Elucidation of dipolar dynamics and the nature of structural phases in the [(CH)NH][Zn(HCOO)] hybrid perovskite framework

• Published in: Journal of materials chemistry. C, Materials for optical and electronic devices Vol. 7; no. 22; pp. 6779 - 6785
• Main Authors: Šim nas, Mantas, Bal i nas, Sergejus, Ciupa, Aneta, Vil iauskas, Linas, Jablonskas, D iugas, Kinka, Martynas, Sieradzki, Adam, Samulionis, Vytautas, Ma&cmb.cedil;czka, Miros aw, Banys, J ras
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 2019
• Subjects: Broadband; Dielectrics; Electric fields; Ferroelectric materials; Ferroelectricity; Molecular dynamics; Perovskites; Phase transitions; Phases; Relaxors; Spectroscopy; Spectrum analysis
• ISSN: 2050-7526; 2050-7534
• DOI: 10.1039/c9tc01275c

The indications of peculiar multiferroic behavior of dimethylammonium metal-formate perovskite frameworks raised important questions about the origin of the structural phase transition, structural phases and dipolar dynamics in these compounds. Here we provide answers on some of these phenomena by presenting a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of the [(CH 3 ) 2 NH 2 ][Zn(HCOO) 3 ] framework. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy assisted by molecular dynamics simulations allows us to probe the dipolar relaxation dynamics in both structural phases on an extensive time scale. The results of dielectric spectroscopy are complemented by non-linear dielectric susceptibility, electric field dependent and ultrasonic experiments. Contrary to a prevailing notion, we clearly demonstrate that the [(CH 3 ) 2 NH 2 ][Zn(HCOO) 3 ] perovskite is not a relaxor material and raise serious doubts about its proper ferroelectric nature. We demonstrate improper ferroelectric and non-relaxor behaviour of the [(CH 3 ) 2 NH 2 ][Zn(HCOO) 3 ] hybrid perovskite framework.