arXiv subjects

Oleksandr S. Pylypchuk

Publications and source records attributed to Oleksandr S. Pylypchuk.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Impact of Carbon Contamination on the Low-Temperature Electric Conduction of the Spark-Plasma Sintered Barium Titanate Ceramics

The dielectric and electric conduction properties of BaTiO3 samples fabricated by the spark plasma sintering with additional contamination by different content of carbon have been investigated in the temperature range from 77 through 408 K in small non-heating electric fields and in the range of 77 - 200K under strong electric fields up to 20 kV/cm. The effective dielectric permittivity of the samples with additional carbon achieves colossal values at low frequency, up to several units per 106 at 393 K. In the low temperature range, it remains very high magnitude, 10^4 -10^5 at low frequency and is strongly dependent on the carbon content. The electric conduction in the range of 77 - 200 K bears the hopping conduction and obeys the Mott law. We also studied electric conduction and effective dielectric permittivity vs electric field strength in the range of 77 - 200 K. The results are explained within the frames of hopping conduction theory and suggestion on different constituents in polarization processes and electric conduction.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2026

Pyroelectric and electrocaloric properties of core-shell HfxZr1-xO2 nanoparticles: theory and experiment

Nanosized hafnia-zirconia (HfxZr1-xO2) in the form of thin films, multilayers, and nanoparticles is one of the most promising CMOS-compatible ferroelectric materials for advanced electronic memories and logic devices. Using the Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire free energy functional with trilinear and biquadratic couplings of polar, nonpolar, and antipolar order parameters, we analyze the pyroelectric and electrocaloric properties in an ensemble of spherical core-shell HfxZr1-xO2 nanoparticles. To test the theoretical model, we experimentally measured the temperature dependence of the electric charge accumulated in pressed powders consisting of oxygen-deficient core-shell Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 nanoparticles with an average size of 7 nm. The observed temperature-dependent behavior of the accumulated charge and its derivative are in qualitative agreement with the calculated polarization and pyroelectric coefficient for the ensemble of densely packed spherical core-shell HfxZr1-xO2 nanoparticles; this suggests that the theoretical model captures the physical mechanisms responsible for the experimentally observed charge accumulation. The combined theoretical and experimental results provide a physical foundation for the future development of CMOS-compatible HfxZr1-xO2 nanoparticles for pyroelectric and electrocaloric applications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2026

Influence of BaTiO_3 nanoparticles on the anisotropy of the dielectric properties of nematic liquid crystal 5CB

This work is devoted to the mechanisms of dielectric response and electric conductivity of suspensions consisting of the nematic liquid crystal 5CB with different concentrations (from 0 to 10 wt.%) of ferroelectric BaTiO_3 nanoparticles with an average size of 24 nm. We revealed that the incorporation of nanoparticles influences significantly the dielectric permittivity magnitude and anisotropy, as well as dielectric losses of the suspension. A pronounced temperature dependence of the anisotropic dielectric permittivity of the suspensions was found at lower temperatures corresponding to the mesophase state; but it is also present at higher temperatures corresponding to the isophase. The dependence of the mesophase-isophase transition temperature on the concentration of BaTiO_3 nanoparticles appeared nonmonotonic. With increasing temperature, both the capacitance and the electrical resistance of the pure liquid crystal increase, as well as it increases in the suspensions with small concentration of BaTiO_3 nanoparticles. Due to space charge accumulation in the shells of nanoparticles, larger concentrations of BaTiO_3 nanoparticles influence strongly the ionic transport by promoting the formation of ionic-electronic screening. This effect modifies the dielectric properties and conduction mechanisms of the suspension, leading to the nonmonotonic dependence of the mesophase - isophase transition temperature versus the nanoparticle concentration.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2026

Correlations Between the Dielectric Properties, Domain Structure Morphology and Phase State of Bi1-xSmxFeO3 Nanoparticles

Nanoscale multiferroics are basic model objects for studying polar, magnetic and magnetoelectric properties and mutual couplings. Bismuth-samarium ferrite (Bi1-xSmxFeO3) is a model orthoferrite, whose polar, magnetic and magnetoelectric properties have been studied for the bulk and thin film samples. The properties of Bi1-xSmxFeO3 nanoparticles have been much less studied, despite the nanoparticles can be used in a wide range of applications, such as energy storage, magnetic hyperthermia and advanced nanoelectronics. In this work we performed experimental measurements and analysis of the temperature dependence of the Bi1-xSmxFeO3 nanopowders dielectric properties. Calculations of the ferro-ionic coupling influence on the dielectric properties, domain structure morphology and phase states are performed in the framework of the Ginzburg-Landau-Devonshire-Stephenson-Highland approach. Theoretical results explain the main trends of experimentally observed temperature dependences of the effective dielectric permittivity, which allows us to understand the correlations between the temperature behavior of dielectric properties, domain structure morphology and phase state of Bi1-xSmxFeO3 nanoparticles.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2026

Role of Oxygen Vacancies in Stabilizing the Orthorhombic Phases of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Nanoparticles

In this work we study the stabilization of the orthorhombic phases in small Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 nanoparticles (average size ~ 7 nm) annealed under different oxygen partial pressures. Concentration of the oxygen vacancies, which is determined by annealing conditions, was estimated from the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The fraction of the orthorhombic phases, that is determined by the X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance, depends on the concentration of oxygen vacancies. Phenomenological calculations based on Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire theory considering trilinear coupling between nonpolar, antipolar and polar phonon modes, indicate that chemical strain induced by oxygen vacancies can stabilize the orthorhombic phase o-III with the ferroelectric long-range ordering in small Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 nanoparticles. The theory confirms the stability of ferroelectric polarization in the vacancy-enriched Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 nanoparticles. The increase in the intensity of the dielectric permittivity maximum, observed near 350 - 380 K in the PVDF matrix with the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 nanoparticles annealed in the CO+CO2 atmosphere, is clearly associated with the increase in oxygen vacancies concentration. The vacancies lead to the defect-induced elastic dipole formation and to the increase in ionic conductivity, which decreases the depolarization field and may induce the ferroelectric-like phase transition in the vacancy-enriched Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 nanoparticles. Due to the interfacial effects the negative capacitance states may be realized in weakly screened and spatially isolated Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 nanoparticles embedded in the PVDF matrix.The present approach based on oxygen-vacancy-induced elastic and screening effects may provide a route for engineering ferroelectric-like states in other nanoscale ferroic oxides.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2026

Magnetic properties and charge transport mechanisms in oxygen-deficient HfxZr1-xO2-y nanoparticles

Study of nanoscale hafnia-zirconia physical properties is the key topic in fundamental and applied science. However, charge transport mechanisms and magnetic properties of hafnia-zirconia nanoparticles are very poorly studied both theoretically and experimentally. In this work we observed a superparamagnetic-like and superparaelectric-like response of ultra-small hafnia-zirconia nanoparticles prepared by the solid-state organonitrate synthesis. The EPR spectra of hafnia-zirconia nanopowders reveal the presence of paramagnetic defect centers, which may be hafnium and/or zirconium ions, which trapped an electron near an oxygen vacancy and changed their valence state from the non-paramagnetic +4 to the paramagnetic +3 state. The Raman spectra indicate the decisive role of surface defects, presumably oxygen vacancies, for all studied Zr compositions.At the same time the EELS analysis does not reveal any noticeable concentration of magnetic impurities in the hafnia-zirconia nanopowders, and the X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the dominant presence of the orthorhombic phase. We observed that the quasi-static relative dielectric permittivity of the hafnia-zirconia nanopowders overcomes 10^6 - 10^7 and related the colossal values with the superparaelectric state of the nanoparticles cores induced by the flexo-electro-chemical strains. It has been found that ultra-small hafnia-zirconia nanoparticles reveal posistor effect and relatively large values of accumulated charge. Thus, obtained results open the way for creation of silicon-compatible ferroics oxygen-deficient hafnia-zirconia nanoparticles with superparamagnetic and superparaelectric properties, which may be used in advanced FETs and electronic logic elements.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2026

Electric Charge Transport and Dielectric Properties of the Barium Titanate Ceramics Obtained by Spark-Plasma Sintering with Different Carbon Content

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) ceramics with a different content of carbon were synthesized by spark-plasma sintering (SPS) at the temperature of 1100 C in vacuum under pressure. The concentration and distribution of carbon impurity inside the samples is estimated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The resistivity vs temperature and electric field dependences of the SPS ceramics with different carbon concentration have been studied. It is shown that their conduction is determined by the variable range hopping mechanism and obeys the Mott law. The density of localized states and localization radius of the electron wave function are determined. The difference in low-temperature resistivity of the SPS ceramics is caused by carbon concentration and connected with it variation of the dielectric permittivity. The relative dielectric permittivity of the SPS ceramics is colossal and reaches the values of 10^5 - 10^6 order. The larger carbon concentration is, the smaller the permittivity and resistivity are within the Mott hopping conduction temperature range. In the range from 250 K to 408 K one observes that the dielectric permittivity strongly increases forming a maximum in all samples, which may be related to the phase transition. Along with this, resistivity manifests a simultaneous sharp decrease. The decrease of resistivity along with the characteristic dependence of resistivity vs dielectric permittivity in the Mott conduction temperature range, evidences the validity of Heywang model for the description of SPS ceramics conduction mechanisms. The resistivity strongly decreases with increasing frequency in the AC regime, which agrees both with models of hopping conduction and effects based on the Maxwell-Wagner model. The studied SPS BaTiO3 ceramics are attractive for applications in energy storage and sensorics.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Coexistence of Ferroelectric and Relaxor-like Phases in a Multiferroic Solid Solution (1-x)Pb(Fe$_{1/2}$Nb$_{1/2}$)O$_3$-xPbMnO$_3$

Experimental and theoretical studies of unusual polar, dielectric and magnetic properties of room temperature multiferroics, such as perovskites Pb(Fe$_{1/2}$Nb$_{1/2}$)O$_3$ (PFN) and Pb(Fe$_{1/2}$Ta$_{1/2}$)O$_3$ (PFT), are very important. We study the phase composition, dielectric, ferroic properties of the solid solutions PFN and PFT substituted with 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 % of Mn ions prepared by the solid-state synthesis. The XRD analysis confirmed the perovskite structure of sintered ceramics. Electric measurements revealed the ferroelectric-type hysteresis of electric charge in pure PFN ceramics and in PFN ceramics substituted with (10 - 30)% of Mn. At the same time, the PFN-5% Mn ceramics did not show any ferroelectric properties due to very high conductivity.Temperature dependences of the dielectric permittivity of PFN-10% Mn and PFN-15% Mn ceramics have two pronounced maxima, one of which is relatively sharp and has a weak frequency dispersion; another is diffuse and has a strong frequency dispersion. A further increase in the Mn content up to 20% leads to the right shift in the paraelectric-ferroelectric phase transition temperature, as well as to the strong suppression of the second wide maximum, which transforms into a small diffuse shoulder. An increase in the Mn substitution up to 30% leads to a significant decrease in the dielectric permittivity, left shift of its maximum, and induces a pronounced frequency dispersion of the paraelectric-ferroelectric transition temperature, which is inherent to relaxor-like ferroelectrics.Comparison of the model with experiments reveal the coexistence of the ordered ferroelectric-like and disordered relaxor-like phases in the multiferroic solid solutions PFN-Mn and PFT-Mn.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Domain Morphology, Electrocaloric Response, and Negative Capacitance States of Ferroelectric Nanowires Array

We analyzed the domain morphology, electrocaloric response, and negative capacitance states in a one-dimensional array of uniformly oriented, radial symmetric ferroelectric nanowires, whose spontaneous polarization is normal to their symmetry axis. The wires are densely packed between flat electrodes. Using finite element modeling based on the Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire approach, electrostatics, and elasticity theory, we calculated the distributions of spontaneous polarization, domain structures, electric potential, electric field, dielectric permittivity, and electrocaloric response in the nanowires. Due to size and depolarization effects, the paraelectric and ferroelectric (poly-domain or single-domain) states of the wires can be stable, depending on their radius and the dielectric permittivity of the surrounding medium. It is demonstrated that dipole-dipole interaction between the nanowires determines the stability of the polar (or anti-polar) state in the array when the wire radius is significantly smaller than the critical size of the paraelectric transition in an isolated wire. We reveal that a large region of a mixed state, characterized by poly-domain ferroelectric states with nonzero average polarization inside each wire and zero average polarization of the whole array, can be stable. By selecting the dielectric permittivity of the surrounding medium and the nanowire radius, one can maximize the negative capacitance effect in the capacitor with densely packed wires. It is also possible to achieve maximal enhancement of the electrocaloric response due to size effects in the wires. The underlying physics of the predicted enhancement is the combined action of size effects and the long-range electrostatic interactions between the ferroelectric dipoles in the nanowires and the image charges in the electrodes

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Colossal dielectric response of HfxZr1-xO2 nanoparticles

We reveal a colossal dielectric response of small (5 - 10 nm) oxygen-deficient HfxZr1-xO2 nanoparticles (x = 1 - 0.4), prepared by the solid-state organonitrate synthesis. The effective dielectric permittivity of the pressed HfxZr1-xO2 nanopowders has a pronounced maximum at 38 - 88 C, which shape can be fitted by the Curie-Weiss type dependence modified for the diffuse ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition. The maximal value of the dielectric permittivity increases from 1.5*10^3 (for x = 1) to 1.5*10^5 (for x= 0.4) at low frequencies (~4 Hz); being much smaller, namely changing from 7 (for x = 1) to 20 (for x = 0.4) at high frequencies (~500 kHz). The frequency dispersion of the dielectric permittivity maximum position is almost absent, meanwhile the shape and width of the maximum changes in a complex way with increase in frequency. The temperature dependencies of the dielectric permittivity and resistivity are almost mirror-like turned over in respect to each other, which means that all their features, such as position and shape of maxima, plateau, minima and inflexions, almost coincide after the mirror reflection in respect to the temperature axis. These correlations of resistivity and dielectric permittivity are well-described in the Heywang barrier model applied together with the variable range hopping conduction model in semiconducting ferroelectrics. The ferroelectric-like behavior of the small oxygen-deficient HfxZr1-xO2 nanoparticles is expected from the Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire approach and density functional theory calculations. Obtained results may be useful for developing silicon-compatible functional nanomaterials based on HfxZr1-xO2 nanoparticles.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Dispersed multi-walled carbon nanotubes in polyvinyl butyral matrix for transparent ionic conductive films

In this work, we develop methods for increasing the dispersion degree of agglomerated multiwalled carbon nanotubes with subsequent introduction of them into polyvinyl butyral to create transparent conductive films. The influence of proton and a-proton solvents in combination with potassium triiodide (KI3) as a redox component for oxidation of the multiwalled carbon nanotubes surface, which reduces agglomeration due to electrostatic repulsion, is investigated. It is demonstrated that a-proton solvent cyclohexanone ensures a smaller size of the agglomerates (30-300 nm, with a maximum of ~145 nm) compared to proton solvent propyl alcohol (100-3000 nm, with a maximum of ~920 nm). The reduced aggregation is associated with the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups (C=O, C-O, C-O-C, and COO), which increase electrostatic stabilization. The impedance analysis showed that the constant component of the conductivity in the samples with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and a-proton solvent shifts to frequencies of ~104 rad/s after the addition of the redox component, which indicates the formation of ion-conducting channels and stabilization of the jump charge transfer.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

The impact of morphological structure and flexo-chemical strains on the electric transport mechanisms in the molybdenum-disulfide-oxide nanoflakes

Electric conduction mechanisms are studied in the pressed nanoflake powder of the molybdenum-disulfide-oxide (MoSxOy) depending on their content and structure. The MoSxOy nanoflakes were prepared by reaction of (NH4)6Mo7O24 with thiourea in aqueous solution followed by aerial oxidation. The sintered nanoflakes are 10-20 nm thick and self-assembled in the "nanoflower"-shape aggregates forming powder particles. The chemical composition and structure of the powders were studied by XPS, EDS and Raman spectroscopy, which show that the powders have different chemical composition and structure depending on the preparation conditions. These studies revealed the existence of different forms of MoS2 and its oxides in the powders. These features are impactful on electric transport properties. The current vs voltage (I-V) dependences of the pressed MoSxOy nanoflakes reveal hysteresis-like behavior; and their loop width depends on the chemical composition and structure. In the samples with the highest content of Mo in the oxide/sulfoxide form the negative differential conductivity has been observed. The I-V curves of all MoSxOy nanoflake samples manifest the three-state resistive switching and the long-lasting transient charge/discharge on switching "on/off" the voltage across the sample, which evidences the role of interface charges in their conductivity. To describe theoretically the observed I-V curves, polar and electric-transport properties of the pressed MoSxOy nanoflakes, the Landau-Cahn-Hilliard approach considering flexo-chemical field has been used. The revealed in experiment and explained theoretically features of resistive switching and charge accumulation look promising for applications in memristors and high-performance supercapacitors.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Dynamics of charge states at the surface of a ferroelectric nanoparticle in a liquid crystal

The liquid crystal with suspended ferroelectric nanoparticles is an interesting object for fundamental research of the long-range dipole-dipole interactions; as well as it is promising for optical, optoelectronic and electrochemical applications. Such suspensions can serve as basic elements for advanced nonvolatile memory cells and energy storage devices. The work studies the cells filled with a nematic liquid crystal 5CB and the cells containing 5CB with 0.5 wt.% and 1 wt.% of BaTiO3 nanoparticles with an average size of 24 nm. We analyzed the time dependences of the current flowing through the cells at constant applied voltage and the voltage dynamics in the no-load mode. The time dependences of the current and voltage show a slowing down decay rate. For the cells with BaTiO3 nanoparticles, the decrease in the decay time is characteristic. A possible physical reason for the retarding decay time rate is the indirect effect of screening charges, which cover ferroelectric nanoparticles, and slow ionic transport in the liquid crystal. To explain the dynamics of current and voltage, the finite element modeling of the polarization distribution, domain structure dynamics, and charge state of nanoparticles in a liquid crystal is performed using Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire approach. Theoretical results confirmed the leading role of screening charges, because the surface of a ferroelectric nanoparticle adsorbs an ionic-electronic charge that partially screens its spontaneous polarization in single-domain and/or poly-domain states. When an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal with nanoparticles, it can release part of the screening charge (mainly due to the change in the polarization of the nanoparticle), which will lead to a decrease in decay time rate of the current and voltage dependences.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Resistive switching and charge accumulation in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 nanoparticles

We revealed the resistive switching, negative differential resistance and charge accumulation effects in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 nanopowders sintered by the auto-combustion sol-gel method and annealed at temperatures from 500°C to 800°C. The fraction of the orthorhombic phase, determined by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), decreases from 91 vol.% to 7 vol.% with an increase in the annealing temperature from 600°C to 800°C. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra reveal the great amount of oxygen vacancies in the annealed samples, at that the decrease of the orthorhombic phase fraction (observed with an increase in the annealing temperature) correlates with a decrease in the intensity of EPR spectral lines associated with the oxygen vacancies and impurities. This indicates the participation of oxygen vacancies and other defects in the formation of the orthorhombic phase in the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 powders. To explain the results of electrophysical measurements, we compare the features of the current-voltage characteristics with the phase composition of the Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 powders and with the peculiarities of their EPR spectra. The analysis allows us to relate the resistive switching and charge accumulation observed in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 nanopowders with the appearance of the ferroelectric-like polar regions in the orthorhombic phase of the nanoparticles, which agrees with the calculations performed in the framework of Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire approach and density functional theory.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2025

Interfacial Effects and Negative Capacitance State in P(VDF-TrFE) Films with BaTiO3 Nanoparticles

We analyze the temperature dependences of the effective dielectric permittivity of P(VDF-TrFE) films with BaTiO3 nanoparticles (with the average size 24 nm). Transition from a weak to a strong nonlinear temperature dependence of the dielectric permittivity is observed near the freezing temperature (near -50 °C) of P(VDF-TrFE). The transition is followed by a diffuse step-like change in the temperature range (0 - 40)°C, and a subsequent maximum of the dielectric permittivity in the P(VDF-TrFE) films with a lower content (~20-40 vol.%) of BaTiO3 nanoparticles; or by a quasi-plateau of the dielectric permittivity in the P(VDF-TrFE) films with a higher content (~ 50-70 vol.%) of BaTiO3 nanoparticles. The frequency dispersion of the dielectric permittivity is significant in the vicinity of its maxima. The temperature-frequency shift of the permittivity region with a strong temperature dependence is positive. The temperature-frequency shift of the maxima is insignificant (or negative) for the P(VDF-TrFE) films with lower content of BaTiO3 nanoparticles. Increasing the content of BaTiO3 nanoparticles leads to a significant increase in the relative dielectric permittivity of the P(VDF-TrFE)-BaTiO3 films compared to pure P(VDF-TrFE) films (from 8 to 50 at 25 °C). At the same time, the voltage response of the studied P(VDF-TrFE)/BaTiO3 films to the frequency-modulated IR radiation flux has rather photoelectric than pyroelectric nature. A phenomenological model, which considers the screening charges at the interfaces, as well as dipole-dipole cross-interaction effects between the ferroelectric nanoparticles, is proposed to describe the temperature and frequency behavior of the effective dielectric permittivity. The negative capacitance state, which originates due to the interfacial effects, is predicted in the P(VDF-TrFE) films with a high content of BaTiO3 nanoparticles.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Reentrant polar phase induced by the ferro-ionic coupling in Bi$_{1-x}$Sm$_x$FeO$_3$ nanoparticles

Using the model of four sublattices, the Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire-Kittel phenomenological approach and the Stephenson-Highland ionic adsorption model for the description of coupled polar and antipolar long-range orders in ferroics, we calculated analytically the phase diagrams and polar properties of Bi$_{1-x}$Sm$_x$FeO$_3$ nanoparticles covered by surface ions in dependence on their size, surface ions density, samarium content "x" and temperature. The size effects and ferro-ionic coupling govern the appearance and stability conditions of the long-range ordered ferroelectric, reentrant ferrielectric and antiferroelectric phases in the Bi1-xSmxFeO3 nanoparticles. Calculated phase diagrams are in a qualitative agreement with the X-ray diffraction phase analysis, electron paramagnetic resonance, infra-red spectroscopy and electrophysical measurements of the Bi$_{1-x}$Sm$_x$FeO$_3$ nanopowders sintered by the solution combustion method. The combined theoretical-experimental approach allows to establish the influence of the ferro-ionic coupling and size effects in Bi$_{1-x}$Sm$_x$FeO$_3$ nanoparticles on their polar properties.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Anomalous Behavior of the Dielectric and Pyroelectric Responses of Ferroelectric Fine-Grained Ceramics

We revealed the anomalous temperature behavior of the giant dielectric permittivity and unusual frequency dependences of the pyroelectric response of the fine-grained ceramics prepared by the spark plasma sintering of the ferroelectric BaTiO3 nanoparticles. The temperature dependences of the electro-resistivity indicate the frequency-dependent transition in the electro-transport mechanisms between the lower and higher conductivity states accompanied by the maximum in the temperature dependence of the loss angle tangent. The pyroelectric thermal-wave probing revealed the existence of the spatially inhomogeneous counter-polarized ferroelectric state at the opposite surfaces of the ceramic sample. We described the temperature behavior of the giant dielectric response and losses using the core-shell model for ceramic grains, effective medium approach and Maxwell-Wagner approach. The superparaelectric-like state with a giant dielectric response may appear due to the internal barrier-layer capacitance effect, while the step-like thermal activation of localized polarons in the semiconducting grains is not excluded. The elucidation of the state microscopic origin requires measurements in the frequency range above 1 MHz.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Ferroelectric Nanoparticles in Liquid Crystals: The Role of Ionic Transport at Small Concentrations of the Nanoparticles

We reveal the visible influence of the ultra-small concentrations (1 wt.% or less) of the BaTiO3 nanoparticles (average size 24 nm) on the current-voltage characteristics and capacitance of the dielectric liquid crystal (LC) 5CB. The pure LC cell demonstrates higher current (and thus smaller resistance) than the LC cells filled with a very small concentration (0.5-1) wt.% of BTO nanoparticles. The same trend is observed for the charge-voltage characteristics: the capacitance loop is the widest for the pure LC cell and becomes noticeably thinner in the presence of (0.5-1) wt.% of BaTiO3 nanoparticles. This seems counterintuitive, because 1 wt.% of ferroelectric nanoparticles very slightly modify the effective dielectric response and should not influence on the director distribution and elastic properties of the LC. We conclude that a possible physical reason of this observation is the influence of the ionic-electronic screening charges, which cover the ferroelectric nanoparticles and become polarized in the external field, on the ionic transport in the LC.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗