Flexopyroelectricity in ceramics

Abstract

Flexoelectricity is largely known as induced polarization due to the strain gradient. However, flexopyroelectricty deals with coupling between the flexoelectricity, thermal current, and pyroelectricity. In this regard, the chapter deals with the evolution of the flexopyroelectric effect in different ceramics and prospective applications. The thermodynamic models provide a solid foundation for the strain gradient effect on pyroelectric materials having centrosymmetric structures. A consolidated theoretical and experimental evaluation of flexopyroelectricity taking into account the temperature sensitivity of flexoelectric coefficient, charge offsets due to strain gradient, coupled flexoelectric and rotostricition effect on antiferrodistortive elements, and inhomogeneous expansion effect due to temperature difference is discussed. The BaxSr1−xTiO3, SrTiO3, and Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-based ceramics compositions are explored for thermal current/pyroelectricity due to flexoelectric coupling. The flexopyroelectricty as a potential application of dye degradation is summarized. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.