Flexible Piezoelectric and Antiferroelectric Haloimidazole Crystals for Next-Generation Electronic Devices

NU 2015-177

INVENTORS

• J. Fraser Stoddart (Nobel laureate; Northwestern University, Weinberg College of Arts & Science, Department of Chemistry)*
• Vinayak Dravid (Northwestern University, McCormick School of Engineering,Abraham Harris Professor of Materials Science and Engineering)*
• Aleksandrs Prokofjevs
• Daniel Ferris
• Karl Alexander Hujsak
• Magdalena Owczarek

SHORT DESCRIPTION

This technology offers flexible organic crystals that integrate antiferroelectric and piezoelectric properties for improved data storage and energy solutions.

BACKGROUND

Conventional ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials often rely on rigid, heavy metal-based systems. Such materials limit design flexibility and carry toxicity concerns. Innovators face a challenge in developing lightweight, safe alternatives that deliver combined electrical functions for modern electronic applications.

ABSTRACT

The invention introduces trisubstituted haloimidazole crystals that naturally distort into flexible forms. The crystals exhibit antiferroelectricity via antiparallel N–H∙∙∙N chains and show piezoelectricity from a non-centrosymmetric lattice. Weak halogen bond networks enable controllable flexibility while preserving electrical performance. The material delivers a multifunctional solution suitable for data storage, energy storage, and sensor applications.

MARKET OPPORTUNITY

The global market for piezoelectric devices was valued at $35.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $76.2 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.9%. A significant force shaping this market is the rapid expansion of the flexible electronics sector, an industry valued at over $35 billion, which demands components that are fundamentally incompatible with rigid materials. (Source: Global Market Insights: "Piezoelectric Devices Market Size, Share & Trends Report, 2034").

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

TRL-4 - Prototype Validated in Lab: Key functions including antiferroelectric and piezoelectric properties have been successfully demonstrated in a laboratory setting.

APPLICATIONS

• Data storage devices: Enables high-speed, non-volatile memory in advanced electronics.
• Energy storage systems: Suitable for lightweight components in batteries and capacitors.
• Wearable electronics: Ideal for sensors and actuators in flexible, next-generation devices.
• Solid-state cooling devices: Applicable in systems utilizing pyroelectric effects.

ADVANTAGES

• Flexible design with maintained crystallinity: Combines mechanical flexibility with superior electrical performance.
• Multi-functional electrical properties: Offers antiferroelectric and piezoelectric behaviors in a single material.
• Synthetically accessible: Manufactured from affordable, readily available starting materials.
• Non-toxic composition: Contains no heavy metals, ensuring safer and more environmentally friendly applications.

PUBLICATIONS

• J. Fraser Stoddart et al., Flexible ferroelectric organic crystals, Nature Communications, 13 October 2016

IP STATUS

Issued U.S. Patent 11,091,443 (View Patent)