Recent advances in ferroic, multiferroic, and magnetoelectrics materials and phenomena

Multiferroic magnetoelectrics have attracted increasing interest due to their potential applications in novel multifunctional devices. In this chapter, we review the recent advances in magnetoelectric (ME) materials reported in the literature. First, we briefly summarize the progress made in the synthesis and characterization of ME solid solutions. Next, we review the findings on ME composites (piezoelectric-magnetostrictive), discussing different structures and operating modes. The progress on ME composites is emphasized with respect to new materials including textured piezoelectric ceramics and functionally graded composites and new processes for synthesizing the ME composites such as cofiring and 3D printing/patterning. Next, considering the importance of environmental concerns, recent developments in the area of lead-free piezoelectric and magnetoelectric composites are discussed. A detailed discussion is provided on core-shell magnetoelectric nanoparticle properties, measurements techniques, and synthesis procedure for future applications. Lastly, discussion is provided on polymer-based magnetoelectric materials, different processing techniques, and desired properties for possible flexible electronics applications.