Emerging molecular ferroelectrics for high-performance perovskite optoelectronic devices

Abstract

Perovskite optoelectronic devices, capitalizing on the exceptional light-matter interaction and semiconductor properties of perovskite materials, have emerged as transformative platforms for energy conversion, information storage, and photonic technologies. While material innovations and device engineering breakthroughs have propelled remarkable advancements, persistent challenges in operational stability, scalable manufacturing, and batch reproducibility continue to hinder commercial implementation. Recently, molecular ferroelectrics (MOFEs), as a class of materials characterized by polar crystal structures and switchable spontaneous polarization (P_s), offer novel pathways to regulate high-efficiency and stable perovskite optoelectronic devices. Here, we systematically review the application of MOFEs into diverse perovskite optoelectronic systems, emphasizing the synergistic effect between P_s and optoelectronic properties. We analyze MOFEs-based photodetectors spanning self-powered, X-ray, and polarized-light detectors, detailing how P_s and synergistic physical effects optimize device performance. For photovoltaic applications, we elucidate polarization-driven performance enhancement mechanisms in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), including built-in field amplification, defect passivation, and stability improvement. Furthermore, we envisage the emerging applications of MOFEs in optoelectronic fields such as non-volatile memory, neuromorphic computing, and optical communication. Overall, this review furnishes valuable insights into optoelectronics and future energy.