Magnetoelectric Composites: Applications, Coupling Mechanisms, and Future Directions

Abstract

Multiferroic (MF)-magnetoelectric (ME) composites, which integrate magnetic and ferroelectric materials, exhibit a higher operational temperature (above room temperature) and superior (several orders of magnitude) ME coupling when compared to single-phase multiferroic materials. Room temperature control and the switching of magnetic properties via an electric field and electrical properties by a magnetic field has motivated research towards the goal of realizing ultralow power and multifunctional nano (micro) electronic devices. Here, some of the leading applications for magnetoelectric composites are reviewed, and the mechanisms and nature of ME coupling in artificial composite systems are discussed. Ways to enhance the ME coupling and other physical properties are also demonstrated. Finally, emphasis is given to the important open questions and future directions in this field, where new breakthroughs could have a significant impact in transforming scientific discoveries to practical device applications, which can be well-controlled both magnetically and electrically.

Roadmap on Magnetoelectric Materials and Devices

“…While strategies are available to partly overcome this detriment (e.g. by the dispersion of core-shell particles [137][138][139][140]), the largest upturns in ME coupling strength have been realized by the layering of ferroelectric and magnetic components into 2-2 bulk laminates. Ceramic laminates made of the same perovskite ferroelectrics and ferrites typically exhibit one order of magnitude larger αE values compared to their particulate counterpart [141][142][143].…”

Electrical, magnetic and microwave absorption properties of multiferroic NiFe2O4-BaTiO3 nanocomposites

“…Meanwhile, the multiferroics in the form of FE-FM composites (multi-phase structures) exhibit a stronger ME coupling effect and higher Curie temperature [18][19][20]. Therefore, they are prioritized for research and applications [21][22][23][24]. To produce multiferroic with a high application potential, no diffusion or chemical reaction occurs between the component phases in composites; and the values of magnetostriction and piezoelectric coefficients, dielectric permittivity, and resistivity should also be high [24][25][26][27][28][29].…”

“…Therefore, they are prioritized for research and applications [21][22][23][24]. To produce multiferroic with a high application potential, no diffusion or chemical reaction occurs between the component phases in composites; and the values of magnetostriction and piezoelectric coefficients, dielectric permittivity, and resistivity should also be high [24][25][26][27][28][29]. Among there, barium titanate (BaTiO 3 : BTO) is a typical FE material, exhibiting some advanced characteristics, such as the high permittivity and good ferroelectric properties [30][31][32][33], chemical stability, and low toxicity [34][35][36], which is being viewed as a multifunctional electronic ceramic.…”

Magnetoelectric Response of Laminated Cantilevers Comprising a Magnetoactive Elastomer and a Piezoelectric Polymer, in Pulsed Uniform Magnetic Fields

“…Multiferroic magnetoelectric (ME) composites attract large attention both from academe and industry due to their applications in sensor technology, high-frequency engineering, energy harvesting devices, random access memories, etc. [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Conventional ME layered composites are built from rigid constitutive materials (Young's modulus Y~10 11 Pa).…”