Ferroelectricity‐Enhanced Photocatalysis: Mechanisms, Materials, and Engineering Strategies

Ferroelectric photocatalysts are attracting rapid interest because spontaneous polarization generates internal electric fields that drive directional charge separation under solar illumination. This review demonstrates how switchable polarization, domain configuration, and polarization‐induced band bending govern recombination, transport, and surface selectivity in photocatalysis. We profile representative ferroelectric material systems spanning perovskite oxides and Aurivillius layered phases with compositional tunability, as well as van der Waals (vdW) two‐dimensional (2D) semiconductors. These materials are further enhanced via polarization engineering, which we organize into three categories. First, domain and defect engineering intensify the internal electric field and prolong carrier lifetime. Second, interlayer engineering and heterojunction design translate bulk polarization into interfacial driving forces. Third, multiple coupling reinforces operation with piezoelectric and pyroelectric inputs with emerging opportunities in spin–polarization coupling. We conclude by highlighting the remaining challenges in interfacial stability, domain retention during cycling, and cross‐study comparability. To bridge laboratory advances with practical implementation, we propose a quantitative framework that correlates in situ surface potentials, band offsets, and time‐resolved carrier dynamics to extract an effective internal electric field. Such an approach provides a unified metric for benchmarking polarization strength and guiding the design of durable, programmable ferroelectric photocatalytic platforms.

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Publication Details

Journal
Solar RRL
Published
2026-03-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/solr.202500919
Primary Topic
Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Ferroelectricity‐Enhanced Photocatalysis: Mechanisms, Materials, and Engineering Strategies

Mi Ji Kang, Min Gyeong Choe, Ho Won Jang
Solar RRL
Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques
article

Ferroelectricity‐Enhanced Photocatalysis: Mechanisms, Materials, and Engineering Strategies

Mi Ji Kang, Min Gyeong Choe, Ho Won Jang
article en

Abstract

Ferroelectric photocatalysts are attracting rapid interest because spontaneous polarization generates internal electric fields that drive directional charge separation under solar illumination. This review demonstrates how switchable polarization, domain configuration, and polarization‐induced band bending govern recombination, transport, and surface selectivity in photocatalysis. We profile representative ferroelectric material systems spanning perovskite oxides and Aurivillius layered phases with compositional tunability, as well as van der Waals (vdW) two‐dimensional (2D) semiconductors. These materials are further enhanced via polarization engineering, which we organize into three categories. First, domain and defect engineering intensify the internal electric field and prolong carrier lifetime. Second, interlayer engineering and heterojunction design translate bulk polarization into interfacial driving forces. Third, multiple coupling reinforces operation with piezoelectric and pyroelectric inputs with emerging opportunities in spin–polarization coupling. We conclude by highlighting the remaining challenges in interfacial stability, domain retention during cycling, and cross‐study comparability. To bridge laboratory advances with practical implementation, we propose a quantitative framework that correlates in situ surface potentials, band offsets, and time‐resolved carrier dynamics to extract an effective internal electric field. Such an approach provides a unified metric for benchmarking polarization strength and guiding the design of durable, programmable ferroelectric photocatalytic platforms.

Solar RRLVol. 10(6)
Seoul National University (KR), National University (SD), Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology (KR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 11%
Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques
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