Multiferroic Nanocomposite Composition for Stable Magnetoelectric Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetoelectric multiferroic materials with weak intrinsic magnetoelectric effects limit their applications, and existing composites face challenges in enhancing properties for multifunctional device applications due to unpredictable magnetic behavior from rare-earth doping.

Innovation Solution

A nanocomposite comprising a lead-free ferroelectric perovskite oxide, such as BaTiO3, combined with a rare-earth substituted mixed ternary transition metal ferrite, specifically Co0.7Zn0.3Tm0.01Fe1.99O4, which is superparamagnetic at 0 to 50°C, with controlled particle sizes and molar ratios, processed through mixing, milling, pressing, and sintering to achieve desired dielectric and magnetic properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If single-phase multiferroic materials are used, then material simplicity is maintained, but the magnetoelectric effect is weak and applications are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial structureVSAvoidmagnetoelectric effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines ferroelectric BaTiO3 with ferrimagnetic Co0.7Zn0.3Fe2O4 to form a composite nanocomposite material. This composite structure enables strong magnetoelectric coupling effects that are not present in single-phase materials, while maintaining structural simplicity through a straightforward composite architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If rare-earth doping is applied to enhance magnetic properties, then magnetic performance can be improved, but the magnetic behavior becomes unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic propertiesVSAvoidmagnetic behavior control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses Zn2+ ion substitution in CoFe2O4 to systematically tune magnetic properties. By controlling the Zn content parameter (x in Co1-xZnxFe2O4), the saturation magnetization and coercivity can be precisely adjusted without the unpredictable effects observed with rare-earth doping, enabling reliable magnetoelectric coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If lead-based ferroelectric materials are used, then ferroelectric properties are enhanced, but environmental and health concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveferroelectric propertiesVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces lead-based ferroelectric materials (such as Pb(Zr,Ti)O3) with lead-free BaTiO3. While lead-based materials offer superior ferroelectric properties, the lead-free alternative provides adequate performance for magnetoelectric applications while eliminating toxic environmental impact and health hazards associated with lead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Area of stationary object

If particle size is reduced to enhance surface effects, then surface area increases, but particle aggregation and property degradation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface areaVSAvoidparticle dispersion

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs surface modification of nanocomposite particles with organic coatings or surfactants that prevent aggregation while maintaining high surface area. This surface shell approach stabilizes the nanocomposite structure, prevents particle clumping, and preserves the enhanced surface effects beneficial for magnetoelectric coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The nanocomposite exhibits a dielectric constant of 10 to 15, low dielectric loss tangent, and adjustable saturation magnetization and coercivity, making it suitable for advanced magnetoelectronic devices with improved frequency and temperature stability.

Implementation Method 1

specifically Co0.7Zn0.3Tm0.01Fe1.99O4, which is superparamagnetic at 0 to 50°C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperparamagnetism: Superparamagnetism

Implementation Method 2

The ability to manipulate the magnetic properties of magnetoelectric multiferroic materials through the use of an electric field and vice-versa

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetoelectric effect: Magnetoelastic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS11869693B2Magnetoelectric multiferroic nanocomposite

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 IMAM ABDULRAHMAN BIN FAISAL UNIV

AI summary

A magnetoelectric multiferroic nanocomposite. The nanocomposite comprises a ferroelectric perovskite oxide and a rare-earth substituted mixed ternary transition metal ferrite of the formula A1−xBxRyFe2−yO4. The nanocomposite has a high dielectric constant, low dielectric loss, both stable over a wide frequency range. These properties may make the nanocomposite desirable for applications in microelectronic devices, sensors and antennas.