Photovoltaic effect on fast mixed conductor LiAl

The photovoltaic phenomena in the fast mixed conductor LiAl (β phase) having a semimetallic band structure are presented for the first time. Photovoltage on the order of ${10}^{\mathrm{-}6}$ V is produced with a relaxation time of ∼90 sec by illumination at 290 K. The phenomena make a reversible process by turning on and off the light. The photovoltaic effect is described in terms of a photoenhanced Li internal diffusion.