A comprehensive review on the ferroelectric orthochromates: Synthesis, property, and application

Multiferroics represent a class of advanced materials for promising applications and stand at the forefront modern science special feature possessing both charge polar magnetic order. Previous studies indicate that family RECrO3 (RE = rare earth) compounds is likely another candidate system holding ferroelectricity magnetism. However, many issues remain unsolved, casting hot disputes about whether multiferroic or not. For example, an incompatibility exists between reported structural models observed ferroelectric behaviors, it not easy to determine spin canting degree. To address these questions, one key step grow single crystals because they can provide more reliable information than other forms matter do. In this review, parent doped YCrO3 are comprehensively reviewed based on scientific patent literatures from 1954 2022. The syntheses with different methods, including poly-, nano-, single-crystalline samples thin films, summarized. structural, magnetic, dielectric, optical, chemical-pressure (on Y Cr sites by doping) dependent chemical physical properties corresponding phase diagrams, discussed. Diverse (potential) applications, anti-corrosion, magnetohydrodynamic electrode, catalyst, negative-temperature-coefficient thermistor, refrigeration, protective coating, solid oxide fuel cell, present. conclude, we summarize general results, reached consensuses, existing controversies past nearly 69 years intensive highlight future research opportunities emerging challenges issues.