Ferroelectric materials toward next-generation electromechanical technologies

Ferroelectric materials have been widely used in various electromechanical devices, from ultrasonic transducers and actuators to mechanical energy harvesters. The key performance metrics of these devices, such as sensitivity, efficiency, and bandwidth of ultrasonic transducers, are largely determined by the piezoelectric properties. This Review highlights recent research progress in improving the piezoelectricity of ferroelectric materials and offers potential strategies for further enhancement to meet the ever-increasing demands for high-performance piezoelectric devices and systems. It provides insights into the future development of ferroelectrics to address the increasing demands of emerging applications, including photoacoustic imaging and piezoelectric fans and motors in integrated circuit-enabled electronic devices. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to consider environmental impacts across the entire life cycle of ferroelectrics, from sourcing and manufacturing to usage and disposal.