Polarization fatigue in ferroelectric thin films and related materials

Abstract

The experimental characteristics of polarization fatigue in thin-film, bulk ceramic, and single-crystalline ferroelectrics have been reviewed in detail. Various scenarios and models proposed for fatigue in ferroelectric materials during the past few decades have been discussed, together with our own model developed very recently [Phys. Rev. Lett. 97, 177601 (2006); Phys. Rev. B 75, 244104 (2007)]. Interpretations for the experimental data reviewed in this paper but untreated in our previous work [Phys. Rev. B 75, 244104 (2007)] as well as the methods of improving the fatigue endurance in ferroelectrics are given based on this model. Finally, the results on polarization fatigue in some special classes of ferroelectrics such as multiferroics (e.g., BiFeO3-based materials), ferroelectric polymers, and antiferroelectric thin films and ceramics are discussed and accounted for in light of our model.

Reduction-induced Fermi level pinning at the interfaces between Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 and Pt, Cu and Ag metal electrodes

“…The fatigue phenomenon for PZT thin film is especially pronounced with metal electrodes such as Pt. Different fatigue models and mechanisms have been reviewed by Tangantsev et al [9] and Lou et al [10]. Accumulation of oxygen vacancies at the ferroelectric/electrode interface and/or injection of charge carriers through the interface have been suggested to be related to the fatigue phenomenon.…”

Fatigue mechanism of textured Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 ceramics

“…Systematic loss of the switchable polarization under cyclic external field is known as polarization fatigue. [6][7][8] Several mechanisms have been proposed in literature for explaining the fatigue behavior of a ferroelectric material including accumulation of charged defects at domain walls leading to their pinning, 9 formation of space charge layer at ferroelectric-electrode interface, 10,11 formation of micro-cracks due to residual strain, 12,13 field-driven phase transition, 14 and field-driven diffusion of electrode metal to grain boundaries. 15 Depending upon the operating conditions (temperature, external field magnitude, and frequency) and microstructure of the material, one or more of these fatigue mechanisms can play the governing role.…”

“…15 Depending upon the operating conditions (temperature, external field magnitude, and frequency) and microstructure of the material, one or more of these fatigue mechanisms can play the governing role. 7 In bulk polycrystalline ceramics, fatigue is highly dependent on the surface, interface, and grain boundary related imperfections. 7 In single crystals, the fatigue is mainly dominated by the accumulation of charged defects at domain boundaries and formation of micro-cracks due to the residual hysteretic strain.…”

“…7 In bulk polycrystalline ceramics, fatigue is highly dependent on the surface, interface, and grain boundary related imperfections. 7 In single crystals, the fatigue is mainly dominated by the accumulation of charged defects at domain boundaries and formation of micro-cracks due to the residual hysteretic strain. 13,16,17 Prior investigations have indicated the anisotropic nature of fatigue behavior in ferroelectric single crystals.…”

Mechanism of polarization fatigue in BiFeO3: The role of Schottky barrier

“…oxygen vacancies, redistribution 10-14 and local phase decomposition. [15][16][17] In our previous report, we have demonstrated that charge injection is likely the cause of fatigue in BiFeO 3 . 18 By using a planar capacitor (inset of Fig.…”