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Self-assembling behavior and interface structure in vertically aligned nanocomposite (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)1-x:(CeO2)x
Shao-Dong Cheng1,2, Lu Lu2, Sheng Cheng2
1State Key Laboratory for Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China.
Scientific Reports
|February 13, 2020
Summary
This study explores self-assembled oxide nanocomposite films, revealing how CeO2 concentration influences their structure and interface properties. The findings highlight the role of epitaxial strain in controlling the self-assembly of these functional materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Heteroepitaxial oxide-based nanocomposite films are of significant interest due to their diverse functional properties.
- Self-assembled vertically aligned nanocomposites (VACs) offer unique structural and electronic characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the self-assembly behavior and atomic-scale interface structure of (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)1-x:(CeO2)x nanocomposite films.
- To understand the influence of CeO2 concentration on the epitaxial strain and resulting film morphology.
Main Methods:
- Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) was used to grow (Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3)1-x:(CeO2)x films on (La,Sr)(Al,Ta)O3 substrates.
- Advanced electron microscopy techniques were employed to analyze the self-assembly and interface structure at the atomic scale.
Main Results:
- Two distinct orientation relationships were observed between Pr0.5Ba0.5MnO3 and CeO2 in the x=0.2 film, differing from the single relationship in the x=0.5 film.
- Both coherent and semi-coherent interfaces were identified, with interface reconstruction occurring at coherent interfaces.
- Epitaxial strain, dependent on CeO2 concentration, was found to significantly impact the self-assembling behavior of the VAC films.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully fabricated and characterized self-assembled vertically aligned nanocomposite films.
- The findings demonstrate a clear correlation between epitaxial strain, CeO2 concentration, and the resulting nanostructure and interface properties.
- These results provide crucial insights for designing oxide nanocomposite films with tailored functional properties.
