Size and shape effects on polarization reversal of nanoscale BaTiO3

Abstract

Abstract We report piezo force microscopy (PFM) investigations on the ferroelectric switching characteristics of spherical and rod shaped non-interacting nanocrystalline BaTiO3 (BTO). Polarization-voltage hysteresis loop (P-E hysteresis loop) measurement shows that the strong polarization reversal observed for the nanorod (NR) shaped BTO than the spherical nanoparticle (NP). Asymmetric P-E loop is observed for all kind of BTO NRs. From the PFM spectroscopy and ferroelectric switching studies reveal that the defect dipoles present in the BTO NR at below 60\u2009nm have no significant effect on the asymmetric P-E hysteresis loop. It is strongly depends on the strain between the substrate and BTO NRs.