Effect of misfit strain on the electrocaloric effect in epitaxial SrTiO3 thin films

Based on a phenomenological Landau-Devonshire theory, the effect of misfit strain on the electrocaloric effect in epitaxial SrTiO3 thin films is investigated. Theoretical analysis indicates that both the electrocaloric coefficient and the adiabatic temperature change strongly depend on the misfit strain. Moreover, the maximum of electrocaloric coefficient almost does not change with increasing the compressive or tensile misfit strain. However, the enhancement of misfit strain enlarges both the adiabatic temperature change and the temperature at which it is maximized. Most importantly, the largest room-temperature electrocaloric effect can be attained at a critical misfit strain. Therefore, it may open more opportunities for practical application in refrigeration devices.