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Probing nanoscale functionalities of metal-organic framework nanocrystals
Yao Sun1, Zhigang Hu2, Dan Zhao2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore, 117576, Singapore. mpezk@nus.edu.sg.
Nanoscale
|August 15, 2017
Summary
This study reveals the first experimental measurements of piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties in NUS-6 metal-organic framework (MOF) nanocrystals. These findings highlight MOF nanocrystals as promising materials for microelectromechanical systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Investigating nanoscale functional properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) presents significant challenges.
- Experimental data on piezoelectric and ferroelectric behavior in MOF nanocrystals is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally characterize the piezo- and ferroelectric properties of NUS-6 MOF nanocrystals.
- To explore the mechanical and thermal stability of these MOF nanocrystals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized dual AC resonance tracking piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) and piezoresponse force spectroscopy (PFS).
- Applied nanoscale precision techniques to probe electrical and mechanical responses.
Main Results:
- NUS-6-(Hf) and NUS-6-(Zr) nanocrystals exhibited anomalous piezoelectricity with dzz constants in the picometer per volt range.
- NUS-6-(Hf) demonstrated superior ferroelectric behavior with low coercive biases compared to NUS-6-(Zr).
- Elasticity and thermal stability of the NUS-6 nanocrystals were successfully evaluated.
Conclusions:
- This research pioneers the investigation of electromechanical properties in MOF nanocrystals.
- NUS-6 MOF nanocrystals show potential for applications in integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).
