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Surface-Tension-Induced Phase Transitions in Freestanding Ferroelectric Thin Films
Svitlana Kondovych1, Léo Boron2, Franco N Di Rino2,3
1Institute for Theoretical Solid State Physics, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, Helmholzstr. 20, Dresden D-01069, Germany.
Nano Letters
|August 14, 2025
Summary
Surface tension, not just strain, controls ferroelectric topological phases in freestanding films. This discovery enables new flexible, strain-free nanoelectronic devices by engineering polarization states.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Controlling ferroelectric topological phases in ultrathin films is crucial for advanced nanoelectronics.
- Epitaxial strain is a common method but requires substrate-bound systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of surface tension in freestanding ferroelectric films.
- To explore surface tension as a mechanism for tuning ferroelectric polarization states independently of substrates.
Main Methods:
- Thermodynamic free energy framework analysis.
- Modeling of mechanical effects of surface tension on ferroelectric films.
Main Results:
- Surface tension acts as a compressive stressor in freestanding films, affecting polarization.
- Surface tension drives morphological instabilities, altering ferroelectric phase behavior.
- Identified surface tension as a substrate-independent control mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Surface tension is a key factor in freestanding ferroelectric films, enabling control over polarization and topological textures.
- This offers new pathways for developing flexible, strain-free ferroelectric nanoelectronic devices.
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