Direct Visualization of Localized Vibrations at Complex Grain Boundaries

Abstract

Grain boundaries (GBs) are a prolific microstructural feature that dominates the functionality of a wide class of materials. The functionality at a GB results from the unique atomic arrangements, different from those in the grain, that have driven extensive experimental and theoretical studies correlating atomic‐scale GB structures to macroscopic electronic, infrared optical, and thermal properties. In this work, a SrTiO3 GB is examined using atomic‐resolution aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and ultrahigh‐energy‐resolution monochromated electron energy‐loss spectroscopy, in conjunction with density functional theory. This combination enables the correlation of the GB structure, nonstoichiometry, and chemical bonding with a redistribution of vibrational states within the GB dislocation cores. The new experimental access to localized GB vibrations provides a direct route to quantifying the impact of individual boundaries on macroscopic properties.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Feb 10, 2023
Source ID
10.1002/adma.202208920

Entities

People

  • Andrew O'Hara
  • De-Liang Bao
  • Eric R. Hoglund
  • James M. Howe
  • Jordan A Hachtel
  • Md Shafkat Bin Hoque
  • Patrick E Hopkins
  • Sara Makarem
  • Sokrates T. Pantelides
  • Thomas W. Pfeifer

Organizations

  • Army Research Office
  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory
  • Office of Basic Energy Sciences
  • Office of Science
  • United States Department of Energy
  • University of Virginia
  • Vanderbilt University

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Materials science
  • Physics

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics