Determination of intrinsic polarization for K2ZnCl4 single crystal grown by Czochralski technique for ferroelectric applications

Large sized single crystal of K2ZnCl4 (KZC) was grown by Czochralski (Cz) technique. Structural parameters of KZC were determined by Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD). From DSC analysis and temperature dependent dielectric measurement, KZC crystal was found to show Curie phase transition at 151 degrees C. TG/DTA confirmed the melting point that was found to be 443 degrees C. The value of piezoelectric charge coefficient (d(33)) for KZC crystal was found to be 32 pC/N demonstrating their applicability in transducers and piezoelectric devices. Ferroelectric P-E loop for the grown crystal was traced at room temperature and the intrinsic polarization obtained by PUND measurement was found to be 0.1398 mu C/ cm(2) indicating its applicability in switching devices. The energy band gap for KZC single crystal was found to be 6.13 eV. Vickers micro-hardness test revealed soft nature of KZC single crystals. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.