Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The metastable P63cm phase of ScFeO3 has potential for multiferroic applications not possible in the ground state if stabilization routes can be identified. This work demonstrates that the P63cm phase of ScFeO3 is stabilized on (0001) Al2O3 by the spontaneous formation of two atomic layers of (111) Fmm FeO during pulsed laser deposition, as observed via scanning transmission electron microscopy and a shift in the Fe L‐edge on approaching the interface. The matching oxygen sublattice and reduced strain of the FeO interlayer enable a ScFeO3 [110] || [2] FeO || Al2O3 [110] orientation relationship despite a −17.1% lattice mismatch. Temperature‐dependent X‐ray diffraction further support interlayer‐mediated stabilization, as FeO forms above 850 °C, preceding the formation of the P63cm ScFeO3 phase at 1000 °C. The identification of the FeO interlayer provides insights into the phase stabilization mechanism of P63cm ScFeO3 and presents a strategy for stabilizing other metastable materials that lack epitaxial substrates.
Source: Advanced Materials Interfaces
Institutions: Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Warwick
Language: English
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,100
OpenAlex ID: W4409733363