Structure and Properties of Piezoelectric Single Crystals

Dear Colleagues,

Perovskite ferroelectrics are characterized by their coupled polarization, strain, and electric field properties and are widely utilized in the domains of information and communications technology, medical imaging, and diagnostics. Ferroelectric single crystals are highly coveted for their customizable piezoelectric properties, which are achieved by aligning the crystals in optimal directions, thus garnering substantial interest for their exceptional piezoelectric coupling and dielectric performance. This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest developments in the growth and application of advanced ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and dielectric functional single crystals. It includes detailed characterizations of diverse parameters and investigates the inherent connections between material structure and functionality, along with their practical applications. Furthermore, the issue delves into the effects of material defects, domain engineering, and other physical mechanisms on piezoelectric characteristics. The primary objective of this Special Issue is to curate an extensive portfolio of scholarly papers that conduct thorough examinations of recent progress in the fields of ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and dielectric ceramics and crystals.

The focal points of this Special Issue with regard to ceramic material research are as follows:

• Investigations into ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and dielectric crystals and ceramics;
• The use of analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and spectroscopy to discern structure–property relationships;
• The characterization of a range of piezoelectric parameters;
• The design of material processing strategies for both lead-free and lead-based piezoelectric ceramics and crystals;
• In-depth studies of the fundamental principles governing ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, and dielectric properties in ceramics;
• The modulation of piezoelectric properties through the introduction of defects, the application of doping techniques, and domain engineering strategies. 

Dr. Chengpeng Hu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Crystals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• structural characterization
• dielectric properties
• piezoelectric properties
• ferroelectric properties
• Raman analysis
• actuators
• piezoelectric analysis based on defect theory
• thermodynamic and kinetic studies of piezoelectric, including theory, experiment, modeling, and simulation
• X-ray diffraction, including the rocking curve