Ferroelectric domain structure of highly textured BiFeO3 microcrystal films prepared by hydrothermal method

Microcrystal BiFeO3 films have been prepared on Nb doped SrTiO3 substrate with the hydrothermal method. The microcrystals in the film are highly textured and c-oriented with the (101)/(011) planes as their preferential side growth facets. These crystal facets intersect the film plane along either x or y direction. Microscopic domain structures are studied by combining the information of both in-plane and out-of-plane piezoresponse microscopy (PFM) measurements. Both 71° and 109° domain walls have been observed. Ordered stripe domains are found in the valley areas between two adjacent grains, which are ascribed to the compressive strain exerted during growth by the neighboring grains.

► BiFeO3 microcrystal films with special topographical features prepared by the hydrothermal method.
► Highly c-oriented BiFeO3 microcrystal films with side facets of (011)/(101) planes.
► Both 71° and 109° domain walls have been observed.
► Ordered stripe domains are found in the valley areas between two adjacent grains.
► Stripe domains form due to the compressive strain exerted by the neighboring grains.