Mixed Valence Perovskite Cs2 Au2 I6 : A Potential Material for Thin-Film Pb-Free Photovoltaic Cells with Ultrahigh Efficiency

High-entropy alloy screening for halide perovskites

As the concept of high-entropy alloying (HEA) extends beyond metals, new materials screening methods are needed. Halide perovskites (HP) are a prime case study because greater stability is needed for photovoltaics applications, and there are 322 experimentally observed HP end-members, which leads to more than 1057 potential alloys. We screen HEAHP by first calculating the configurational entropy of 106 equimolar alloys with experimentally observed end-members. To estimate enthalpy at low computational cost, we turn to the delta-lattice parameter approach, a well-known method for predicting III-V alloy miscibility. To generalize the approach for non-cubic crystals, we introduce the parameter of unit cell volume coefficient of variation (UCV), which does a good job of predicting the experimental HP miscibility data. We use plots of entropy stabilization versus UCV to screen promising alloys and identify 102 HEAHP of interest.

Structural, elastic, electronic, and optical properties of lead-free halide double perovskites Cs2BꞌBꞌꞌBr6 (BꞌBꞌꞌ: BeMg, CdBe, CdGe, GeMg, GeZn, MgZn): Ab initio calculations

CONTEXT

In our study, we theoretically investigated the structural, elastic, electronic, and optical characteristics of halide double perovskites (DPs) Cs2B'B''Br6 (B'B'': BeMg, CdBe, CdGe, GeMg, GeZn, MgZn). Structural stabilities were assessed based on the enthalpy of formation, tolerance factor, and elastic constants. Ductile and brittle behavior was examined using Poisson and Pugh's ratios. Based on electronic calculations, it has been concluded that Cs2B'B''Br6 double perovskites with B'B'' as BeMg or CdBe exhibit direct bandgaps, whereas those with B'B'' as CdGe, GeMg, GeZn, or MgZn display indirect bandgaps. Additionally, we thoroughly investigated the optical properties of double perovskites by analyzing all their parameters in the energy range spanning 0 to 13 eV. Primary absorption was noted in the ultraviolet (UV) region.

METHODS

In this work, all calculations were performed using the Wien2k package. The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and the modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) method were employed to describe the exchange-correlation interactions.

A theoretical exploration of the structural feature, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of Au-based halide perovskites A2AuIAuIIIX6 (A = Rb, Cs; X = Cl, Br, I)

As a possible alternative to lead halide perovskites, inorganic mixed-valence Au-based halide perovskites have drawn much attention. In the current research, we have conducted comprehensive theoretical calculations to reveal the structural feature, thermodynamic and dynamic stability, mechanical behavior, optoelectronic properties, and photovoltaic performance of Au-based halide perovskites A2AuIAuIIIX6 (A = Rb, Cs; X = Cl, Br, I). The structural parameters of these compounds are carefully analyzed. Our calculations indicate that the thermodynamic, dynamic, and mechanical stability of monoclinic Rb2AuIAuIIIX6 and tetragonal Cs2AuIAuIIIX6 are ensured, and they are all ductile. The electronic band structure analysis shows that Rb2AuIAuIIII6 illustrates a direct-gap feature, while Rb2AuIAuIIIX6 (X = Cl, Br) and Cs2AuIAuIIIX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) are indirect-gap materials. The effect of A-site cation substitution on the optical band gaps of the Au-based halide perovskites is elucidated. Our results further suggest that Rb2AuIAuIIIX6 (X = Br, I) and Cs2AuIAuIIIX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) are more suitable for single-junction solar cells due to their suitable band gaps within 1.1-1.5 eV. Furthermore, four compounds A2AuIAuIIIX6 (A = Rb, Cs; X = Br, I) not only have high absorption coefficients in the visible region but also show excellent photovoltaic performance, especially for A2AuIAuIIII6 (A = Rb, Cs), whose efficiency can reach over 29% with a film thickness of 0.5 μm. Our study suggests that inorganic Au-based halide perovskites are potential alternatives for optoelectronic devices in solar cells.

Chemical Mapping of Excitons in Halide Double Perovskites

Halide double perovskites comprise an emerging class of semiconductors with tremendous chemical and electronic diversity. While their band structure features can be understood from frontier-orbital models, chemical intuition for optical excitations remains incomplete. Here, we use ab initio many-body perturbation theory within the GW and the Bethe-Salpeter equation approach to calculate excited-state properties of a representative range of Cs2BB'Cl6 double perovskites. Our calculations reveal that double perovskites with different combinations of B and B' cations display a broad variety of electronic band structures and dielectric properties and form excitons with binding energies ranging over several orders of magnitude. We correlate these properties with the orbital-induced anisotropy of charge-carrier effective masses and the long-range behavior of the dielectric function by comparing them with the canonical conditions of the Wannier-Mott model. Furthermore, we derive chemically intuitive rules for predicting the nature of excitons in halide double perovskites using computationally inexpensive density functional theory calculations.

Numerical simulation of lead-free vacancy ordered Cs2PtI6 based perovskite solar cell using SCAPS-1D

In recent years, vacancy-ordered halide double perovskites have emerged as promising non-toxic and stable alternatives for their lead-based counterparts in optoelectronic applications. In particular, vacancy ordered Cs2PtI6 has emerged as a star material because of its high absorption coefficient, band gap of 1.37 eV, and long minority carrier lifetime. Despite substantial experimental research on this new class of material, theoretical simulations of their device properties remain scarce. In this work, a novel n-i-p device architecture (FTO/SnO2/Cs2PtI6/MoO3/C) is theoretically investigated using a solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS-1D). Theoretical investigations are carried out in order to optimize the device performance structure by varying the perovskite and selective charge transport layer thickness, absorber and interface defect density, operating temperature, back contact, series and shunt resistance, respectively. The optimized device showed an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.52% at 300 K, which is higher than the previously reported values. Subsequent analysis of the device's spectral response indicated that it possessed 98.9% quantum efficiency (QE) and was visibly active. These findings will provide theoretical guidelines for enhancing the performance of Cs2PtI6-based photovoltaic solar cells (PSCs) and pave the way for the widespread implementation of environmentally benign and stable perovskites.

Triangulating Dopant-Level Mn(II) Insertion in a Cs2NaBiCl6 Double Perovskite Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Lead-free metal halide double perovskites are gaining increasing attention for optoelectronic applications. Specifically, doping metal halide double perovskites using transition metals enables broadband tailorability of the optical bandgap for these emerging semiconducting materials. One candidate material is Mn(II)-doped Cs₂NaBiCl₆, but the nature of Mn(II) insertion on chemical structure is poorly understood due to low Mn loading. It is critical to determine the atomic-level structure at the site of Mn(II) incorporation in doped perovskites to better understand the structure-property relationships in these materials and thus to advance their applicability to optoelectronic applications. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy is uniquely qualified to address this, and thus a comprehensive three-pronged strategy, involving solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-field dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopies, is used to identify the location of Mn(II) insertion in Cs₂NaBiCl₆. Multinuclear (²³Na, ³⁵Cl, ¹³³Cs, and ²⁰⁹Bi) one-dimensional (1D) magnetic resonance spectra reveal a low level of Mn(II) incorporation, with select spins affected by paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) induced by Mn(II) neighbors. EPR measurements confirm the oxidation state, octahedral symmetry, and low doping levels of the Mn(II) centers. Complementary EPR and NMR measurements confirm that the cubic structure is maintained with Mn(II) incorporation at room temperature, but the structure deviates slightly from cubic symmetry at low temperatures (<30 K). HYperfine Sublevel CORrelation (HYSCORE) EPR spectroscopy explores the electron-nuclear correlations of Mn(II) with ²³Na, ¹³³Cs, and ³⁵Cl. The absence of ²⁰⁹Bi correlations suggests that Bi centers are replaced by Mn(II). Endogenous DNP NMR measurements from Mn(II) → ¹³³Cs (<30 K) reveal that the solid effect is the dominant mechanism for DNP transfer and supports that Mn(II) is homogeneously distributed within the double-perovskite structure.

Theoretical Prediction of Mixed-Valence Layered Halide Perovskites Cs4M(IV)M(II)2X12 (M = Ge, Sn; X = Cl, Br)

Charge-ordered compounds (i.e., Cu⁺/Cu²⁺, Au⁺/Au³⁺, In⁺/In³⁺, Tl⁺/Tl³⁺, Sb³⁺/Sb⁵⁺, and Bi³⁺/Bi⁵⁺) have been widely explored because of their unique physical properties. Here, a new class of ⟨111⟩-oriented mixed-valence layered halide perovskites Cs₄M(IV)M(II)₂X₁₂ (M = Ge, Sn; X = Cl, Br) with C2/m, R-3m, and I41/amd space groups was predicted by first-principles calculations. Based on the decomposition enthalpy, the phonon spectrum, and the mechanical stability criteria, we found that Cs₄GeGe₂Cl₁₂ (C2/m and R-3m), Cs₄GeGe₂Br₁₂ (R-3m), and Cs₄GeGe₂Br₆Cl₆ (R-3m) exhibit thermodynamic, dynamical, and mechanical stability. The electronic structure calculations show that the predicted band gap of stable Cs₄Ge(IV)Ge(II)₂X₁₂ varies from 1.16 to 2.25 eV. And an isolated intermediate conduction band contributed by the Ge(IV) 4s states below the Ge(II)/Ge(IV) 4p states is observed in these compounds, which is similar to previously reported Cs₄CuSb₂Cl₁₂ but different from Cs₄CdM(III)₂Cl₁₂ (M = Sb, Bi). In addition, the calculated static dielectric constant and optical absorption coefficient of Cs₄GeGe₂Br₁₂ are close to those of typical double perovskites (e.g., Cs₂AgBiBr₆). We believe that our work enriches the family of mixed-valence halide perovskites and provides a new platform for potential optoelectronic semiconductor design.

Lead-free all-inorganic halide double perovskite materials for optoelectronic applications: progress, performance and design

The geometrical and electronic structures of all-inorganic halide double perovskites and their applications in optoelectronic devices are reviewed. Novel design methods are desirable to develop this type of perovskite with superior performance.

Extinction Coefficient Modulation of MoO3 Films Doped with Plasmonic Nanoparticles: From an Effective Medium Theory Description

This work focused on the application of the effective medium theory to describe the extinction coefficient (Qext) in molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) doped with different kinds of plasmonic nanoparticles, such as silver (Ag), gold (Au), and copper (Cu). Usually, in studies of these materials, it is normal to analyze the transmission or absorption spectra. However, the effect of this type or size of nanoparticles on the spectra is not as remarkable as the effect that is found by analyzing the Qext of MoO3. It was shown that the β-phase of MoO3 enhanced the intensity response of the Qext when compared to the α-phase of MoO3. With a nanoparticle size of 5 nm, the Ag-doped MoO3 was the configuration that presents the best response in Qext. On the other hand, Cu nanoparticles with a radius of 20 nm embedded in MoO3 was the configuration that presented intensities in Qext similar to the cases of Au and Ag nanoparticles. Therefore, implementing the effective medium theory can serve as a guide for experimental researchers for the application of these materials as an absorbing layer in photovoltaic cells.

A Review on Cs-Based Pb-Free Double Halide Perovskites: From Theoretical and Experimental Studies to Doping and Applications

Despite the progressive enhancement in the flexibility of Pb-based perovskites for optoelectronic applications, regrettably, they are facing two main challenges; (1) instability, which originates from using organic components in the perovskite structure, and (2) toxicity due to Pb. Therefore, new, stable non-toxic perovskite materials are demanded to overcome these drawbacks. The research community has been working on a wide variety of Pb-free perovskites with different molecular formulas and dimensionality. A variety of Pb-free halide double perovskites have been widely explored by different research groups in search for stable, non-toxic double perovskite material. Especially, Cs-based Pb-free halide double perovskite has been in focus recently. Herein, we present a review of theoretical and experimental research on Cs-based Pb-free double halide perovskites of structural formulas Cs2M+M3+X6 (M+ = Ag+, Na+, In+ etc.; M3+= Bi3+, In3+, Sb3+; X = Cl-, Br-, I¯) and Cs2M4+X6 (M4+ = Ti4+, Sn4+, Au4+ etc.). We also present the challenges faced by these perovskite compounds and their current applications especially in photovoltaics alongside the effect of metal dopants on their performance.

Chemically Localized Resonant Excitons in Silver-Pnictogen Halide Double Perovskites

Halide double perovskites with alternating silver and pnictogen cations are an emerging family of photoabsorber materials with robust stability and band gaps in the visible range. However, the nature of optical excitations in these systems is not yet well understood, limiting their utility. Here, we use ab initio many-body perturbation theory within the GW approximation and the Bethe-Salpeter equation approach to calculate the electronic structure and optical excitations of the double perovskite series Cs₂AgBX₆, with B = Bi³⁺, Sb³⁺ and X = Br^-, Cl^-. We find that these materials exhibit strongly localized resonant excitons with energies from 170 to 434 meV below the direct band gap. In contrast to lead-based perovskites, the Cs₂AgBX₆ excitons are computed to be non-hydrogenic with anisotropic effective masses and sensitive to local field effects, a consequence of their chemical heterogeneity. Our calculations demonstrate the limitations of the Wannier-Mott and Elliott models for this class of double perovskites and contribute to a detailed atomistic understanding of their light-matter interactions.

Spontaneous anion-exchange synthesis of optically active mixed-valence Cs2Au2I6 perovskites from layered CsAuCl4 perovskites

Cs2Au2I6, a lead-free photovoltaic material, has been synthesized via controlled and systematic addition of hydroiodic acid (HI) to CsAuCl4. X-ray diffraction studies suggest the formation of Cs2Au2I6 when a threshold concentration of HI is added to CsAuCl4. The final compound shows good stability against light, oxygen and moisture and at temperatures up to 140 °C without any phase degradation. The stability of Cs2Au2I6 is also confirmed by its high negative formation energy and the convex hull diagram constructed using Density Functional Theory (DFT). Absorption studies suggest an abrupt band shift from 2.31 eV to 1.06 eV when HI concentration reaches the threshold limit (∼100 μl). A sharp absorption edge was found for Cs2Au2I6 with an Urbach energy of 59 meV, indicating lower structural disorder and higher crystallinity.

Novel Lead-Free Material Cs2PtI6 with Narrow Bandgap and Ultra-Stability for Its Photovoltaic Application

Lead halide perovskite has in recent years gained widespread interest due to its excellent physical and chemical properties, as well as superior optoelectronic performance. However, some restrictions still preclude full industrialization of the material, in particular toxicity issues and instability as a result to sensitivity to humidity. Lead-free all-inorganic double perovskite materials have thus recently become a focus of research. Herein, a new narrow bandgap lead-free double perovskite solar cell with a high-quality Cs₂PtI₆ film is proposed. It exhibits an optical bandgap of 1.37 eV, absorption within a wide range of wavelengths, and a high absorption coefficient. Following optimization, the device displays a best power conversion efficiency of 0.72% with an open-circuit voltage of 0.73 V, a short-circuit current of 1.2 mA/cm², and a fill factor of 0.82. Crucially, it also demonstrates excellent stability when exposed to extreme conditions such as high humidity, high temperature, and UV-light irradiation. Stability tests show that the PSCs can retain almost 80% of the original efficiency over 60 days stored in ambient temperature without any encapsulation, boosting prospects for applications of lead-free perovskite solar cells.

Antiperovskite Oxides as Promising Candidates for High-Performance Ferroelectric Photovoltaics: First-Principles Investigation on Ba4As2O and Ba4Sb2O

Owing to polarization-driven efficient charge carrier separation, ferroelectric semiconductors with narrow band gaps (∼1.3 eV) can constitute an ideal active layer for photovoltaics (PVs), as demonstrated in recent studies on lead halide perovskite solar cells. In this study, antiperovskite oxides with a composition of Ba₄Pn₂O (Pn = As or Sb) are proposed as promising candidates for high-performance ferroelectric PVs. Using density functional theory calculations, it is revealed that Ba₄Pn₂O exhibits moderate macroscopic polarization enough for charge carrier separation. Moreover, they are predicted to have direct band gaps close to the optimal Shockley-Queisser value. By investigating optical absorption coefficients and resulting short-circuit currents, it is demonstrated that a very thin layer of Ba₄Pn₂O can yield large photocurrents. The effective masses of charge carriers in Ba₄Pn₂O are found to be fairly small (<0.2m_e), implying facile extraction of photocarriers. The favorable simulation results along with the confirmed synthesizability of the materials strongly suggest that Ba₄Pn₂O will be an active layer suitable for PVs.

Halide Pb-Free Double–Perovskites: Ternary vs. Quaternary Stoichiometry

In view of their applicability in optoelectronics, we review here the relevant structural, electronic, and optical features of the inorganic Pb-free halide perovskite class. In particular, after discussing the reasons that have motivated their introduction in opposition to their more widely investigated organic-inorganic counterparts, we highlight milestones already achieved in their synthesis and characterization and show how the use of ab initio ground and excited state methods is relevant in predicting their properties and in disclosing yet unsolved issues which characterize both ternary and quaternary stoichiometry double-perovskites.

Growth of Doped SrTiO3 Ferroelectric Nanoporous Thin Films and Tuning of Photoelectrochemical Properties with Switchable Ferroelectric Polarization

Ferroelectric polarization is an intriguing physical phenomenon for tuning charge-transport properties and finds application in a wide range of optoelectronic devices. So far, ferroelectric materials in a planar geometry or chemically grown nanostructures have been used. However, these structural architectures possess serious disadvantages such as small surface areas and structural defects, respectively, leading to reduced performance. Herein, the growth of room-temperature ferroelectric nanoporous/nanocolumnar structure of Ag,Nb-codoped SrTiO₃ (Ag/Nb:STO) using pulsed laser deposition is reported and demonstrated to have enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties using ferroelectric polarization. By manipulating the external electrical bias, ∼3-fold enhancement in the photocurrent from 40 to 130 μA·cm^-2 of film area is obtained. Concurrently, the flat-band potential is decreased from -0.55 to -1.13 V, revealing a giant ferroelectric tuning of the band alignment at the semiconductor surface and enhanced charge transfer. In addition, an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy study confirmed the tuning of the charge transfer with ferroelectric polarization. Our nanoporous ferroelectric-semiconductor approach offers a new platform with great potential for achieving highly efficient PEC devices for renewable energy applications.

Designing Two-Dimensional Properties in Three-Dimensional Halide Perovskites via Orbital Engineering

Manipulating the orbital hybridization between the metal cation and the halide anion to achieve novel properties is highly desired. Here, we present an orbital engineering strategy to construct two-dimensional (2D) electronic structures in three-dimensional (3D) halide perovskites by rationally controlling the hybridization between the d orbitals of the metal cations and the halide p orbitals. Taking Cs₂Au(I)Au(III)I₆ as an example, we demonstrate that the flat conduction band and valence band at the band edges can be achieved simultaneously by combining two metal cations with different d orbital configurations using first-principles calculations. The band structure and predicted carrier mobilities show huge anisotropy along in-plane and out-of-plane directions, confirming the 2D electronic properties. In addition, the strong anisotropic optical and mechanical properties (e.g., 2D-like properties) are also presented. Our work provides orbital engineering guidance for achieving low-dimensional properties with strong anisotropy in 3D halide perovskites for novel electronic and photonic applications.

Mix and Match: Organic and Inorganic Ions in the Perovskite Lattice

Materials science evolves to a state where the composition and structure of a crystal can be controlled almost at will. Given that a composition meets basic requirements of stoichiometry, steric demands, and charge neutrality, researchers are now able to investigate a wide range of compounds theoretically and, under various experimental conditions, select the constituting fragments of a crystal. One intriguing playground for such materials design is the perovskite structure. While a game of mixing and matching ions has been played successfully for about 150 years within the limits of inorganic compounds, the recent advances in organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite photovoltaics have triggered the inclusion of organic ions. Organic ions can be incorporated on all sites of the perovskite structure, leading to hybrid (double, triple, etc.) perovskites and inverse (hybrid) perovskites. Examples for each of these cases are known, even with all three sites occupied by organic molecules. While this change from monatomic ions to molecular species is accompanied with increased complexity, it shows that concepts from traditional inorganic perovskites are transferable to the novel hybrid materials. The increased compositional space holds promising new possibilities and applications for the universe of perovskite materials.

Lead-Free Double Perovskite Cs2 SnX6 : Facile Solution Synthesis and Excellent Stability

Long-term instability and possible lead contamination are the two main issues limiting the widespread application of organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites. Here a facile and efficient solution-phase method is demonstrated to synthesize lead-free Cs₂ SnX₆ (X = Br, I) with a well-defined crystal structure, long-term stability, and high yield. Based on the systematic experimental data and first-principle simulation results, Cs₂ SnX₆ displays excellent stability against moisture, light, and high temperature, which can be ascribed to the unique vacancy-ordered defect-variant structure, stable chemical compositions with Sn⁴⁺ , as well as the lower formation enthalpy for Cs₂ SnX₆ . Additionally, photodetectors based on Cs₂ SnI₆ are also fabricated, which show excellent performance and stability. This study provides very useful insights into the development of lead-free double perovskites with high stability.

Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Gold Halide Perovskites: Structural Diversity through Cation Size

Crystal structures of a series of organic-inorganic hybrid gold iodide perovskites, formulated as A₂ [Au^I I₂ ][Au^III I₄ ] [A=methylammonium (MA) (1) and formamidinium (FA) (2)], A'₂ [I₃ ]_1-x [Au^I I₂ ]_x [Au^III I₄ ] [A'=imidazolium (IMD) (3), guanidinium (GUA) (4), dimethylammonium (DMA) (5), pyridinium (PY) (6), and piperizinium (PIP) (7)], systematically changed depending on the cation size. In addition, triiodide (I₃ ^- ) ions were partly incorporated into the AuI₂ ^- sites of 3-7, whereas they were not incorporated into those of 1 and 2. Such a difference comes from the size of the organic cation. Optical absorption spectra showed characteristic intervalence charge-transfer bands from Au^I to Au^III species, and the optical band gap increased as the size of the cation became larger.

Perovskites with d-block metals for solar energy applications

Pb2+ halide organic-inorganic perovskites are excellent semiconductors for use in solar energy applications, but at the expense of robustness and environmental compatibility. Tin (Sn), which sits just above lead in the periodic table, forms pure (or mixed with lead) perovskites when at the 2+ or 4+ oxidation state. It can act as a promising alternative; however, there are still some serious concerns regarding its suitability. This presents a major challenge; viable metal cations have to be identified. A good number of elements, originating from a large range of d-block metal ions, with adequate oxidation states, moderate toxicity, and relative abundance, seem ideal for this purpose. In this review, we present the most characteristic perovskites (conventional perovskites, layered, or double perovskites) that can be formed with the help of these metals. We focus on d-block metal ions with stable oxidation states, such as Ag+ or Ti4+, which have exhibited satisfactory photovoltaic properties until now. Further, we highlight the results involving compounds other than halide perovskites, such as oxides, chalcogenides, and nitrides (as well as oxyhalides, oxysulfides, and oxynitrides); a few of them are ferroelectric (based on Ti4+, Zr4+, Fe3+, and Cr3+) and can yield a photovoltage that exceeds the bandgap of the material. Finally, we present the critical challenges that currently limit the efficiency of these systems and propose prospects for future directions.

Structural and Functional Diversity in Lead-Free Halide Perovskite Materials

Lead halide perovskites have emerged as promising semiconducting materials for different applications owing to their superior optoelectronic properties. Although the community holds different views toward the toxic lead in these high-performance perovskites, it is certainly preferred to replace lead with nontoxic, or at least less-toxic, elements while maintaining the superior properties. Here, the design rules for lead-free perovskite materials with structural dimensions from 3D to 0D are presented. Recent progress in lead-free halide perovskites is reviewed, and the relationships between the structures and fundamental properties are summarized, including optical, electric, and magnetic-related properties. 3D perovskites, especially A₂ B⁺ B³⁺ X₆ -type double perovskites, demonstrate very promising optoelectronic prospects, while low-dimensional perovskites show rich structural diversity, resulting in abundant properties for optical, electric, magnetic, and multifunctional applications. Furthermore, based on these structure-property relationships, strategies for multifunctional perovskite design are proposed. The challenges and future directions of lead-free perovskite applications are also highlighted, with emphasis on materials development and device fabrication. The research on lead-free halide perovskites at Linköping University has benefited from inspirational discussions with Prof. Olle Inganäs.

Will organic-inorganic hybrid halide lead perovskites be eliminated from optoelectronic applications?

In the development of perovskite solar cells, a new version of Don Quixote is needed if scientists are to keep on seeking the most celebrated works of literature, according to the evaluation criterion of 'THE FIRST' and 'THE BEST'. Perovskite solar cells have developed rapidly in recent years due to several factors, including their high light absorption capability, long carrier lifetime, high defect tolerance, and adjustable band gap. Since they were first reported in 2009, solar cells based on organic-inorganic hybrid halide lead perovskites have achieved a power conversion efficiency of over 23%. However, although there are broad development prospects for perovskite solar cells, their lead toxicity and instability resulting from the use of organic-inorganic hybrid halide lead perovskites such as CH3NH3PbI3 limit their application, which is further deteriorating progressively. Therefore, the development of environmentally friendly, stable and efficient perovskite materials for future optoelectronic applications has long-term practical significance, which can eventually be commercialized. In this case, the discovery and development of inorganic lead-free perovskite light absorbing materials have become an active research topic in the field of photovoltaics. In this review, we discuss the application of organic-inorganic hybrid halide lead perovskites. This application is further analyzed and summarized using the research progress on inorganic lead-free perovskite solar cells by restoring some relevant prospects for the development of inorganic lead-free perovskite solar cells.

Centimeter-size square 2D layered Pb-free hybrid perovskite single crystal (CH3NH3)2MnCl4 for red photoluminescence

Centimeter-size 2D layered Pb-free (CH₃NH₃)₂MnCl₄ single crystal was grown by using different ways and proved to have good luminous via fabricating LED device.

Roles of SnX2 (X = F, Cl, Br) Additives in Tin-Based Halide Perovskites toward Highly Efficient and Stable Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells

Preserving the stability of Sn-based halide perovskites is a primary concern in developing photovoltaic light-absorbing materials for lead-free perovskite solar cells. Whereas the addition of SnX₂ (X = F, Cl, Br) has been demonstrated to improve the photovoltaic performance of Sn halide perovskite solar cells, the mechanistic roles of SnX₂ in the performance enhancement have not yet been studied appropriately. Here we perform a comparative study of CsSnI₃ films and devices and examine how SnX₂ additives affect their stability, and the results are corroborated by first-principles-based theoretical calculations. Unlike the conventional belief that the additives annihilate defects, we find that the additives effectively passivate the surface and stabilize the perovskite phase, promoting the stability of CsSnI₃. Our mechanism suggests that SnBr₂, which shows ca. 100 h of prolonged stability along with a high power conversion efficiency of 4.3%, is the best additive for enhancing the stability of CsSnI₃.

Lead-free hybrid perovskites for photovoltaics

This review covers the state-of-the-art in organo-inorganic lead-free hybrid perovskites (HPs) and applications of these exciting materials as light harvesters in photovoltaic systems. Special emphasis is placed on the influence of the spatial organization of HP materials both on the micro- and nanometer scale on the performance and stability of perovskite-based solar light converters. This review also discusses HP materials produced by isovalent lead(II) substitution with Sn2+ and other metal(II) ions, perovskite materials formed on the basis of M3+ cations (Sb3+, Bi3+) as well as on combinations of M+/M3+ ions aliovalent to 2Pb2+ (Ag+/Bi3+, Ag+/Sb3+, etc.). The survey is concluded with an outlook highlighting the most promising strategies for future progress of photovoltaic systems based on lead-free perovskite compounds.