Ferroelectric-semiconductor photovoltaics: Non-PN junction solar cells

Traditional positive-negative (PN) junction based solar cells have many limitations. Herein, we introduce ferroelectric-semiconductor solar cells that use the bound surface charges of the ferroelectric for achieving charge separation in the semiconductor. The feasibility of the new concept cells was verified both experimentally and theoretically in detail. The new cells are unique in that free charge carriers and fixed charge carriers are physically separated from each other. The feature allows us to go beyond traditional junction-based structures and have more freedom in material selection, device design, and fabrication.