Perspective: Dielectric and Ferroic Properties of Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

TL;DR

This paper reviews the dielectric and ferroic behaviors of halide perovskite solar cell materials, discussing microscopic processes, frequency-dependent permittivity, and the nature of ferroelectricity, highlighting recent advances and ongoing challenges.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of the microscopic origins of polarization in halide perovskites and clarifies the nature of ferroelectricity and ferroelasticity in these materials.

Findings

Frequency-dependent dielectric permittivity explained by multiple polarization mechanisms

Recent progress in characterizing ferroelectricity in halide perovskites

CH$_3$NH$_3$PbI$_3$ exhibits features of a ferroelastic electret

Abstract

Halide perovskite semiconductors respond to electric fields in a way that varies across time and length scales. We discuss the microscopic processes that give rise to the macroscopic polarization of these materials, ranging from the optical and vibrational response to the transport of ions and electrons. The strong frequency dependence of the dielectric permittivity can be understood by separating the static dielectric constant into its constituents, including the orientional polarization due to rotating dipoles, which connects theory with experimental observations. The controversial issue of ferroelectricity is addressed, where we highlight recent progress in materials and domain characterization, but emphasize the challenge associated with isolating spontaneous lattice polarization from other processes such as charged defect formation and transport. We conclude that CH$_3$NH$_3$PbI$_3$ exhibits many features characteristic of a ferroelastic electret, where a spontaneous lattice strain is coupled to long-lived metastable polarization states.