Study of 90° and 180° Nanodomains in BaTiO₃ Nanoparticles Using Transmission Electron Microscopy

Abstract

Nanodomains in BaTiO₃ nanoparticles were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both, 90° and 180° nanodomains were clearly observed under the TEM. The geometries of both types of domains support the pseudo cubic (100) plane as an observed plane and vice versa. Two set of 90° domains, the laminar and the wedge shaped domains were nucleated at grain boundaries and dislocations. The pinning of the 180° nanodomain by 90° nanodomain was also observed. These findings provide useful information for understanding the domain morphology, which can be applicable to other systems.

Keywords:

• Nanostructures
• domain wall energy
• transmission electron microscopy
• ferroelectricity