Centimeter-Sized Single Crystal of a One-Dimensional Lead-Free Mixed-Cation Perovskite Ferroelectric for Highly Polarization Sensitive Photodetection

Linear dichroic anisotropic photonic materials are highly attractive due to their great potentials in many applications, which in combination with the ferroelectric properties could broaden their research and applications. However, to date, the linear dichroism conversion phenomenon has not been observed in one-dimensional (1D) large-size single-crystal materials: in particular, lead-free perovskite ferroelectric crystals. Here, we propose a new ferroelectric design strategy: namely, partial organic cation substitution for precisely designing 1D polarization-sensitive perovskite ferroelectrics. As an example, the 1D mixed-cation perovskite ferroelectric (n-propylammonium)(methylammonium)SbBr5 was synthesized, which exhibits a fascinating ferroelectricity with a notable reversible polarization of 2.9 mu C/cm(2) and a large ferroelectricity-driven polarization ratio of 6.9. Importantly, the single-crystalline photo-detectors also exhibit superior optoelectronic anisotropic performances at the paraelectric phase, having a large photoelectric anisotropy ratio (similar to 35), an excellent polarization-sensitive dichroism ratio (similar to 1.31), highly sensitive detectivity up to similar to 10(9) Jones, and a fast response rate (similar to 45/68 mu s). This finding provides a significant and effective pathway for the targeted design of new functional lead-free linear dichroic anisotropic photonic ferroelectrics.

Automated summary

This study presents a new ferroelectric design strategy by partially substituting organic cations to precisely design one-dimensional polarization-sensitive perovskite ferroelectric materials, offering an effective pathway for the targeted design of new functional lead-free linear dichroic anisotropic photonic ferroelectrics.