Correlating the Interfacial Polar-Phase Structure to the Local Chemistry in Ferroelectric Polymer Nanocomposites by Combined Scanning Probe Microscopy

Abstract

Ferroelectric polymer nanocomposites possess exceptional electric properties with respect to the two otherwise uniform phases, which is commonly attributed to the critical role of the matrix–particle interfacial region. However, the structure–property correlation of the interface remains unestablished, and thus, the design of ferroelectric polymer nanocomposite has largely relied on the trial-and-error method. Here, a strategy that combines multi-mode scanning probe microscopy-based electrical characterization and nano-infrared spectroscopy is developed to unveil the local structure–property correlation of the interface in ferroelectric polymer nanocomposites. The results show that the type of surface modifiers decorated on the nanoparticles can significantly influence the local polar-phase content and the piezoelectric effect of the polymer matrix surrounding the nanoparticles. The strongly coupled polar-phase content and piezoelectric effect measured directly in the interfacial region as well as the computed bonding energy suggest that the property enhancement originates from the formation of hydrogen bond between the surface modifiers and the ferroelectric polymer. It is also directly detected that the local domain size of the ferroelectric polymer can impact the energy level and distribution of charge traps in the interfacial region and eventually influence the local dielectric strength.

Voltage-Mode Ferroelectric Synapse for Neuromorphic Computing

“…The robust and abundant synaptic behaviors observed in the ferroelectric synaptic device should be attributed to the unique ferroelectric properties of the P­(VDF–TrFE–CTFE) film. To elucidate the domain structure and polarization switching behavior, PFM is employed to map the local piezoelectric properties. , To prepare the samples for PFM, a P­(VDF–TrFE–CTFE) film with a thickness of 72.6 nm was spin-coated onto the Si substrate. By measuring the piezoelectric response hysteresis loop of the ferroelectric film, the local coercive voltages were found to be approximately 6.72 V and −8.64 V for downward and upward polarization reversal, respectively, without considering the driving voltage of the tip (Figure S17).…”

High temperature dielectric breakdown and energy storage properties of polyetherimide nanocomposites improved by hindering molecular motion

“…Thus, the molecular segments of PEI/Al 2 O 3 -3wt% are the most di cult to move. It can be explained by using the interfacial region theory [35,36]. After incorporating nanoparticles, the interfacial regions between nanoparticles and polymer matrix have strong bonding.…”

Design and characterization of molecular, crystal and interfacial structures of PVDF-based dielectric nanocomposites for electric energy storage

“…168,169 (b) Nano-IR mappings at 1288 cm À1 of different samples. 170 (c) Height image and surface potential (V sp ) of the scan area, respective profile along the dashed line for polymer composite containing as-received Zn particles, and decay of DV sp with time after applying a 5 V DC voltage. 171 (d) Potential of the system when the probe is above the particle, interface, and matrix.…”