Thickness-Dependent Interface Polarity in Infinite-Layer Nickelate Superlattices

The interface polarity plays a vital role in the physical properties of oxide heterointerfaces because it can cause specific modifications of the electronic and atomic structure. Reconstruction due to the strong polarity of the NdNiO2/SrTiO3 interface in recently discovered superconducting nickelate films may play an important role, as no superconductivity has been observed in the bulk. By employing four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy, we studied effects of oxygen distribution, polyhedral distortion, elemental intermixing, and dimensionality in NdNiO2/SrTiO3 superlattices grown on SrTiO3 (001) substrates. Oxygen distribution maps show a gradual variation of the oxygen content in the nickelate layer. Remarkably, we demonstrate thickness-dependent interface reconstruction due to a polar discontinuity. An average cation displacement of ∼0.025 nm at interfaces in 8NdNiO2/4SrTiO3 superlattices is twice larger than that in 4NdNiO2/2SrTiO3 superlattices. Our results provide insights into the understanding of reconstructions at NdNiO2/SrTiO3 polar interfaces.