Ferroelectric domains and piezoelectricity in monocrystalline Pb(Zr ,Ti)O3 nanowires

Monocrystalline lead zirconate titanate nanowires were grown by a polymer assisted solvothermal technique. X-ray and electron diffractions confirmed tetragonal perovskite structure and a [001] orientation along the wire axis, respectively. Raman scattering was used to analyze the structure and composition of single wires. Ferroelectric/ferroelastic domain walls were imaged by transmission electron microscopy, showing some domains with polarization directions along the wire axis and some perpendicular to it. The domain walls disappeared upon heating above the ferroelectric phase transition at 460°C. Ferroelectric switching, as well as piezoelectric activity and hysteresis, were shown locally using piezoelectric force microscopy.