Influence of chromium doping on structure, optical, and photoelectric properties of spray pyrolyzed bismuth ferrite thin films

A comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the impact of chromium (Cr) doping on the energy conversion of spray-pyrolyzed bismuth ferrite (BFO) thin films. X-ray diffraction results revealed a rhombohedral crystal structure, indicating changes in the crystallite size and a shift in the preferred orientation peak (0 1 2) that correlated with the Cr concentration. This also confirmed the formation of the selenite phase of BFO. X-ray photoluminescence spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to determine the composition and elemental condition of the films. The observed decrease in the energy bandgap aligned with the structural changes. Remarkably, the sample doped with 1 at.% Cr exhibited a mixed perovskite and selenite phase, which facilitated charge transportation within the material. The introduction of Cr positively affected the photocurrent, resulting in an 80% enhancement over the pristine state, paving the way for novel developments in device technology. The enhanced light response of the device highlights the potential of BFO as an efficient energy conversion material.