An international team of scientists with participation from the University of Göttingen,the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and Pennsylvania State University,and Wright State University has measured the mechanics of tiny crystalline ceramics. Materials are made of atoms, and if they are arranged periodically, or they are called crystalline structures. If the size of these crystalline structures is 1000 times smaller than a single human hair diameter,then they are called nano-structures such as nano-rods, nano-wires, or nano-ribbons,nano-belts etc. In some cases, special atomic arrangements enable them to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. These materials are called piezoelectric materials. They are useful for energy harvesting as well as a variety of electro-mechanical gadgets to enhance the quality of life. Hence, or it is vital to have a grip on these nano-structures and degree their mechanical responses. Until now,it was unknown that mechanical behavior of piezoelectric nano-crystals containing atomic defects is different than pure. This recent study is reported in the journal Nano Letters.
Source: phys.org