Light-ferroelectric interaction in two-dimensional lead iodide perovskites

The unique physical properties of two-dimensional (2D) metal halide perovskites (MHPs) such as nonlinear optics, anisotropic charge transport, and ferroelectricity have made these materials promising candidates for multifunctional applications. Recently, fluorine derivatives such as 4,4-difluoropiperidinium lead iodide perovskite or (4,4-DFPD, C₅H₁₀F₂N)₂PbI₄ have shown strong ferroelectricity as compared to other 2D MHPs. Although it was previously addressed that the ferroelectricity in MHPs can be affected by illumination, the underlying physical mechanisms of light-ferroelectricity interaction in 2D MHPs are still lacking. Here, we explore the electromechanical responses in 4,4-(DFPD)₂PbI₄ thin films using advanced scanning probe microscopy techniques revealing ferroelectric domain structures. Hysteretic ferroelectric loops measured by contact-Kelvin probe force microscopy are dependent on domain structures under dark conditions, while ferroelectricity weakens under illumination. The X-ray diffraction patterns exhibit significant changes in preferential orientation of individual lattice planes under illumination. Particularly, the reduced intensity of the (1 1 1) lattice plane under illumination leads to transitioning from a ferroelectric to a paraelectric phase. The instability of positive ions, especially molecular organic cations, is observed under illumination by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.