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Guidelines for the Optimization of Hafnia-Based Ferroelectrics through Superlattice Engineering
Johanna van Gent González1, Binayak Mukherjee2, Ewout van der Veer1
1Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747AG, The Netherlands.
ACS Applied Electronic Materials
|December 31, 2025
Summary
New ferroelectric hafnia-zirconia superlattices boost remnant polarization. These materials offer a sustainable path for advanced data storage with record endurance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid-State Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Hafnia-based ferroelectrics are crucial for data storage but require further development.
- Achieving optimal material properties and control remains a challenge in ferroelectric research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer novel ferroelectric hafnia-zirconia superlattices with enhanced properties.
- To investigate the role of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) layers in improving ferroelectric performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of hafnia-zirconia superlattices with alternating zirconium-substituted hafnia (Hf1-xZrxO2) and pure ZrO2 sublayers.
- Characterization of superlattice structure and ferroelectric properties, including remnant polarization (Pr) and endurance.
Main Results:
- ZrO2 layers significantly enhance the total remnant polarization (Pr) of the superlattices.
- Superlattices with 87.5% ZrO2 content achieved a record 2Pr of 84 μC/cm².
- Demonstrated exceptional endurance, withstanding 10^9 cycles while maintaining 2Pr > 20 μC/cm².
Conclusions:
- Hafnia-zirconia superlattices offer a promising route to high-performance ferroelectric devices.
- The use of abundant ZrO2 contributes to the sustainability of these advanced materials for data storage applications.
