Molecular dynamics simulation of typical molecular ferroelectrics based on polarized crystal charge model

Abstract

Molecular ferroelectrics are a promising class of ferro-electrics, with environmental friendliness, flexibility and low cost. In this work, a set of characteristic molecular ferroelectrics are simulated by molecular dynamics (MD) with polarized crystal charge (PCC). From the simulated results, their ferroelectric switching mechanisms are elucidated, with their ferroelectric hysteresis loops. The PCC charge model, recently developed by our group, containing the quantum electric polarization effect, is suitable in nature for studying molecular ferroelectrics. The simulated systems include the typical molecular ionic ferroelectrics, di-isopropyl-ammonium halide (DIPAX, X=C (Cl), B (Br), and I), as well as a pair of newly validated organic molecular ferroelectrics, salicylideneaniline and (-)-camphanic acid. In total, there are five systems under investigation. Results demonstrate that the PCC MD method is efficient and reliable. It not only elucidates the ferroelectric switching mechanism of the studied molecular ferroelectrics, but also extends the application range of the PCC MD. In conclusion, PCC MD provides an efficient protocol for extensive computer simulations of molecular ferroelectrics, with reliable ferroelectric properties and associated mechanisms, and would promote further exploration of novel molecular ferroelectrics.