Bridging the Macroscopic and Atomistic Descriptions of the Electrocaloric Effect

First-principles-based simulations are used to simulate the electrocaloric effect (ECE) in Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 alloys. In analogy with experimental studies we simulate the effect directly and indirectly (via the use of Maxwell thermodynamics). Both direct and indirect simulations utilize the same atomistic framework that allows us to compare them in a systematic way and with an atomistic precision for the very first time. Such precise comparison allows us to provide a bridge between the atomistic and macroscopic descriptions of the ECE and identify the factors that may critically compromise or even destroy their equivalence. Our computational data reveal the intrinsic features of ECE in ferroelectrics with multiple ferroelectric transitions and confirm the potential of these materials to exhibit giant electrocaloric response. The coexistence of negative and positive ECE in one material as well as an unusual field-driven transition between them is predicted, explained at an atomistic level, and proposed as a potential way to enhance the electrocaloric efficiency.