Domains, domain walls and defects in perovskite ferroelectric oxides: A review of present understanding and recent contributions

Ferroelectric oxides are used in many modern technologies including sensors, actuators, thin-film memories and energy harvesting. Ferroelectrics of similar composition often show wide variations in their characteristic properties. Such variations in properties can be largely attributed to differences in the structural arrangements of domains and distributions of defects within a multidomain/polycrystalline material. Recent developments in characterization techniques and first-principle calculations have significantly advanced our understanding of how ferroelectric domains interact with material defects, and thereby influence the properties of a material. This review provides a broad outlook of the contributions from different experimental and computational studies that have clarified the structure of domains, domain walls and defects in perovskite ferroelectric oxides, and the evolution of these structures under the application of electric fields. It is intended that an integrated viewpoint of these issues, as provided here, will further motivate synergistic activities between the various research groups and industries towards the development and characterization of ferroelectric oxides. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.