The II Panamerican Ceramic Congress and Ferroelectrics Meeting of the Americas (PACC - FMAs 2024) brought together in Panama City, Panama, from April 7 to 11, 2024, researchers, industry representatives and renowned research laboratories from several countries in the Americas who work in different areas of research and technological development related to the processing and determination of properties of ceramic materials and devices, with special emphasis on ferroelectric materials and correlated materials, such as ferroic and multiferroic materials and devices for application in electronics, photonics and energy.
Matferrce researchers, Profs. Drs. José Antônio Eiras, Ivair Aparecido dos Santos, Gustavo Sanguino Dias and Luiz Fernado Cótica, in addition to the master's students of the Graduate Program in Physics of the State University of Maringá (UEM), Ana Carolina Ferreira (CAPES scholarship) and Gabriel Tolardo Colombo (Araucária Foundation Scholarship/Capes), are actively participating in the event with presentations of invited works, in oral and poster form. The active participation of MatFerrce researchers and students in this international event allows them to have contact with several researchers from different institutions in the American continent, opening the possibility that new scientific and academic interactions of interest to INCT MatFerrce will be carried out in the future.
The event was promoted by the American Ceramic Society (ACerS), an institution whose mission is to promote the study, understanding and use of ceramics and related materials for the benefit of members and society. More than 10,000 scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, students, and marketing and sales professionals from more than 70 countries make up the American Ceramic Society team.
Check below are the abstracts of all the scientific productions presented by the researchers of
INCT MatFerrce at PACC - FMAs 2024:
José Eiras*1, Mahmoud Alkathy1, Ivair Santos2, Fabio Zabotto1, Eudes Araujo3, Manuel Lente4
1Physics, Federal University of Sao Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil; 2Physics, State University of Maringa, Maringá, PARANÁ, Brazil; 3Physics, UNESP/Ilha Solteira, Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, Brazil; 4Physics, UNIFESP, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
Abstract Body: Multifunctional materials are being subject of innumerous investigations, viewing to enhance the coupling between some physical intrinsic properties (thermal, ferroelectric, magnetic,…) , that can make them ideal for developing new multifunctional devices. Complex ferroelectric oxides offer exceptional options to tune physical properties, such as photovoltaic, multiferroic or magnetoelectric, with high temperature stability.
In this work the influence of iso- and heterovalent doping in the structural, dielectric, ferroelectric, magnetic and magnetoelectric properties of Aurivillius structures (bismuth titanate-BIT based ceramics of Bi3.25A0.75Ti3-x(Co, Fe)x/2O12, where A=La, Nd or Sm and x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4), have been investigated. Single phase bulk ceramics were synthesized through the conventional oxide mixture process. It was observed that heterovalent (Co, Fe) co-doping promotes ferromagnetic ordering, still maintaining a ferroelectric spontaneous polarization. The room temperature multiferroic state (ferroelectric and ferromagnetic), consequently, promotes a magnetoelectric coupling. Experimental results of optical absorption, multiferroic state and magnetoelectric coupling are discussed and correlated with changes in the electronic structure, octahedral distortions (tilting angles and bond lengths), and oxygen vacancies formation.
Manoel Souza1, Bento Cabral Jr.1, Gustavo Dias1, Luiz Cótica1, Ivair Santos*1
1Department of Physics, State University of Maringa, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
Abstract Body: High entropy oxides (HEO) are characterized by presenting crystallinity (rather than amorphization, phase separation or segregation), are single-phase and show significant configurational disorder due to multiple elements inhabiting the same crystallographic site in the crystal structure. On the other side, bismuth ferrite (BFO) is a room temperature rhombohedral (R3c) perovskite structured (ABO3) multiferroic magnetoelectric material that, due to its simultaneous ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic ordering (at room temperature), is one of the most promising candidates for applications in technologically advanced devices. In this way, BFO processed as a HEO can present unique characteristics in the context of investigations of disordered systems and multifunctional compounds. In this paper contribution, high-energy ball cryo-milling and quenching protocols were applied for processing high-entropy BFO nanopowders, resulting in materials with unusual ferroic-related properties that differs from that widely reported for bulk BFO. The role of the configurational disorder on the overall physical properties in pointed out and discussed.
Eduardo Volnistem1, Roger Oliveira2, Gustavo Dias1, Luiz Cótica1, Ivair Santos*1
1Department of Physics, State University of Maringá, Maringá - PR, Brazil; 2PFI, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
Abstract Body: Bismuth ferrite (BFO) is a room temperature rhombohedral (R3c) perovskite structured (ABO3) multiferroic magnetoelectric material that, due to its simultaneous ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic ordering (at room temperature), is one of the most promising candidates for applications in technologically advanced devices. However, and from the magnetic point of view, the presence of a magnetic spin-cycloid with a period of 62 nm suppresses the long-range magnetic response, preventing BFO practical applications. Several strategies can be applied to suppress or break the spin-cycloid to release the BFO magnetization, as doping/substitution of iso or heterovalent ions in specific cationic sites or, alternatively, nanostructuration. In this paper contribution, high-energy ball cryo-milling was applied for synthesizing BFO nanopowders with controlled crystallite sizes and internal strain, resulting in an unusual non-linear and enhanced magnetic response that differs from that widely reported for bulk BFO. The role of the generated dislocations (line defects) on the magnetic properties of multiferroic magnetoelectric nanoparticles is discussed taking the processed BFO nanoparticles as a study model. It is pointed out that the control of the dislocation density can be used as an efficient tool to control physical properties and tailor specific technological applications, mainly the magnetic ones.
Vinicius Silva1, Eduardo Volnistem1, Luiz Cotica1, Ivair Santos1, Gustavo Dias*1
1Department of Physics, State University of Maringa, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
Abstract Body: One of the biggest environmental problems resulting from industries is the water contamination. In this sense, several techniques have been studied to promote the water decontamination and photocatalysis has attracted great attention due its great potential. In this topic Bismuth Ferrite (BFO) has obtained notoriety mainly due to its low bandgap (~2.1 eV), which allows the use of the visible light in the degradation process. However, the longtime required for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) by BFO (350 min) prevent its industrial application. Furthermore, the fast electron-hole recombination time reduce its degradation efficiency. The BFO coupling with magnetics particles shows up as a solution due to possible electron drainage promoted and the use of magnetic field for the catalyst recovering. In this study, BFO nanoparticles were synthesized by fast-firing sintering followed by cryo-milling while BFO-Fe3O4 nanocomposites were mechanically coupled. UV-Vis analyses revealed that the BFO-Fe3O4 composite accelerated down to 30 min the degradation time of MB. KFM Microscopy showed a more homogeneous potential distribution and an increase of composite surface potential while Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses proved the coupling of magnetic particles on the BFO surface. These facts are straight associated to degradation time decrease of MB and will be discussed in detail.
Roger Oliveira1, Eduardo Volnistem1, Mauricio Melo1, Luiz Cotica1, Ivair Santos1, José Eiras2, ducinei Garcia2, Dirk Menzel3, Stefan Süllow3, Gustavo Dias*1
1Department of Physics, State University of Maringa, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil; 2Physics, Federal University of Sao Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil; 3Institut für Physik der Kondensierten Materie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
Abstract Body: Multiferroic magnetoelectric materials have attracted much attention because they can exhibit electric and magnetic ordering in the same phase and a linear coupling between order parameters. This coupling creates new degrees of freedom that enable the development of new technologies. Among this class of materials is Bismuth Ferrite (BiFeO3–BFO), whichat room temperature has a type-G antiferromagnetic ordering with a cycloidal spin structure. To enhance its magnetic properties one can disturb its cycloidal structure by a couple means, such as by its nanostructuration, by introducing defects in the lattice, by atomic substitution or a combination of them. By producing BFO-doped ceramics by non-thermodynamically stable routes, such as cryomilling and spark plasma sintering it is possible to obtain dense and phase-pure ceramics with improved magnetic and dielectric properties. In this work we produced La, Er, Sc and pure BFO ceramics and performed its structural (by XRD and Mossbauer spectroscopy) and magnetic characterizations. The workintent to correlate the changes of ferroic properties with structural ones in a threefold manner, one being the introduction of high values of micro-strain, generated by the atomic substitution and the synthesis route, the second one being the breakage/suppression of the cycloidal structure and the last contribution due to the magnetic character of the doping atoms.
Luiz Cótica*1, Hugo Machado1, Victor Vizcarra Ruiz1, Gustavo Dias1, Ivair Santos1, Valdirlei Freitas2, Ruyan Guo3, Amar Bhalla3
1Department of Physics, State University of Maringa, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil; 2Physics, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste - Unicentro, Guarapuava, Paraná, Brazil; 3University of Texas‚ San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States
Abstract Body: This work presents an approach to the study of materials properties by exploring machine learning metodologies. The study begins with compiling a database of a data bank containing crystal structures of various materials, focusing on the Perovskite structure and ferroelectric materials. Another goal of this research is to recognize the capabilities of machine learning to enhance our understanding and prediction of ferroelectric properties, such as electric polarization and dielectric properties, in perovskite materials. Our investigation involves a systematic exploration of different machine learning algorithms and neural network models, specifically focusing on their relevance to materials science. The data-driven machine learning models used in this study are tailored to predict the properties of ferroelectric materials, delivering results that that exhibit remarkable proximity to experimental observations. Additionally, our research focuses on the optimization of structure parameter calculations, improving the precision of predictions by refining the underlying model parameters. By integrating machine learning techniques with advanced materials physics, we aim to present a new methodology to the design and understanding of ferroelectric perovskite materials, potentially accelerating their practical applications.
Victor Vizcarra Ruiz1, Hugo Machado2, Ruyan Guo3, Amar Bhalla3, Luiz Cótica*1
1Department of Physics, State University of Maringa, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil; 2Departamento de Física, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil; 3University of Texas‚ San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States
Abstract Body: The use of machine learning to study new materials is a promising strategy for predicting properties of various materials, particularly the ferroelectrics. This research explores the use of different neural network algorithms in machine learning to develop innovative models for accurate prediction of properties in ferroelectric materials. The investigation conducts a comprehensive exploration of various neural network architectures to enhance predictive capabilities. These models are designed to decipher complex patterns and relationships from large datasets, ensuring accurate property predictions. The neural network models derived from this study open new pathways, expanding the limits of our comprehension of ferroelectric materials. To fulfill the purpose of this study, and shows the predictive advantage of neural networks, accurate estimations of electric polarization and dielectric properties for ferroelectric perovskites were conducted. By bridging the gap between machine learning and ferroelectric material science, our research not only deepens our understanding of these unique materials but also facilitates rapid materials design and discovery.
Lilian Pereira1, Julio Pastoril1, Gustavo Dias1, Ivair Santos1, Ruyan Guo2, Amar Bhalla2, Luiz Cótica*1
1Department of Physics, State University of Maringa, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil; 2University of Texas‚ San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States
Abstract Body: Magnetic field sensors have become essential in various technological applications, and the magnetoelectric effect has emerged as a promising mechanism for high-sensitivity sensor development. However, the achievement of magnetoelectric sensors, especially those based on sintered magnetoelectric composites, has faced challenges, primarily related to their high electrical conductivity, which limits their technological exploration. This study addresses these issues through the innovative synthesis of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles/lead zirconate titanate (PZT) fibers/polymer composites. The characterization of these materials employed scanning electron microscopy to visualize their microstructure and dielectric measurements to assess their electrical properties. Magnetoelectric measurements were utilized to investigate the unique magnetoelectric effect exhibited by the composites. The applied magnetic fields generate resulting electric responses, demonstrating the feasibility and functionality of magnetoelectric sensors.
Ana Ferreira*1, Ivair Santos1, Eduardo Augusto Castelli Astrath2, Eduardo Volnistem1, Bento Cabral Jr.1
1Department of Physics, State University of Maringá, Maringá - PR, Brazil; 2Federal Institute of Paraná, Paranavaí, Brazil
Abstract Body: The search for multifunctional materials has experienced rapid growth, which is motivated by the unique properties of these materials, as their potential applicability in solar energy harvesting devices. The BiFeO3 (BFO) compound has emerged as a prominent candidate for multifunctional applications due to the convergence of the characteristics that define it as a multiferroic magnetoelectric material. In this paper contribution, La-doped BFO thin films, processed by a modified Pechini method and conventionally deposited by spin-coating, were investigated considering their photovoltaic-related properties. In this way, optical, electrical, magnetic, and surface properties were carefully investigated by ellipsometry and atomic force related microscopies (piezoresponse, magnetic and Kelvin force microscopies). The obtained results reveal the potential of processed BFO thin films for practical applications in photovoltaic devices.
Ana Ferreira*1, Ivair Santos1, Eduardo Augusto Castelli Astrath2, Bento Cabral Jr.1, Adriane Nascimento Volnistem1, Gustavo Dias1
1Department of Physics, State University of Maringa, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil; 2Federal Institute of Paraná, Paranavaí, Brazil
Abstract Body: The production of devices that efficiently promote the conversion of solar into electrical energy has shown an increased interest in the last years. Materials that present elevated photovoltaic response, combined with low production costs and the possibility of integration into nanometer-scale devices, have also gained renewed interest. In this context, ferroelectric materials, due to their characteristic reversible polar state, have been identified as strong candidates to be integrated into new families of photovoltaic devices with perovskite structure. In this paper contribution, La modified BiFeO3 (BFO) multiferroic thin films were produced by a modified Pechini method and conventional spin-coating deposition protocols. Structural, chemical, and morphological properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron and atomic force microscopies, and ellipsometry. The results revealed the obtaining of single phase and morphologically uniform thin films of nanometer scale. The overall results also point to the obtaining of efficient BFO thin films for solar energy conversion with quality and suitability for application in low-cost photovoltaic devices.
Gabriel Colombo*2, Ruan Vieira2, Fernando Rodrigues1, Ivair Santos2, Gustavo Dias2, Luiz Cotica2
1Depart of Physics, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Brazil; 2Department of Physics, State University of Maringa, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
Abstract Body: The development of advanced nanomaterials for biomedical applications has garnered significant attention in materials physics. This work focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and multifunctional applications of magnetite-based nanoparticles, nanorings, and nanotubes, specifically designed for biocompatible drug delivery and cancer treatment via magnetic hyperthermia. The successful synthesis of magnetite nanostructures was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. The XRD analysis demonstrates the crystalline nature of the synthesized nanoparticles, while TEM reveals their distinct morphological features. To evaluate the magnetic properties of the nanomaterials, magnetization as a function of temperature measurements were conducted. These measurements revealed the superparamagnetic behavior of the magnetite nanorings and nanotubes, an essential characteristic for controlled drug delivery and hyperthermia applications. Furthermore, Magnetic Hyperthermia experiments were performed using the magnetite nanostructures, demonstrating their potential for localized cancer treatment. The efficient heat generation under the influence of an external magnetic field at clinically relevant frequencies showcases their promise in cancer therapy via magnetic hyperthermia.