Stabilization of layered perovskite structures via strontium substitution in Ca$_3$Ti$_2$O$_7$ revealed via elemental mapping

TL;DR

This study uncovers how strontium substitution stabilizes layered perovskite structures in Ca$_{2.46}$Sr$_{0.54}$Ti$_2$O$_7$ by revealing defect structures and site-specific elemental distribution using advanced microscopy and theoretical calculations.

Contribution

It demonstrates the stabilization mechanism of layered perovskite phases through Sr substitution and highlights the role of elemental mapping in understanding defect structures.

Findings

Sr ions are selectively substituted into intergrowths.

Intergrowths of 7 and 15 layers are present in ferroelectric domains.

Density functional theory supports site-selective Sr substitution.

Abstract

Extensive studies have been performed on layered compounds, ranging from layered cuprates to van der Waals materials with critical issues of intergrowths and stacking faults. However, such structures have been studied less because of experimental difficulty. We present characteristic defect structures of intergrowths in the Ruddlesden-Popper Ca$_{2.46}$Sr$_{0.54}$Ti$_2$O$_7$, which is known to exhibit hybrid improper ferroelectricity. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that numerous intergrowths composed of 7 and 15 layers are introduced in the ferroelectric domains. Elemental maps demonstrate that Sr ions are selectively substituted into the perovskite layers of intergrowths. Density functional theory calculations support the site-selective substitution of Sr ions, favorably located in the intergrowths. The stabilization of the Ruddlesden-Popper phase and intergrowths via Sr substitution can be explained by the ionic-radius difference between Ca and Sr ions. The study reveals detailed defect structures originating from the layered perovskite structure of Ca$_{2.46}$Sr$_{0.54}$Ti$_2$O$_7$, and shows the usefulness of elemental mapping in probing the substitution effects in oxides.