FLEXOELECTRICITY · Flexoelectricity

Flexoelectricity is a general property of all insulators whereby they generate a voltage when subjected to an inhomogeneous deformation such as bending. Research on this property has taken off with the observation that, due to the large gradients they can accommodate, devices operating in the nanoscale display colossal flexoelectric effects. The present proposal aims to set up Euroe’s first laboratory specialized on the exploration and exploitation of flexoelectricity. It shall focus on three areas with specific targets:1) Flexoelectricity for energy harvesting: the inverse relationship between flexoelectricity and device size means that, at the nanoscale, flexoelectric energy harvesting can deliver electromechanical performances superior to the current state of the art. We aim to demonstrate record-high effective piezoelectric coefficients through the use of flexoelectricity.2) Flexoelectricity for information technologies: Flexoelectricity affords mechanical control of polarity. This opens the door to novel memory device concepts where polarization (and magnetization) can be controlled by pushing with the tip of a scanning probe. We aim to achieve flexoelectric writing of domains under electrodes, and also to demonstrate the indirect coupling between flexoelectricity and magnetization (“flexomagnetism”).3) Bioflexoelectricity: Flexoelectricity participates in human hearing, and is expected to participate in other bioelectric phenomena. In particular, bones are known to generate electricity in response to stress, and it has been hypothesised that this is due to strain gradients; if demonstrated, this would represent a significant step towards osteogenetic implants. Determining the role of flexoelectricity in in bone piezoelectricty will be the third aim of this project.