Title: Materials genome approach to organic ferroelectrics and piezoelectrics

Authors: Timothy D. Usher; Kimberley R. Cousins; Douglas C. Smith; Renwu Zhang; Eva D. Zurek; Stephen Ducharme; Sara J. Callori; Daniel P. Miller; Paulo S. Costa

Addresses: Department of Physics, California State University San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA, 92407, USA ' Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA, 92407, USA ' Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA, 92407, USA ' Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA, 92407, USA ' Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 331 Natural Sciences Complex, Buffalo, NY 14260-3000, USA ' Department of Physics and Astronomy, Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska Lincoln, NE 68588-0299, USA ' Department of Physics, California State University San Bernardino, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA, 92407, USA ' Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 331 Natural Sciences Complex, Buffalo, NY 14260-3000, USA ' Department of Physics and Astronomy, Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska Lincoln, NE 68588-0299, USA

Abstract: We are implementing a materials genome strategy to discover or create new organic advanced functional materials. We are most interested in ferroelectric, piezoelectric and related properties. The three main components of the research are theory, synthesis, and measurement. The two main thrusts of the theory component are first-principles calculations, and data mining of archives such as the Cambridge Crystallographic Database (CCD) for organic compounds of interest. Novel formulations, including thin films, and new co-crystals of known electroactive organic components are also being investigated. Organic chemistry has historically not been as concerned with the electrical and mechanical properties of organic structures. This gives substantial weight to functional properties as a guide to the synthetic approach. Using this approach, we have identified several candidates. Of these, we have been able to successfully identify two new organic materials, both with electromechanical responses.

Keywords: ferroelectric; piezoelectric; organic; materials; DFT; hysteresis; synthesis; thin film; ultra-thin film; PFM; AFM; STM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2018.098449

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2018 Vol.15 No.8/9/10, pp.784 - 791

Published online: 22 Mar 2019 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article