  Polarization dynamics and domain structure evolution in ferroelectric
Al$_{0.93}$B$_{0.07}$N are studied using piezoresponse force microscopy and
spectroscopies in ambient and controlled atmosphere environments. The
application of negative unipolar, and bipolar first-order reverse curve (FORC)
waveforms leads to a protrusion-like feature on the Al$_{0.93}$B$_{0.07}$N
surface and reduction of electromechanical response due to electrochemical
reactivity. A surface change is also observed on the application of fast
alternating current bias. At the same time, the application of positive biases
does not lead to surface changes. Comparatively in a controlled glove box
atmosphere, stable polarization patterns can be observed, with minuscule
changes in surface morphology. This surface morphology change is not isolated
to applying biases to free surface, a similar topographical change is also
observed at the electrode edges when cycling a capacitor in ambient
environment. The study suggests that surface electrochemical reactivity may
have a significant impact on the functionality of this material in the ambient
environment. However, even in the controlled atmosphere, the participation of
the surface ions in polarization switching phenomena and ionic compensation is
possible.
