Neumayer, Sabine M.Sabine M.NeumayerIevlev, Anton V.Anton V.IevlevCollins, LiamLiamCollinsRodriguez, Brian J.Brian J.Rodriguezet al.2021-03-022021-03-022018 Ameri2018-07-31ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces1944-8244http://hdl.handle.net/10197/12000Polarization switching in ferroelectric materials underpins a multitude of applications ranging from nonvolatile memories to data storage to ferroelectric lithography. While traditionally considered to be a functionality of the material only, basic theoretical considerations suggest that switching is expected to be intrinsically linked to changes in the electrochemical state of the surface. Hence, the properties and dynamics of the screening charges can affect or control the switching dynamics. Despite being recognized for over 50 years, analysis of these phenomena remained largely speculative. Here, we explore polarization switching on the prototypical LiNbO3 surface using the combination of contact mode Kelvin probe force microscopy and chemical imaging by time-of-flight mass-spectrometry and demonstrate pronounced chemical differences between the domains. These studies provide a consistent explanation to the anomalous polarization and surface charge behavior observed in LiNbO3 and point to new opportunities in chemical control of polarization dynamics in thin films and crystals via control of surface chemistry, complementing traditional routes via bulk doping, and substrate-induced strain and tilt systems.Print-ElectronicenThis document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, copyright © 2018 American Chemical Society after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/la203227k.FerroelectricsSurface chemistryLithium niobateSwitching dynamicsScanning probe microscopyTime-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometryPiezoresponse force microscopyScanning probe microscopyJournal Article1034291532916010.1021/acsami.8b095132020-12-0914/US/I3113https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/