Recent advances in piezoelectric and magnetoelectric materials phenomena

Multiferroic magnetoelectrics have attracted increasing interest due to their potential applications in novel multifunctional devices. In this chapter, we review the recent advances in magnetoelectric (ME) materials reported in the literature. First, we briefly summarize the progress made in the synthesis and characterization of ME solid solutions. Then we review the findings on ME composites (piezoelectric-magnetostrictive), discussing different structures and operating modes. The achievements on ME composites are emphasized with respect to (1) new materials, including textured piezoelectric ceramics and functionally graded composites, and (2) new processes for synthesizing the ME composites, such as cofiring and 3D printing/patterning. Lastly, considering the importance of environmental concerns, recent developments in the area of lead-free piezoelectric and magnetoelectric composites are discussed.