Research

Materials Imaging & Integration

Polarization

Goal

  • To advance the understanding of ferroelectric/piezoelectric properties and elucidate their underlying mechanisms

  • To visualize and characterize ferroelectric/piezoelectric domains, structures, and properties using cutting-edge atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques

Approach

  • Utilize in-situ piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), angle-resolved PFM (AR-PFM), and charge gradient microscopy (CGM) to visualize dynamic polarization switching and investigate switching mechanisms

  • Improve the energy performance of piezoelectric materials by employing hybrid structures, novel fabrication techniques, and optimization strategies

  • Investigate a diverse array of piezoelectric materials, including ceramics (PZT, BaTiO3, ZnO, and KNN) and polymers (PVDF, PVDF-TrFE and PVDF-TrFE-CFE)

Impact

  • Facilitate the development of high-performance sensors, actuators, energy harvesters, and biomedical devices

  • Contribute to the advancement of multiferroics, recognized for their multifunctional capabilities and promising applications across various fields

Single frequency vertical piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). (a) Schematic diagram of an experimental setup for single frequency vertical PFM and (b) operation principle of the beam bouncing method. (c) The schematic plot of deflection signal as a function of frequency and (d) operation principle of PFM. [link]

Novel patterning technology utilizing asymmetric tribology. (a) Production of complex 3D nanostructures using repetitive ferroelectric polarization reversal and mechanical patterning, (b-d) Example of 3D complex structures fabricated using polarization-induced lithography (scale bar: 3 μm) [link] [link]

Manufacturing method and structural images of 3D ZnO nano-truss structures. (a) Conceptual schematic and (b) SEM images of ZnO nanostructures deposited at various temperatures. (c) XRD patterns for each deposition temperature [link]

Enhancing bone regeneration through biomimetic scaffold design. (a) Schematic and (b) micro-CT analysis of in vivo bone regeneration. (c-e) Investigation of electrical, topographical, and paracrine characteristics of hydroxyapatite incorporated biomimetic scaffolds [link]