Ferroelectrics without the twist

Japanese chemists have developed a new ferroelectric material based on small hydrogen-bonded molecular crystals of croconic acid. The material has superior electronic performance and functions at high temperatures, so could pave the way for new, easily processed materials for use in electronics.

Ferroelectric materials have a spontaneous electrical polarisation, which can be reversed by applying an electric field. This makes them useful for electronic components such as capacitors. Most commercial ferroelectrics are inorganic ceramics of the perovskite family such as barium titanate (BaTiO₃) and lead zirconate titanate (Pb{Zr_xTi_1-x}O₃; PZT).   More...

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2010/February/10021002.asp