Tunable topological chirality in ferroelectric nanomaterials

Project Information

FerroChiral

Grant agreement ID: 101090285

DOI

10.3030/101090285

Project closed

EC signature date 31 May 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 30 September 2024

Funded under

• Widening participation and spreading excellence

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 171 399,36

Coordinated by

INSTITUT JOZEF STEFAN
Slovenia

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FerroChiral (Tunable topological chirality in ferroelectric nanomaterials)

Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2024-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Nanoscale ferroelectric materials, with their switchable spontaneous polarization, attract significant interest in both fundamental research and emerging technologies. Their unique properties enable a variety of applications, including highly sensitive sensors, information storage devices, and innovative nonbinary, neuromorphic, and low-dissipation computing circuits. A particularly exciting aspect is the ability of ferroelectric nanostructures to host diverse topological polarization textures, which can be tuned by external fields or temperature variations.
The FerroChiral Project focuses on confined ferroelectric nanostructures where chiral topological polarization states can be observed. Chirality, the asymmetry distinguishing objects from their mirror images, is a cornerstone of applications in biomedicine, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology. However, observing and manipulating chirality at the nanoscale remain significant challenges, limiting its broader application.
The primary goal of the project is to investigate topological polarization states in ferroelectric nanostructures, explore their textures, and identify their chirality. The project is structured around three key objectives:
- To optimize fabrication parameters for engineering ferroelectric nanostructures with desirable chiral properties.
- To develop research approaches for revealing and exploring topological structures in ferroelectric nanostructures.
- To devise efficient enantioselective procedures and methods for observing and manipulating chirality.
The project fosters collaboration by integrating the FerroChiral initiative with complementary European networks, establishing a foundation for long-term partnerships.
By achieving these objectives, the FerroChiral Project aims to deepen the fundamental understanding of chirality in ferroelectric materials, creating a robust scientific basis for future applications. Although focused on fundamental research, the project's findings are expected to inform innovative approaches in optoelectronics, nanotechnology, and materials science, ultimately building a foundation for future technological and societal benefits.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The FerroChiral Project has achieved significant progress in understanding the topological properties of ferroelectric nanostructures, including nanoparticles, nanodots, and nanorods, establishing a strong foundation for future scientific research. Various chiral topological states in confined ferroelectrics were discovered and extensively studied. A groundbreaking method for 3D reconstruction of polarization distribution in nanoparticles was developed, leveraging tomographic transmission electron microscopy experimental data. Additionally, a complementary approach was devised for reconstructing chiral topological polarization states in ferroelectric nanomaterials using piezoelectric force microscopy data. These methods provided unprecedented insights into the internal polarization dynamics of ferroelectric nanostructures.
For the first time, the possibility of switching chirality in ferroelectric nanostructures was experimentally demonstrated. Approaches for manipulating chirality using external stimuli, such as electric fields and thermal methods, were successfully developed. Collaboration within European research networks was also strengthened, fostering interdisciplinary studies and paving the way for future developments.
As a result of these efforts, the FerroChiral Project established a robust framework for identifying and analyzing topological chirality in ferroelectric nanostructures, significantly advancing fundamental research in this field. The project’s outcomes create a solid basis for exploring potential applications in optoelectronics, nanotechnology, and materials science while enhancing the visibility of the research through scientific publications. These achievements represent a major step forward in understanding chirality in ferroelectric materials and its potential for technological innovation.
The results have been published in three peer-reviewed articles in high-impact open-access journals (Nature Communications, Journal of the American Chemical Society, and Neuromorphic Computing and Engineering), as well as in one open-access preprint. Additionally, another article has been submitted to Communications Materials (Nature Publishing Group) and is currently under review.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The FerroChiral Project has significantly advanced the understanding of chiral topological polarization states in ferroelectric nanostructures, including nanoparticles, nanodots, and nanorods. Breakthrough 3D reconstruction techniques were developed using tomographic transmission electron microscopy and piezoelectric force microscopy data, offering an unprecedented view of polarization dynamics and chiral states at the nanoscale. The project experimentally demonstrated, for the first time, the possibility of chirality switching in ferroelectric nanostructures and developed approaches for manipulating chirality using external electric and thermal stimuli. These findings contribute to fundamental science, providing a robust framework for further research into the topological properties of ferroelectric materials. Collaboration within European research networks has strengthened interdisciplinary efforts, paving the way for innovative applications in neuromorphic computing, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology.

Logo of the FerroChiral project