Atomic motion could push solar cells beyond conventional limits

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo found that the bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE), which generates photocurrent without a p–n junction, can persist even when a material's average crystal structure is centrosymmetric. Demonstrated in the van der Waals material CuCrP2S6, the finding challenges conventional views of BPVE and suggests a new route to boosting photoelectric conversion.

• BPVE generates photocurrent without a p–n junction and survives centrosymmetric structures
• The effect was demonstrated in the van der Waals material CuCrP2S6
• The result challenges the conventional understanding of BPVE
• The finding suggests a new strategy for enhancing photoelectric conversion