Inducing ferroelastic domains in single-crystal CsPbBr3 perovskite nanowires using atomic force microscopy

Ferroelectric and ferroelastic domains have been predicted to enhance metal halide perovskite (MHP) solar cell performance. While the formation of such domains can be modified by temperature, pressure, or strain, established methods lack spatial control at the level of single domains. Here, we induce the formation of ferroelastic domains in CsPbBr3 nanowires at room temperature using an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip and visualize the domains using nanofocused x-ray diffraction with a 60 nm beam. Regions scanned with a low AFM tip force show orthorhombic 004 reflections along the nanowire axis, while regions exposed to higher forces exhibit 220 reflections. The applied stress locally changes the crystal structure, leading to lattice tilts that define ferroelastic domains, which spread spatially and terminate at {112}-type domain walls. The ability to induce individual ferroelastic domains within MHPs using AFM gives new possibilities for device design and fundamental experimental studies.