abstract: There is a strong medical need and important therapeutic applications for improved wireless bioelectric interfaces to the nervous system. Multichannel devices are desired for neural control of robotic prosthetics that interface to remaining nerves in limb stumps of amputees and as alternatives to traditional wired arrays used in for some types of brain stimulation. This present work investigates a new approach to ultrasound-powering of implantable microelectronic devices within the tissue that may better support such applications. These devices are of ultra-miniature size that is enabled by a wireless technique. This study investigates two types of ultrasound-powered neural interfaces for multichannel sensory feedback in neurostimulation. The piezoceramics lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer were the primary materials used to build the devices. They convert ultrasound to electricity that when rectified by a diode produce a current output that is neuro stimulatory to peripheral nerve or the neurons in the brain. Multichannel devices employ a form of spatial multiplexing that directs focused ultrasound towards localized and segmented regions of PVDF or PZT that allows independent channels of nerve actuation. Different frequencies of ultrasound were evaluated for best results. Firstly, a 2.25 MHz frequency signal that is reasonably penetrating through body tissue to an implant several centimeters deep and also a 5 MHz frequency more suited to application for actuation of devices within a less than a centimeter of nerve. Results show multichannel device performance to have a complex inter-relationship with frequency, size and thickness, angular incidence, channel separations, and number of folds (layers connected in series and parallel). The output electrical port impedances of PVDF devices were examined in relationship to that of stimulating electrodes and tissue interfaces. Miniature multichannel devices were constructed using an unreported method of employing state of the art laser cutting systems. The results show that PVDF based devices have advantages over PZT, because of better acoustic coupling with tissue, known better biocompatibility, and better separation between multiple channels. However, the PZT devices proved to be better overall in terms of compactness and higher outputs for a given ultrasound power level. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Bioengineering 2015

abstract: A piezoelectric transducer, comprised of electroded and active pad PZT layer atop a backing PZT layer and protected with an acoustic matching layer, and operating under a pulse-echo technique for longitudinal ultrasonic imaging, acts as both source and detector. Ultrasonic transducer stacks (modules), which had failed or passed during pulse-echo sensitivity testing, were received from Consortium X. With limited background information on these stacks, the central theme was to determine the origin(s) of failure via the use of thermal and physicochemical characterization techniques. The optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed that contact electrode layers are discontinuous in all samples, while delaminations between electrodes and pad layer were observed in failed samples. The X-ray diffraction data on the pad PZT revealed an overall c/a ratio of 1.022 ratio and morphotropic boundary composition, with significant variations of the Zr to Ti ratio within a sample and between samples. Electron probe microanalysis confirmed that the overall Zr to Ti ratio of the pad PZT was 52/48, and higher amounts of excess PbO in failed samples, whereas, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry revealed the presence of Mn, Al, and Sb (dopants) and presence of Cu (sintering aid) in in this hard (pad) PZT. Additionally, three exothermic peaks during thermal analysis was indicative of incomplete calcination of pad PZT. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of parylene at the Ag-pad PZT interface and within the pores of pad PZT (in failed samples subjected to electric fields). This further dilutes the electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical properties of the pad PZT, which in turn detrimentally influences the pulse echo sensitivity. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Materials Science and Engineering 2018

O condutor protônico zirconato de bário dopado com ítrio (BaZr1-xYxO3-δ, BZYx) é um material promissor para a aplicação como eletrólito sólido em células a combustível operacional em temperaturas intermediárias (400 a 700 oC). No entanto, sua natureza refratária (ponto de fusão ~ 2600 oC) faz com que para sua densificação, necessária para sua aplicação como eletrólito, sejam necessários altas temperaturas e longos tempos de tratamento térmico (1600 a 1800 °C por 24 a 48 h). Tais condições extremas causam um desvio da estequiometria de bário que afeta a química de defeitos do material e, consequentemente a diminuição da condutividade protônica do BZYx. Portanto, o processamento desse eletrólito sólido em menores temperaturas, preservando sua estequiometria, formando uma microestrutura densa e com baixa resistividade inter-granular são os principais objetivos e desafios da comunidade científica. Visando aumentar a sinterabilidade das partículas, o BZY foi preparado pelo método dos peróxidos oxidantes (OPM). O procedimento experimental original do OPM foi modificado e otimizado para viabilizar a formação do BZYx, com x = 10 a 50 mol% de Y3+. Dentre as modificações, a síntese foi feita com e sem o controle da atmosfera, em câmara de luvas sob atmosfera de nitrogênio e ao ar, respectivamente. As propriedades estruturais, morfológicas, térmicas, termodinâmicas e elétricas das composições de BZYx foram investigadas. As amostras produzidas foram calcinadas em diversas temperaturas e investigadas quanto à sua sinterabilidade e densificação. Os pós de BZYx, com x = 10 a 50 mol% de Y3+, produzidos com controle da atmosfera foram investigados quanto às suas propriedades termodinâmicas. Os valores de entalpia de formação a partir dos óxidos (ΔHf,ox) foram calculados com os dados obtidos por calorimetria de dissolução a alta temperatura. As amostras de BZY10 e BZY20 produzidas com controle da atmosfera atingiram condutividade elétrica total de 1,6 x 10-3 e 1,3 x 10-3 S/cm a 530 oC, respectivamente. A alta resistividade inter-granular contribui para a alta resistividade total das amostras. A análise por espectroscopia Raman e os valores de ΔHf,ox obtidos sugerem que para valores de Y3+ > 20 mol% ocorrem interações defeito-defeito na estrutura cristalina, causando à diminuição de sítios efetivos para a hidratação e a diminuição da mobilidade dos prótons na estrutura e, consequentemente, a diminuição da condutividade protônica total. / The proton conductor oxide yttrium doped barium zirconate (BaZr1-xYxO3-δ, BZYx) is a promising solid electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) operating at intermediate temperatures (400 to 700 oC). However, the BZY refractory nature (MP ~ 2600 oC) inhibits the achievement of the densification needed for application in SOFCs (relative density ≥ 95% T.D.), requiring long dwell times and high temperatures (T ≥ 1600 oC, t ≥ 24 h). Those extreme conditions cause barium stoichiometry deviation, which affects the defect chemistry and the depletion of proton conductivity. Therefore, BZY processing in less aggressive conditions, preserving cation stoichiometry, leading to dense microstructures with low intergranular resistivity are the great challenges of the scientific community nowadays. Aiming to increase particles sinterability, BZYx (x = 10 to 50 mol% of Y3+), solid solutions where synthesized by the Oxidant Peroxide Method (OPM). The original OPM experimental procedure was modified to allow the BZY formation with different dopant content. One of the modifications was to carry out the synthesis under laboratory and nitrogen atmospheres. The study of structural, thermal, morphological, thermochemical and electrical properties of all samples was performed. The samples where calcined at different temperatures and the particles sinterability and densification were also investigated. The thermochemical properties of BZYx solid solutions were investigated by high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry, for evaluation of the formation enthalpies (ΔHf,ox). The total electrical conductivity of the BZY10 and BZY20 sintered samples synthesized under nitrogen was 1.6 x 10-3 and 1.3 x 10-3 S/cm at 530 oC, respectively. The blocking of charge carriers at interfaces contributes to the low total electrical conductivity. Raman spectroscopy analysis and the evaluated ΔHf,ox values obtained suggest that from 20 mol% Y3+, defect interaction might happen, leading to vacancy clustering. This effect might cause the depletion of mobile oxygen vacancies, affecting the mobility of protons, with a decrease in proton conductivity.

Kyoto University (京都大学) / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第14574号 / 工博第3042号 / 新制||工||1453(附属図書館) / 26926 / UT51-2009-D286 / 京都大学大学院工学研究科材料工学専攻 / (主査)教授 粟倉 泰弘, 教授 杉村 博之, 教授 田中 功 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当

The dissertation consists of the following three sections: 1. Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings. In this work, we deposited HA precursor films from weak basic electrolytic solution (pH= 8-9) via an electrochemical approach; the deposits were changed into crystallite coatings of hydroxyapatite by sintering at specific temperatures (600-800 ºC). The formed coatings were mainly characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD patterns show well-defined peaks of HA when sintered under vacuum conditions. FTIR measurements indicate the existence of hydroxyl groups, which were confirmed by the characteristic intensity of the stretching and bending bands at ~3575 and ~630 cm-1, respectively. The SEM shows an adhesive, crack free morphology for the double-layer coating surface of the samples sintered in a vacuum furnace. 2. Silver/polymer/clay nanocomposites. Silver nanoparticles were prepared in layered clay mineral (montmorillonite)/polymer (PVP: poly (vinyl pyrrolidone)) suspension by an electrochemical approach. The silver particles formed in the bulk suspension were stabilized by the PVP and partially exfoliated clay platelets, which acted as protective colloids to prevent coagulation of silver nanoparticles together. The synthesized silver nanoparticles/montmorillonite/PVP composite was characterized and identified by XRD, SEM, and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) measurements. 3. Ce-doped lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films. In this study, we fabricated cerium-doped PZT films (molar ratio of Zr/Ti:: 0.5:0.5) via cathodic electrodeposition on the indium tin oxide ( ITO) coated glass substrate. In the preparation process, the PZT films were modified by adding a small amount of cerium dopants, which led to the formation of Ce-doped PZT films after sintering at high temperatures. The fabricated PZT films on the ITO coated glass substrate may be used as electro-optic devices in the industrial application.

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Les principaux objectifs de cette thèse de doctorat ont été de réaliser la synthèse et la caractérisation structurale et dieléctrique des échantillons céramiques ferroélectriques appartenants au système Pb1-xRxZr0,40Ti0,60O3 avec R = Ba et La et x entre 0,00 à 0,50. Ce système a été choisi car il est un matériel ferroélectrique qui a des propriétés physiques intéressantes, comme haute constante diélectrique et piézo-électrique, ce qui les rend candidats potentiels pour des applications telles que les condensateurs à haute densité d'énergie et les actionneurs. Afin d'évaluer le comportement relaxor, les études ont été effectuées avec la variation de la composition, du type de dopage (par des atomes de la même ou différente valence – La ou Ba) et de la taille des particules de céramique, dès l'échelle micrométrique à l'échelle nanométrique. Les échantillons céramiques micrométriques ont été préparées par la méthode de réaction de l'état solide et la frittage dans un four électrique conventionnel. Les données fournies par la technique de diffraction des rayons X de cettes échantillons ont montré une transition de une phase tétragonal pour une phase cubique avec l'augmentation de la concentration de cations substituants. Ces changements ont été attribués à une diminution de distorsion dans le maille cristallographique en raison de l'apparition de défauts causés par l'incorporation de dopage. Les mesures électriques ont été obtenues par spectroscopie d'impédance et ont montré un comportement électrique relaxor à partir de compositions avec plus de 12% at. La et de 30% at. Ba pour les systèmes PLZT et PBZT, respectivement. Les mesures électriques de l'échantillon avec 12%, 13% et 14% at. La et 30% at. Ba présentent un comportement qui, selon la littérature, est liée à une transition de phase spontanée d'un comportement relaxor et au comportement d'un matérial ferroélectrique normal. La technique de diffraction des rayons X a également été utilisé pour surveiller le processus de transition de phase en fonction de la température pour échantillons PLZT et PBZT. Il est possible de voir le changement de structure tétragonal de groupe d'espace P4mm en structure cubique de groupe d'espace Pm-3m. En ce qui concerne la structure locale, nous avons effectué des mesures expérimentales avec la technique de spectroscopie d'absorption des rayons X dans le spectre XANES aux seuils d'absorption de différents éléments pour les échantillons PLZT et PBZT. Dans les cas de seuil d'absorption K du titane, l'intégration de La et Ba atomes de la structure du PZT entraîne une diminution dans le désordre local dans le octaèdre TiO6, vérifié par la réduction du déplacement statique de atome Ti au centre de l'octaèdre TiO6. Cette évolution est plus faible pour les échantillons que montrent le comportement relaxor. Les spectres d'absorption EXAFS au seuil LIII du plomb et seuil K du zirconium ont été effectués aussi et ces mesures indiquent que la structure locale autour des atomes de plomb ou de zirconium est également affectée par l'introduction des atomes de La et Ba dans la structure. Le comportement relaxor a été aussi étudié en fonction de la taille de grain dans une échelle nanométrique. Ainsi les échantillons de compostions PZT, PLZT11 et PBZT10 ont eté préparés en utilisant la méthode de synthèse chimique de polymères précurseurs et le processus de frittage par spark plasma. La caractérisation de ces échantillons par diffraction de rayons X montrent que les paramétres de maille réduisent en comparison avec les échantillons de même composition et taille de grain micrométrique. Pour l'échantillon de composition PLZT11, il est possible de constater le comportement relaxor par les mesures de la constante dieléctrique en fonction de la température. Les changements quand la taille de grain est dans une échelle nanométrique sont attribués à la limitation des frontières de grains, qui provoquent un systéme de tension, responsable de la diminuition des paramétres de maille, et provoquent l'apparition de domaines ferroélectriques nanométriques / The main objectives of this doctoral thesis were the synthesis and structural characterization of Pb1-xRxZr0.40Ti0.60O3 ferroelectric ceramic samples, with R = Ba and La and x between 0.00 to 0.50. This system was chosen because its interesting physical properties such as high dielectric and piezoelectric constant. These characteristics make it potential candidate for applications such as capacitors in high energy density and actuators. To evaluate the relaxor behavior, the studies were carried out with the change in the composition, type of doping (by atoms of the same or different valence – La or Ba) and the particle size of ceramics, from the micrometer to nanometer scale. Micrometric ceramic samples are prepared by the method of reaction of solid state and sintering in a conventional furnace. The characterization with X-ray diffraction technique of these samples showed a transition from tetragonal phase to a cubic phase with increase of the dopping cation concentration. These changes have been attributed to the appearance of defects caused by the incorporation of La or Ba cations. Electrical measurements were obtained by impedance spectroscopy and showed a electric relaxor behavior from compositions with more than 12 at. % of La and the 30 at. % of Ba for PLZT and PBZT systems, respectively. These measurements for the samples with 12 at. %, 13 at. % and 14 at. % of La and 30 at. % of Ba exhibit a behavior that, according to the literature, is related to a spontaneous phase transition from a relaxor behavior to a normal ferroelectric behsvior. The technique of X-ray diffraction also been used to monitor the phse transition phase as a function of the temperature for PLZT and PBZT samples. It is possible to note the change in a tetragonal structure with P4mm space group to a cubic structure with Pm-3m space group. Concerning the local structure, XANES spectra in the absorption edge of various elements in PLZT and PBZT samples were performed. In the cases of Ti K-edge absorption, the dopping of La and Ba atoms in the PZT structure leads to a decrease of the local disorder in the TiO6 octahedron and it is verified the reduction of static displacement of Ti atom in the center of the TiO6 octahedron. This displacement is lower for samples that show relaxor behavior. The EXAFS measurements in Pb LIII-edge and Zr K-edge were performed and also indicate that local structure around lead or zirconium atoms is also affected by the introduction of La and Ba atoms in the PZT structure. The relaxor behavior was also studied depending on the size of particle size in a nanometer scale. Thus samples PZT, PLZT11 and PBZT10 compositions were prepared using the synthesis method of precursor polymers and the process of sintering by spark plasma. Characterization of these samples by X-ray diffraction shows that the lattice parameters are reduced in comparison with samples of the same composition and micrometer particle size. For PLZT11 composition, it is possible to observe a relaxor behavior by measurement of the dielectric permittivity as a function of the temperature. These changes when the grain size is in a nanoscale are attributed to the grain boundaries, that are responsible for the decrease in the lattice parameters and the appearance of ferroelectric nanodomains

This work is focused on Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of oxygen vacancy diffusion barriers in mixed perovskite lead zirconate titanate and its pure counterparts. We found out that barrier heights are different in lead titanate and lead zirconate caused by the different localization of the excess electrons due to the oxygen vacancy formation. Diffusion barriers were also determined for titanium-rich mixed phases and compared to experimental values. This work contributes to clarify unusually low experimentally measured diffusion coefficients in PZT. We found out that the induced vacancy states are forming localized bonds to the lead atoms which causes the oxygen vacancies to become immobile due to the increase of the activation energy of the diffusion process.