Giant Electrocaloric Effect in Thin-Film PbZr0.95Ti0.05O3

by A. S. Mischenko et al. Science, 3 Mar 2006 An applied electric field can reversibly change the temperature of an electrocaloric material under adiabatic conditions, and the effect is strongest near phase transitions. We demonstrate a giant electrocaloric effect (0.48 kelvin per volt) in 350-nanometer PbZr_0.95Ti_0.05O₃ films near the ferroelectric Curie temperature of 222°C. A large electrocaloric effect may find application in electrical refrigeration. Read more