Electric field driven domain wall dynamics in ${\mathrm{BaTiO}}_3$ nanoparticles

Journal Article · 02 February 2025 · Physical Review. B

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.111.054101 · OSTI ID:2510941

Liu, Jialun ; Yang, David ; Suzana, Ana F.; Leake, Steven J.; Robinson, Ian K.

We report a detailed investigation into the response of single ${\mathrm{BaTiO}}_3$ (BTO) nanocrystals under applied electric fields (E-field) using Bragg coherent diffraction imaging. Our study reveals pronounced domain wall migration and expansion of a sample measure under applied electric field. The changes are most prominent at the surface of the nanocrystal, where the lack of external strain allows greater domain wall mobility. The observed domain shifts are correlated to the strength and orientation of the applied E-field, following a side-by-side domain model from Suzana []. Notably, we identified a critical electric field strength of 3 MV/m, which leads to irreversible structural changes, suggesting plastic deformation. The findings highlight how surface effects and intrinsic defects contribute to the enhanced dielectric properties of BTO at the nanoscale, in contrast to bulk materials, where strain limits domain mobility. These findings deepen our understanding of nanoscale dielectric behavior and inform the design of advanced nanoelectronic devices. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
• Grant/Contract Number: SC0012704
• OSTI ID: 2510941
• Report Number(s): BNL--227654-2025-JAAM; 054101
• Journal Information: Physical Review. B, Journal Name: Physical Review. B Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 111; ISSN 2469-9950; ISSN PRBMDO
• Publisher: American Physical SocietyCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English