Recently, Prof. Zhao Shifeng's research group from the School of Physical Science and Technology and the Key Laboratory of Nanoscience and Technology in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region published a research paper titled "Domain dynamics response to polarization switching in relaxor ferroelectrics" in Advanced Materials (the top journal of materials science, impact factor: 27.4). This study achieved in-situ tracking and visualization of the real-time evolution of polar nanodomains in model relaxor ferroelectrics at the nanoscale. For the first time, the real-time evolution of nano domains in low dynamic and high dynamic relaxor ferroelectrics during polarization reversal is directly compared in a single model system. By further integrating in-situ observations of the synergistic evolution of nano domains at the microscale with macroscopic hysteresis loop measurements, as well as characterizing the switching characteristics of nano domains at the local scale, the co-evolution of micro nano domains and macroscopic polarization under electric field disturbances was deeply explored, providing a cross scale understanding for the study of intrinsic polarization switching mechanisms in relaxor ferroelectrics. In addition, the study applied theoretical analysis based on the Landau Ginzburg Devonshire thermodynamic model to provide profound insights into the observed nanodomain switching paths and dynamic selection behavior in experiments, and explored the evolution of macroscopic polarization switching characteristics from an energy perspective.

This work builds a bridge between microscopic domain dynamics and macroscopic polarization switching, providing valuable insights for precise and targeted manipulation of polarization switching, as well as effective guidance for on-demand design of relaxor ferroelectrics for different practical applications.

The paper’s link: https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202411467

Our doctoral students in physics, Li Yang and Lin Wei, are the first and co-first authors of this paper. Prof. Zhao Shifeng from our university is the corresponding author of this paper, while Prof. Gao Weibo from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Associate Prof. Wang Cong from Beijing University of Chemical Technology are co-corresponding authors. The paper is based on the School of Physical Science and Technology of Inner Mongolia University and the Key Laboratory of Nanoscience and Technology of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as the primary communication units. This research received funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China General Project, Inner Mongolia Natural Science Foundation Key Project, and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region University Innovation Team Development Plan.