soft bioelectronics hinges critically on the electromechanical properties of hydrogels. Despite ongoing research into diverse material and structural strategies to enhance these properties, producing hydrogels that are simultaneously tough, resilient, and highly conductive for long-term, dynamic physiological monitoring remains a formidable challenge. Here, a strategy utilizing scalable layered heterogeneous hydrogel fibers (LHHFs) is introduced that enables synergistic electromechanical modulation of hydrogels. High toughness (1.4MJ m-3) and resilience (over 92% recovery from 200% strain) of LHHFs are achieved through a damage-free toughening mechanism that involves dense long-chain entanglements and reversible strain-induced crystallization of sodium polyacrylate. The unique symmetrical layered structure of LHHFs, featuring distinct electrical and mechanical functional layers, facilitates the mixing of multi-walled carbon nanotubes to significantly enhance electrical conductivity (192.7 S m-1) without compromising toughness and resilience. Furthermore, high-performance LHHF capacitive iontronic strain/pressure sensors and epidermal electrodes are developed, capable of accurately and stably capturing biomechanical and bioelectrical signals from the human body under long-term, dynamic conditions. The LHHF offers a promising route for developing hydrogels with uniquely integrated electromechanical attributes, advancing practical wearable healthcare applications.

Tailoring the Microstructure and Porosity of Porous Piezoelectric Ceramics for Ultrasonic Transducer Application.

Porous piezoelectric ceramics and composites are advantageous for ultrasonic transducers due to their capability to decouple longitudinal and transverse modes, their improved voltage sensitivity, and their enhanced acoustic matching. However, the design and fabrication of porous piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers with excellent electromechanical properties are still challenging. In this work, porous lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramics with an aligned pore structure were prepared using the freeze-cast technique, and the effect of porous structure and porosity on the electromechanical parameters was investigated. The introduction of an aligned pore structure is beneficial to enhance the electromechanical properties and reduce the acoustic impedance. A high d33 (∼530 pC/N), a higher kt (∼0.676), and a lower acoustic impedance (∼10.4 MRalys) were achieved in the porous PZT ceramic with the porosity of 44 vol %. The effect of porosity and pore structure on the decoupling degree of vibration modes and ferroelectric polarization was considered to correct the homogeneous medium model, which can quantify the relationship between the kt and porosity of the porous structure. A demonstration of a piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer based on freeze-cast porous PZT ceramics was presented, which exhibits a -6 dB bandwidth of 52% and a theoretical axial resolution of 520 μm. This work therefore provides a potential alternative of piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers for nondestructive testing and imaging applications.

Electromechanical properties of different phases in ferroelectric crystals regulated by variously oriented electric fields

Electric fields offer a convenient and tunable way to induce phase transitions for regulating the electromechanical properties of ferroelectrics. However, regulating the electromechanical properties by using electric fields in various directions for different ferroelectric phases has yet to be systematically investigated, especially for lead-free material KNbO3. Based on the nonlinear thermodynamics analysis, the electric field-temperature phase diagrams of KNbO3 single crystals under different electric field directions (E[001], E[011], E[111]) have been constructed, along with the electric-field-induced electromechanical responses. The results show that the phase diagrams are markedly different under different electric field directions. Specifically, the electric field-temperature phase diagram appears as a "line"-shaped phase boundary under E[001], while it appears as a "U"-shaped phase boundary under E[011], and an arrowhead-shaped phase boundary under E[111]. It is also found that there are excellent electromechanical responses near both "U"-shaped and arrowhead-shaped phase boundaries due to the significant alterations in polarization slopes near the phase boundaries, offering an alternative pathway to regulate and enhance the electromechanical properties in ferroelectrics.

High performance (K,Na)NbO3-based textured ceramics for piezoelectric energy harvesting

Piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs), which can provide sustainable green energy for low-power electronics have received extensive attention in the viewpoint of science and industrialization. In order to achieve large output power of PEHs, high-performance piezoelectric materials are extremely desired. Herein, excellent electromechanical conversion properties of d33 ∼ 447 pC/N, g33 ∼ 30 × 10-3 Vm/N, k33 ∼ 47% and Suni ∼ 0.18% were achieved in <001> grain aligned KNN-based lead-free ceramics with a favorable rhombohedral (R), orthorhombic (O) and tetragonal (T) multiphase structure. The superior electromechanical conversion properties can be attributed to grain orientation and crystal symmetry controlled anisotropy, and multiphase coexistence significantly decreased poling energy barrier, as well as the flexible response to external stimuli of the nanometer domains. The PEHs fabricated using the optimal performance KNN-based textured ceramics exhibit high output power of 0.46 mW and power density of 6.7 mW/cm3 at a resonant frequency of 41 Hz, which is associated with the large k33 (∼ 47%) and figure-of-merit (d33×g33 ∼ 13.4×10-12 m2/N) values. The output power can actually light up more than 145 commercial LEDs, demonstrating great potential of KNN-based PEHs to power wireless sensors.

The impact of chemical inhomogeneity in calcinated powders on grain growth behavior and piezoelectric properties of lead-free KNN-based ceramic

Despite outstanding electromechanical properties are achieved in KNN-based ceramics, unstable reproducibility of piezoelectric properties remains a challenge to industrial production, owing to a lack of in-depth understanding of grain growth behavior and chemical homogenization throughout the overall solid-state synthesis process. Herein, a significant chemical heterogeneity behavior was found in calcinated 0.957K0.48Na0.52Nb0.96Sb0.04O3-0.04Bi0.5Na0.5ZrO3-0.003CaZrO3 powders owing to non-uniform diffusion and competitive chemical reaction among multicomponent reactants. The chemical heterogeneity is significantly alleviated by modulating calcination temperatures and ball-milling the calcinated powders. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the heterogeneous calcinated powder with different particle size distribution plays a significant role in grain growth behavior and chemical homogenization of bulk ceramics. Finally, we obtained uniform grain size distribution and preferable chemical homogeneity in ceramics with the calcination of 900 oC and undergone twice ball milling, which exhibit superior piezoelectric properties (d33=368 pC/N, kp=0.52). This work provides an effective paradigm to ameliorate the inferior reproducibility of KNN-based ceramics by effectively regulating the processing condition during solid-state synthesis.

Revealing multiphase coexistence of R-O-T phases in BaTiO3-CaTiO3-BaSnO3 electroceramics for energy harvesting and storage response with piezo actuation

The (Ba1-xCax)(SnyTi1-y)O3 piezoelectric ceramics (where x=0.016, y=0.024; x=0.032, y=0.048; x=0.048, y=0.072; x=0.064, y=0.096; x=0.08, y=0.12) were designed by conventional solid state reaction method. The crystal structure for the composition of x=0.064 and y=0.096 (abbreviated as BCST-4) possesses the coexistence of non-centrosymmetric rhombohedral-orthorhombic-tetragonal (R-O-T) tri-lattice symmetries at room temperature, as demonstrated by the structural Rietveld refinement, Raman analysis, and temperature dependence of dielectric study. Because of the R-O-T multiphase coexistence, BCST-4 possesses a superior electromechanical and piezoelectric property viz. kp ∼ 0.45, strain ∼ 0.100 %, d33* ∼ 649 pm/V, and an improved d33 ∼ 452 pC/N, which is comparable to commercially available soft PZT ceramics (d33 ⁓ 370 pC/N). For BCST-4 ceramics, an exceptional electrostriction coefficient Q33 ∼ 0.0434 m4/C2 value was attained. The intrinsic piezo-actuation DC strain was observed to be 130 microstrain (με) and 188 με with ε33 and ε31 modes respectively. The BCST-4 ceramic exhibits a maximum output power of 1.03 mW, a power density of 13.5 µW/mm3, a maximum output current of 88 µA, and an open circuit voltage Vpp of 28 V which successfully glowed ‘SPPU’ panel having 40 red commercial light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The energy storage study reveals that BCST-4 ceramics exhibit a maximum energy storage density (Wrec) of 165.87 mJ/cm3 with efficiency (ƞ) 68.00 %. Therefore, the improvement in electrostriction coefficient, piezoelectric charge coefficient, and energy storage response indicates that BCST-4 ceramic has the potential for actuator, energy harvesting, and energy storage applications.

Fabrication of Textured 0.685(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-0.065BaTiO3-0.25SrTiO3 Electrostrictive Ceramics by Templated Grain Growth Using NaNbO3 Templates and Characterization of Their Electrical Properties

Electrostrictive materials based on (Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3 are promising lead-free candidates for high-precision actuation applications, yet their properties require further improvement. This study aims to enhance the electromechanical properties of a predominantly electrostrictive composition, 0.685(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-0.065BaTiO3-0.25SrTiO3, by using templated grain growth. Textured ceramics were prepared with 1~9 wt% NaNbO3 templates. A high Lotgering factor of 95% was achieved with 3 wt% templates and sintering at 1200 °C for 12 h. Polarization and strain hysteresis loops confirmed the ergodic nature of the system at room temperature, with unipolar strain significantly improving from 0.09% for untextured ceramics to 0.23% post-texturing. A maximum normalized strain, Smax/Emax (d33*), of 581 pm/V was achieved at an electric field of 4 kV/mm for textured ceramics. Textured ceramics also showed enhanced performance over untextured ceramics at lower electric fields. The electrostrictive coefficient Q33 increased from 0.017 m4C−2 for untextured ceramics to 0.043 m4C−2 for textured ceramics, accompanied by reduced strain hysteresis, making the textured 0.685(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-0.065BaTiO3-0.25SrTiO3 composition suitable for high-precision actuation applications. Dielectric properties measured between −193 °C and 550 °C distinguished the depolarization, Curie–Weiss and Burns temperatures, and activation energies for polar nanoregion transitions and dc conduction. Dispersive dielectric constants were found to observe the “two” law exhibiting a temperature dependence double the value of the Curie–Weiss constant, with shifts of about 10 °C per frequency decade where the non-dispersive THz limit was identified.

Molded, Solid-State Biomolecular Assemblies with Programmable Electromechanical Properties.

Piezoelectric and ferroelectric technologies are currently dominated by perovskite-based ceramics, not only due to their impressive figures of merit, but due to their versatility in size and shape. This allows the dimensions of, for example, lead zirconium titanate and potassium sodium niobate, to be tailored to the needs of thousands of applications across the automotive, medical device, and consumer electronics industries. In this Letter, we significantly advance the performance and customization of biomolecular crystal (nontoxic, biocompatible amino acids, viz., trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline, L-alanine, hydrates of L-arginine and L-asparagine, and γ-glycine) assemblies by growing them as molded, substrate-free piezoelectric elements. This methodology allows for electromechanical properties to be embedded in these assemblies by fine-tuning the chemistry of the biomolecules and thus the functional properties of the single crystal space group. Here, we report the piezoelectric, mechanical, thermal, and structural properties of these amino acid-based polycrystalline actuators. This versatile, low-cost, low-temperature growth method opens up the path to phase in biomolecular piezoelectrics as high-performance, eco-friendly alternatives to ceramics.

Microwave, ferroelectric and electromechanical studies of free standing blended electroactive polymer films

This study probes the enhancement of the microwave, ferroelectric and electromechanical properties of electroactive polymer (EAP) blended films made out of P(VDF-TrFE) and Nafion. Blended films are synthesized using the solution casting method, with different Nafion volume percentage (0 % to 30 %), and the phase formation is confirmed using XRD and FTIR spectroscopy. The morphological features are studied using FESEM. The reflection loss of the blended films as a function of thickness has been studied in both X and Ku band using a VNA. The contribution of reflection and absorption to the shielding effectiveness are also explored. 10 % Nafion inclusion effectively minimizes microwave reflection. The P-E hysteresis study reveals that the blended films exhibit high performance in terms of the parameters. The electromechanical coupling factor has been enhanced for 10 % Nafion inclusion. These findings suggest that the blended films have potential applications in flexible piezoelectric sensors, capacitors, memory, and microwave devices.

Electromechanical properties and piezoelectric potentials of one-dimensional GaN nanostructures: A bond relaxation investigation

From the viewpoint of atomic bond relaxation, an analytical approach was put forward to elucidate the physical origins of crystal size and cross-sectional shape dependency of piezoelectric potentials in GaN nanowires and nanotubes. It is demonstrated that (i) size-induced increase in piezoelectric potential is attributed to the coupling effect of the rising piezoelectric coefficient and both the reducing dielectric constant and elastic constant caused by the surface atomic coordination number loss, bond energy perturbation, and surface-to-volume ratio rising; (ii) as the number of sides for polygonal nanowires or nanotubes with the same equivalent radius decreases, the surface-to-volume ratio rises, and the piezoelectric potential increases; and (iii) the nanotubes can generate a piezoelectric potential higher than their nanowire counterparts due to their larger surface-to-volume ratios. The proposed formulation offers a scientific basis for the fabrication, optimization, and modulation of one-dimensional GaN-based piezoelectric nanometer devices.

Low-frequency dynamics of 0.45PMN-0.55PSN solid solution

Lead magnoniobate-scandoniobate (PMN-PSN) solid solutions are important functional materials for transducer/actuator devices due to their extraordinary dielectric and electromechanical properties. These unique properties are related to the unusual low-frequency relaxation dynamics, which has not been sufficiently understood until now. In our paper the low-frequency relaxation dynamics of 0.45Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.55Pb(Sc1/2Nb1/2)O3 single crystal is studied in frequency range 10 mHz–1 MHz at temperatures near the dielectric permittivity maximum. Four relaxation processes are identified. Low-frequency mode demonstrating the critical divergence around 306 K is revealed. However, the phase transition into ferroelectric phase at this temperature does not occur. Near 306 K, the appearance of M-type superstructure is found related to the combination of oxygen octahedral rotation and anti-parallel shifts of lead ions. The appearance of the additional order parameter suppresses the slowing down of the ferroelectric mode and the phase transition into the ferroelectric phase occurs only below 295 K. In addition, two relaxation processes, similar to reorientation and “breathing” polar nanoregion (PNR) modes reported for PMN, are found. The sharp softening of “reorientation mode” is observed on cooling from 315 to 295 K with Tf ∼288 K. The fourth relaxation process is the Debye process, and we assume that it is associated with defects relaxation. Below 295 K, all four relaxation processes still exist, but their parameters are practically temperature independent. The low-temperature phase is not exactly a “normal” ferroelectric phase, the PNRs persist in the FE phase.

Deciphering the Effect of Defect Dipoles on the Polarization and Electrostrain Behavior in Perovskite Ferroelectrics.

Defect dipoles are crucial for regulating electromechanical properties in piezoelectric ceramics, but their effects on polarization and electrostrain behaviors are still unclear. Here, a reasonable theoretical model is proposed and evidenced by experiments to address a long-standing puzzle of the relationship between the internal bias field and defect dipoles. By incorporating the additional polarization induced by defect dipoles, we refine the classical theory to account for the recently reported asymmetric giant-strain behaviors. Phase-field simulation reveals the electrostrain evolution in response to defect dipole elastic distortion and additional polarization. This work not only elucidates the effect of defect dipoles on polarization and electrostrain but also advances the theoretical understanding of defects in piezoelectrics.