Proton-controlled molecular ionic ferroelectrics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid-State Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Molecular ferroelectrics typically rely on hydrogen bonds, electrostatic, and van der Waals forces.
• Achieving ionically tailored multifunctionality in molecular ferroelectrics remains a challenge.
• Existing materials lack the combined ionic conductivity and ferroelectric properties crucial for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel molecular ionic ferroelectrics.
• To investigate the coexistence of room-temperature ionic conductivity and ferroelectricity.
• To explore the stimuli-responsive and tunable properties of these materials.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of molecular ionic ferroelectrics.
• Characterization of ionic conductivity and ferroelectric properties.
• Investigation of property tuning via absorbed water molecules and external stimuli.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated coexistence of room-temperature ionic conductivity (6.1 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm) and ferroelectricity.
• Observed tunable polarization (0.68–1.39 μC/cm²) through absorbed water molecules.
• Reported controlled changes in thermal conductivity (13%) and electrical resistivity (86%) due to proton transfer.

Conclusions:

• Successfully engineered molecular ionic ferroelectrics with coupled ionic and ferroelectric behaviors.
• Established a pathway for developing multifunctional materials through ionic lattice manipulation.
• Findings open new avenues for advanced stimuli-responsive molecular electronic devices.