Piezoelectricity in 2D-materials: materials, modeling, and applications

Piezoelectricity in two-dimensional (2D) materials is increasingly important because of its potential in realizing thin yet efficient and flexible piezoelectric devices.

In contrast to traditional three-dimensional (3D) piezo- and ferroelectrics that are prone to size effects, piezoelectricity in 2D materials may be controlled by flexoelectricity and interfaces thus providing significant piezoelectric effect in ultrathin films and crystals.

Equally important, the majority of 2D layered piezoelectrics found so far possess in-plane piezoelectricity and require bending of flexible substrates to activate piezoelectric effect. This severely limits their integration with modern Si technology.

This project aims at strengthening the piezoelectric activity in 2D materials via interface and stress engineering and bond control in order to reach the maximum efficiency and other relevant figures of merit.

The materials list includes hafnium-zirconium oxide (HZO), transition metal thio/selenophosphates (TPS), graphene on oxide substrates, and polymer PDVF.

A comprehensive investigation of piezoelectricity in these 2D materials and their relevant device performance is still at an initial stage and needs European support.

Concerning piezoelectric energy harvesting, Piezo2D will build a technology to provide local energy generation (microgenerators) from the nm- to the micro-scale to power nano- and microdevices.

Piezo2D will do so by enhancing and deploying the combined powers of equilibrium and nonequilibrium thermodynamics and atomistic models with device physics and engineering. Research results will underpin future developments of nanoscale energy devices for decades to come.

We will also develop new characterization techniques and metrology-inspired protocols aiming at future standards and their use in the industry.

The multidisciplinary approach of Piezo2D brings together leading teams in theoretical physics, materials science, chemistry and instrumentation working in synergy