Visualization of domain structure and piezoelectric energy harvesting in a ferroelectric metal–ligand cage

Abstract

The ferroelectric behaviour of an octahedral cage [[Ni6(H2O)12(TPTA)8]·(NO3)12·36H2O] (1) exhibiting high remnant polarization of 25.31 μC cm−2 is discovered. For the first time, clear domain structures and the characteristic electromechanical responses are demonstrated using piezoresponsive force microscopy for a thin film of 1. Owing to its mechanical energy conversion capability, polymer composites of 1 were employed as efficient piezoelectric nanogenerators.