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Diffuse Ferroelectric Phase Transition-Dependent Photovoltaic Effect in BiFeO3-BaTiO3-Based Solid Solutions
Jin-Quan Dou1,2, Gao-Chao Zhao2,3, Lei Xie1,2
1Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui 230601, People's Republic of China.
Inorganic Chemistry
|November 22, 2024
Summary
The photovoltaic effect in ferroelectric semiconductors is not fully understood. This study reveals it depends more on crystal structure and domain dynamics than ferroelectric polarization in BFC-BTM materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Solid-State Chemistry
Background:
- The photovoltaic effect in ferroelectric (FPV) semiconductors is gaining interest, but its underlying microscopic mechanisms remain unclear.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing novel optoelectronic devices based on ferroelectric materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of crystal structure, dielectric, ferroelectric, and domain characteristics on the FPV effect.
- To elucidate the relationship between phase transitions and the open-circuit photovoltage (V_OC) in the 0.7BiFeO3-0.3BaTiO3 system doped with Cr and Mn.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of the 0.7BiFe1-xCrxO3-0.3BaTi1-yMnyO3 (BFC-BTM) system with varying Cr and Mn content (0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.07).
- Analysis of crystal structure, phase transitions, ferroelectric properties, and domain evolution using various experimental techniques.
- Measurement of the photovoltaic response, specifically the open-circuit photovoltage (V_OC).
Main Results:
- A structural transition from rhombohedral/tetragonal to pseudocubic phases was observed for x ≥ 0.05, accompanied by reduced lattice distortion and loss of macro-sized ferroelectric domains.
- A significant increase in the diffuseness of the relaxor ferroelectric phase transition and a decrease in V_OC were noted for x ≥ 0.05.
- Ferroelectric polarization showed a weak variation, indicating a limited role in the FPV effect.
Conclusions:
- The FPV effect in BFC-BTM is strongly dependent on the diffused relaxor ferroelectric phase transition and crystal structure, rather than ferroelectric polarization.
- The findings suggest that submicron domain dynamics and non-centrosymmetry-related shift current mechanisms play a critical role in the FPV effect.
- This research provides insights into the microscopic origins of the FPV effect, guiding the design of advanced ferroelectric photovoltaic devices.
