High-efficiency bulk photovoltaic effect with ferroelectric-increased shift current

Pu Feng, Zhihao Gong, Baoyu Wang, Zhongyi Wang, Haoran Xu, Lingrui Zou, Chen Liu, Xun Han (), Yingchun Cheng, Bin Yu, Xixiang Zhang, Lain-Jong Li, Hua Wang (), Fei Xue () and Kai Chang
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Pu Feng: Zhejiang University
Zhihao Gong: Tianjin Normal University
Baoyu Wang: Zhejiang University
Zhongyi Wang: Zhejiang University
Haoran Xu: Zhejiang University
Lingrui Zou: Zhejiang University
Chen Liu: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Xun Han: Zhejiang University
Yingchun Cheng: Yanshan University
Bin Yu: Zhejiang University
Xixiang Zhang: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Lain-Jong Li: National University of Singapore
Hua Wang: Zhejiang University
Fei Xue: Zhejiang University
Kai Chang: Zhejiang University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Bulk photovoltaic (BPV) effect primarily stems from shift currents in symmetry-breaking materials, providing the potential to smash the Shockley-Queisser limit that constrains the performance of conventional p-n junctions-based solar cells. However, limited open circuit voltages (Voc) or short circuit current densities (Jsc) from BPV devices still cause a low photoelectric conversion efficiency. Here, combining theoretical analysis and experimental evidence, we identify a range of BPV materials where both Voc and Jsc can be co-optimized, and greatly boost the efficiency through ferroelectric engineered shift current. We select ferroelectric NbOBr2 as an example and construct a two-dimensional in-plane device with a giant shift current-dominated BPV effect. In spontaneous polarization state, the devices demonstrate a record-high Jsc among all ferroelectric materials. Moreover, the electrically aligned NbOBr2 polarization enables the significant co-enhancement of both Voc and Jsc, leading to a colossal improvement of photoelectric conversion efficiency up to four orders of magnitude (1.25%), which is approximately four times greater than that of state-of-the-art BPV devices. Our work provides a promising solution for screening and creating higher efficient BPV cells.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64807-y

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