Defect-Induced Symmetry Breaking in Centrosymmetric Oxides for High-Efficiency Energy Conversion (SYMTEC)

There is a fundamental principle that the crystal structure of materials for two important energy conversion properties (piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity) should not be centrosymmetric. SYMTEC will extend the range of energy materials and explore the effect of defect-mediated symmetry breaking in otherwise forbidden crystal symmetries. This will lead to new fundamental science and future possibilities for new energy applications. This grant will fund the recipient and two PhD students.