Crystallinity modulation originates ferroelectricity like nature in piezoelectric selenium

Modern room temperature ferroelectrics/piezoelectrics significantly impact advanced nanoelectronics than conventional chemical compounds. Changes in crystallinity modulation, long-range order of atoms in metalloids permits the design of novel materials. The ferroelectric like nature of a single element (selenium, Se) is demonstrated via in-plane (E⊥ar to the Se helical chains in micro-rod (MR)) and out-of-plane (E ∥el to the Se helical chains in MR) polarization. Atomic electron microscopy shows large stacks of covalently bound Se atoms in a c-axis orientation for tip bias voltage-dependent switchable domains with a 180˚ phase and butterfly displacement curves. The single crystalline Se MR has a high in-plane piezoelectric coefficient of 30 pm/V relative to polycrystalline samples due to larger grains, crystal imperfections in MR, and tuned helical chains. The energy conversion of a single Se-MR demonstrated via d13, d12 (or d15) piezoelectric modes. [Display omitted] •Multiple aspect ratios of anisotropic t-Se-MRs were prepared by an eco-friendly SG process.•Strength of ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity explored based on crystallinity, helical chain order.•Observed in-plane dij value (pm/V): Single Se MR (30)>POP Se-pellet (13)>HDP Se pellet (7).•Slip movements, twinning is origin for out-of-plane ferroelectricity/piezoelectricity.•Energy conversion of a single Se-MR demonstrated via d13, d12 (or d15) piezoelectric modes.