PST thin films for electrocaloric coolers

Abstract : Relaxor behaviour in a thin film of partially ordered PbSc 0.5 Ta 0.5 O 3 (PST) was confirmed via slim P-E loops and the frequency dependence of the temperature at which the dielectric constant is maximum. Indirect measurements of the electrocaloric effect suggest that removing a field of 774 kV cm -1 yields a temperature change of -3.5ºC to -6.9ºC over a broad range of operating temperatures near room temperature (1 ºC-127 ºC), with a correspondingly large refrigerant capacity of 662 J kg -1. In addition to low electrical hysteresis, there is negligible thermal hysteresis. PST thin films are therefore promising for EC cooling near room temperature.