Polar and nonpolar phases of BiMO3: A review

Simple Bi-based compounds, BiMO3, are quite interesting materials. They offer large variations in crystal symmetries, polarity, and properties. Their chemical simplicity makes them ideal systems for materials fabrications, theoretical understanding, and thin-film growths. They can only be prepared at high-pressure high-temperature conditions (except for BiFeO3) in a bulk form. Some of them can be stabilized in thin films (M=Al, Sc, Cr, Mn, and Fe). In this review, we collect and analyze the recent experimental and theoretical results on BiMO3 with M=Al, Sc, Ti, V. Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Ga, In, and Rh. In addition, unresolved problems and desirable future experiments are emphasized especially for the highly controversial compound BiMnO3. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.