Role of Single-Crystal Pillars in Forming the Effective Properties and Figures of Merit of Novel 1–3 Piezocomposites

Abstract

This work examines the modelling and potential formation of submicron ferroelectric pillars which are exploited as an active component of modern 1–3 piezocomposites. These structures are of interest in sensor and actuator technologies, and most notably energy harvesting devices. This research area has seen recent growth in terms of interest with the advent of electronics with greater portability and wireless sensors. The fabrication of nanopillars on the single crystal surface is investigated using a nanoimprint lithography (NIL) approach. The use of a disposable master allows the user to reproduce large-area nanostructures and dry etching then allows for the nanopillars to be formed. Results on the prediction of effective electromechanical properties of 1–3-type composites either LiNbO₃ single crystal or (1 – x)Pb(Mg_1/3Nb_2/3)O₃ – xPbTiO₃ (PMN-PT) single crystal are given for comparison.

Keywords:

• Composite
• ferroelectric ceramic
• piezoelectric sensitivity
• harvesting

PACS:

• 77.65.-j: Piezoelectricity and electromechanical effects; 77.84.Lf: Composite materials; 77.84.-s: Dielectric
• piezoelectric
• ferroelectric
• and antiferroelectric materials

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to S. Sivaraya (University of Bath), M. Redwood (University of Bristol) and G. Hubbard (MacDermid Autotype Ltd.) for help in developing this process. The authors would like to thank EPSRC for funding under a Bright IDEAS Award “A low cost route to manufacture nanostructured materials” (Project Reference EP/H049576/1).