Ferroelectric piezoelectric materials and key problems associated in mechanical to electrical to optical energy transformation

This project aims to attain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic correlations between structure, chemical composition and performance of ferroelectric piezoelectric materials under external fields via state-of-the-art diffraction, nano-scale characterisation and in situ imaging. The proposed research has been missing and has become a major bottle-neck preventing the more wide-spread exploitation of these materials for use in mechanical, electrical and optical energy transformations. The outcomes of this project will enable the intentional improvement of the performance of existing as well as new materials of this type, and benefit Australian industry in the burgeoning fields of renewable and green energy, medicine and defence.