Piezoelectric properties of center-symmetric material superlattices

Abstract This paper investigates the piezoelectric behavior of nanoscale superlattices composed of centrally symmetric materials. A one-dimensional model based on flexoelectric theory was established to analyze the polarization response of a three-layer superlattice under mechanical stress. Results indicate that odd-layer superlattices exhibit significant apparent positive piezoelectric effects, whose intensity depends on material stacking sequence and sublayer thickness. This effect strengthens as thickness decreases, potentially reaching levels comparable to conventional piezoelectric materials. However, no inverse piezoelectric effect was observed under external electric fields. This research provides theoretical foundations for designing novel positive piezoelectric devices.