Integration of ferroelectric BaTiO₃ on metallic Ni tapes for power generation

Ferroelectric BaTiO₃ thin films were integrated directly on metallic Ni tapes by using pulsed laser for energy harvesting applications. Microstructure studies from x-ray diffraction and electron microscopy indicate that the as-grown BaTiO₃ thin films have pure BaTiO₃ crystal phase which consists of the crystalline assemblage of nanopillars with average cross sections from 100 nm to 200 nm directly on the Ni tapes. The BaTiO₃ films have good interface structures and strong adhesion to the Ni metallic tapes. Dielectric measurements have shown the hysteresis loop at room temperature in the film with a large remnant polarization, indicating that the ferroelectric domains have been created in the as-deposited BTO films. The successful integration of ferroelectric thin films directly on metallic materials is considered to be very promising for the development of energy harvesting devices.