PVDF in Magnetic and Spintronic Applications
摘要
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymers have recently gained considerable attention from the research community because they simultaneously exhibit piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and dielectric properties, which are generally not observed together in conventional inorganic materials. Moreover, PVDF is lightweight, flexible, and capable of forming stable polar phases, which makes it a potential alternative to inorganic multiferroics and brittle ceramics such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and aluminum nitride (AlN). Due to these advantages, PVDF-based materials are being actively explored for applications in flexible electronics, magnetic random-access memory (MRAM), spintronics, and wearable electronic devices. In this chapter, the fundamental of PVDF and its application in magnetics and spintronics are thoroughly discussed. First, its crystal phases, polarization behaviour and dielectric response are explained. Then, more focus is given on how PVDF forms magnetoelectric composites when combined with ferrites and other magnetic fillers. To improve this multiferroic behaviour, methods like nano-structuring and use of PVDF-TrFE copolymers are also explained. Applications such as sensors, spin valves, tunnelling devices and MRAM based on PVDF have also been included. In each case, PVDF does not just act as a dielectric, but also works as an active layer that helps in spin transport or magnetism. Some new studies even show that mixing PVDF with two-dimensional materials may give better results for next-generation spintronic devices. Finally, a comparison is made between PVDF-based and inorganic materials to highlight their advantages and limitations. Issues like large-scale use, long-term stability and commercialization are also discussed, along with some directions for future research.