Ferroelectricity triggered in the quantum paraelectric AgTaO3 by Li-substitution

Ferroelectricity has been induced in the quantum paraelectric AgTaO3 (AT) by Li+ substitution, as evidence by both the dielectric anomaly and the hysteretic loop of electrical displacement versus applied electric field. The transition temperature (Tc) of Li-doped AT was found to increase with increasing level of Li+ substitution. Also, by substituting 12 mol % of Li+ into AT, which is close to the solubility limit, a ferroelectric material with a residual polarization ∼15 μC/cm2 and Tc at 258 K was then triggered.