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    Multiscale lattice and bonding dynamics in high-entropy ferroelectrics

    Feifan Hu1, Zheng Wu1, Wenshuo Cao1, Kai Jiang2,3, Haonan Peng4, Zhen Liu4, Genshui Wang4, Tao Wang1, Xiaomei Qin1 et al.

    Chuanqing Li1, Yanxue Tang1, Xiangyong Zhao1, Feifei Wang1,*, Zhigao Hu3,†, Anyang Cui1,5,‡, and Junhao Chu5

    • *Contact author: ffwang@shnu.edu.cn
    • †Contact author: zghu@ee.ecnu.edu.cn
    • ‡Contact author: aycui@shnu.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. B 112, 174114 – Published 14 November, 2025

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/y7gp-hvvs

    Abstract

    Ferroelectric high-entropy ceramics (HECs) have recently gained significant attentions in advancing high-performance energy storage and dielectric capacitors applications. A critical challenge is to understand the atomic-scale origin of their distinct macroscopic functionalities because HECs always have disordered atomic arrangements and complex lattice distortions. Here, through a combination of polarized Raman spectroscopy, high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) calculations, we establish the routine to identify the multiscale physical process between phonon-bonding dynamics and lattice polarization responses in a HECs system, namely, (Sr0.2Ba0.2Pb0.2La0.2Na0.2)Nb2O6. We find that the off-centering Nb ions contribute to octahedral tilting. Specifically, the bending modes restrict O-Nb-O bond-angle distortions, strengthening the ab-plane covalent network to enhance breakdown fields. The rigid stretching mode suppresses oxygen displacement, thus stabilizing polar order. The constrained Nb vibration synergistically boosts maximum polarization via Nb-O bond stiffening and reduces remnant polarization. The COHP model theoretically compliments the experimental results. This work deciphers the multiscale interplay of structure-functionality relationship in HECs, offering a universal strategy to tailor high-entropy materials by multiscale analysis of phonon dynamics and bonding characteristics.

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