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Epitaxial Stress-Stabilized Rhombohedral Ferroelectric and Dual-Phase Structure Induced Large Photovoltaic Effect in
Zhao Wang1, Wenyue Zhao2, Yazhou Peng1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 27, 2025
Summary
Researchers stabilized a ferroelectric phase in Yttrium Iron Oxide (YFeO3) films using epitaxial stress, creating a dual-phase structure. This structure significantly boosts the ferroelectric photovoltaic effect, achieving a high photovoltage for advanced solar cell applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Ferroelectric photovoltaic materials are crucial for generating above-bandgap photovoltage.
- Yttrium Iron Oxide (YFeO3) shows promise for photovoltaics due to its bandgap, stability, and environmental friendliness.
- Weak inherent ferroelectric properties of YFeO3 limit its photovoltaic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and stabilize a ferroelectric rhombohedral phase in YFeO3 films.
- To understand the role of epitaxial stress and dual-phase structures in enhancing ferroelectric photovoltaic effects.
- To explore the potential of YFeO3 for high-performance photovoltaic devices.
Main Methods:
- Epitaxial stabilization of the rhombohedral (R3c) phase in YFeO3 films.
- Analysis of phase transitions and defect formation (e.g., dislocations) with increasing film thickness.
- Characterization of the dual-phase structure (R3c and Pnma phases) and its impact on ferroelectricity.
Main Results:
- Epitaxial stress stabilized the ferroelectric R3c phase in YFeO3 films.
- A dual-phase structure formed due to stress relaxation and dislocations, embedding the Pnma phase within the R3c matrix.
- A significant photovoltage of up to 8.82 V was achieved under white light illumination due to a chemical potential imbalance at the phase boundary.
Conclusions:
- The stress-stabilized rhombohedral phase and the resulting dual-phase structure are key to enhancing ferroelectric photovoltaic effects in YFeO3.
- This study provides critical insights into structure-property relationships in multiferroic materials.
- Findings offer a pathway for developing high-performance ferroelectric photovoltaic devices.
Keywords:
YFeO3 filmsdual-phase structureferroelectric propertyphotovoltaic performancestrain engineeringMore Related Videos
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