Enhancement of photovoltaic properties with Nb modified (Bi, Na) TiO3-BaTiO3 ferroelectric ceramics

In this study, the photovoltaic properties of Nb doped (Bi0.5Na0.5) TiO3-xBaTiO3 (BNBT) ferroelectric ceramics prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) were investigated and compared with the conventionally sintered (CS) samples. Much higher photocurrent and photovoltage were observed in SPS samples due to their more compact and homogenous microstructures with smaller grain size. Nb doping increases the photovoltaic response of SPS BNBT ceramics significantly. Optimal photovoltaic response is obtained for 1 at.% Nb doped SPS BNBT ceramics with a large above-bandgap photovoltage, showing the potential in future photovoltaic application.