Sub-nanosecond polarization switching with anomalous kinetics in vdW ferroelectric WTe2

Yinxin Bai, Zhichao Yu, Zeyu Guan, Junjiang Tian, Chuanshou Wang, Xiaodong Yao, Yihao Yang, Yunlin Lei, Jingbo Xu, Chenhao Liu, Jinlong Zhu, Yuchen Tu, Shengchun Shen, Hongjun Xiang, Xiaoguang Li (), Changsong Xu () and Junling Wang ()
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Yinxin Bai: Southern University of Science and Technology
Zhichao Yu: Fudan University
Zeyu Guan: University of Science and Technology of China
Junjiang Tian: Southern University of Science and Technology
Chuanshou Wang: Southern University of Science and Technology
Xiaodong Yao: Southern University of Science and Technology
Yihao Yang: Southern University of Science and Technology
Yunlin Lei: Southern University of Science and Technology
Jingbo Xu: Southern University of Science and Technology
Chenhao Liu: Southern University of Science and Technology
Jinlong Zhu: Southern University of Science and Technology
Yuchen Tu: University of Science and Technology of China
Shengchun Shen: University of Science and Technology of China
Hongjun Xiang: Fudan University
Xiaoguang Li: University of Science and Technology of China
Changsong Xu: Fudan University
Junling Wang: Southern University of Science and Technology

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Recently discovered “sliding ferroelectrics” exhibit distinct polarization origin and switching mechanism compared to conventional ferroelectric materials. However, a clear understanding of the polarization switching kinetics remains lacking. Here, we demonstrate sub-nanosecond (0.6 ns) polarization switching in the sliding ferroelectrics WTe2, which is the fastest switching observed so far in van der Waals ferroelectrics. Furthermore, the conventional nucleation-limited-switching model can still be applied to describe the switching process. However, contrary to conventional ferroelectric materials, the activation field associated with polarization reversal increases with temperature. Theoretical analysis suggests that this behavior is linked to the charge transfer nature of polarization in WTe2 and the unique sliding mechanism for polarization switching. Additionally, the device demonstrates remarkable endurance, with no fatigue observed after 1010 switching cycles. This study provides valuable insights into the polarization reversal process in sliding ferroelectrics and paves the way for future advances in nanoelectronic and spintronic applications.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62608-x

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