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A nanoscale shape memory oxide

Publication Type

Journal Article

Authors

Zhang, J., X. Ke, G. Gou, J. Seidel, B. Xiang, P. Yu, W.-I. Liang, A.M. Minor, Y.-H. Chu, G. Van Tendeloo, X. Ren, Ramamoorthy Ramesh

DOI

10.1038/ncomms3768

Abstract

Stimulus-responsive shape-memory materials have attracted tremendous research interests recently, with much effort focused on improving their mechanical actuation. Driven by the needs of nanoelectromechanical devices, materials with large mechanical strain, particularly at nanoscale level, are therefore desired. Here we report on the discovery of a large shape-memory effect in bismuth ferrite at the nanoscale. A maximum strain of up to ∼14% and a large volumetric work density of ∼600±90Jcm-3 can be achieved in association with a martensitic-like phase transformation. With a single step, control of the phase transformation by thermal activation or electric field has been reversibly achieved without the assistance of external recovery stress. Although aspects such as hysteresis, microcracking and so on have to be taken into consideration for real devices, the large shape-memory effect in this oxide surpasses most alloys and, therefore, demonstrates itself as an extraordinary material for potential use in state-of-art nanosystems. © 2013 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.

Journal

Nature Communications

Volume

Year of Publication

2013

ISSN

20411723

Notes

cited By 62

Research Areas

Ramesh Lab