[(CH3 )3 NH]3 Bi2 I9 : A Polar Lead-Free Hybrid Perovskite-Like Material as a Potential Semiconducting Absorber

Ferroelectric Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Ammonium Halogenobismuthate(III) for Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting

Halogenobismuthate(III) compounds are of recent interest because of their low toxicity and distinct electrical properties. The utility of these materials as ferroelectrics for piezoelectric energy harvesters is still in its early stages. Herein, we report a hybrid ammonium halogenobismuthate(III) [BPBrDMA]2·[BiBr5], crystallizing in a ferroelectrically active polar noncentrosymmetric Pna21 space group. Its noncentrosymmetric structure was confirmed by the detection of the second harmonic generation response. The ferroelectric P-E hysteresis loop measurements on the thin film sample of [BPBrDMA]2·[BiBr5] gave a saturation polarization (Ps) of 5.72 μC cm-2. The piezoresponse force microscopy analysis confirmed its ferroelectric and piezoelectric nature, showing characteristic domain structures and signature hysteresis and butterfly loops. The piezoelectric energy harvesting attributes of [BPBrDMA]2·[BiBr5] were further probed on its polylactic acid (PLA) composites. The 15 wt % [BPBrDMA]2·[BiBr5]-PLA polymer composite resulted in a high output voltage of 26.2 V and power density of 15.47 μW cm-2. The energy harvested from this device was further utilized for charging a 10 μF capacitor within 3 min.

Crystal Structure and Optical Properties Characterization in Quasi-0D Lead-Free Bromide Crystals (C6H14N)3Bi2Br9·H2O and (C6H14N)3Sb3Br12

Low dimensional organic inorganic metal halide materials have shown broadband emission and large Stokes shift, making them widely used in various fields and a promising candidate material. Here, the zero-dimensional lead-free bromide single crystals (C6H14N)3Bi2Br9·H2O (1) and (C6H14N)3Sb3Br12 (2) were synthesized. They crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system with the space group of P21 and P21/n, respectively. Through ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-vis-NIR) absorption analysis, the band gaps of (C6H14N)3Bi2Br9·H2O and (C6H14N)3Sb3Br12 are found to be 2.75 and 2.83 eV, respectively. Upon photoexcitation, (C6H14N)3Bi2Br9·H2O exhibit broad-band red emission peaking at 640 nm with a large Stokes shift of 180 nm and a lifetime of 2.94 ns, and the emission spectrum of (C6H14N)3Sb3Br12 are similar to those of (C6H14N)3Bi2Br9·H2O. This exclusive red emission is ascribed to the self-trapping exciton transition caused by lattice distortion, which is confirmed through both experiments and first-principles calculations. In addition, due to the polar space group structure and the large spin-orbit coupling (SOC) associated with the heavy elements of Bi and Br of crystal 1, an obvious Rashba effect was observed. The discovery of organic inorganic metal bromide material provides a critical foundation for uncovering the connection between 0D metal halide materials' structures and properties.

Temperature symmetry breaking and properties of lead-free organic-inorganic hybrids: bismuth(III) iodide and antimony(III) iodide: (S(CH3)3)3[Bi2I9] and (S(CH3)3)3[Sb2I9]

We have synthesized and characterized two novel lead-free organic-inorganic hybrid crystals: (S(CH3)3)3[Bi2I9] (TBI) and (S(CH3)3)3[Sb2I9] (TSI). Thermal DSC, TG, and DTA analyses indicate structural phase transitions (PTs) in both compounds; TBI undergoes two structural phase transitions at 314.2/314.8 K (cooling/heating) and at 181.5 K of first (I ↔ II) and second order (II ↔ III), respectively. The crystal structures of TBI are refined for phases I (325 K), II (200 K) and III (100 K). TBI exhibits ferroelastic properties since both PTs are accompanied by a change in the symmetry of crystals: P63/mmc → C2/c (I → II) and C2/c → P1̄ (II → III). The presence of a ferroelastic domain structure has been confirmed by optical observations. In turn, TSI also reveals two PTs: I ↔ II (at 303.9/304.1 K) and II ↔ III (212.9/221.4 K). To compare and obtain insight into the mechanism of the PTs of TBI, we have carried out temperature dependent single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Additionally, to confirm the change in the dynamical states of molecules in PTs, dielectric measurements have been carried out between 100 K and 400 K in the frequency range of 200 Hz to 2 MHz. Moreover, the measurements of the 1H NMR spin-lattice relaxation time, T1, and a second moment, M2, of the 1H NMR line have been undertaken in the temperature range between 100 and 300 K.

Centimeter-Sized Piezoelectric Single Crystal of Chiral Bismuth-Based Hybrid Halide with Superior Electrostrictive Coefficient

The lead-free hybrid perovskite piezoelectrics possess advantages of easy processing, light weight, and low-toxicity over inorganic ceramics. However, the lack of understanding in structure-property relationships hinders exploration of new molecular piezoelectric crystals with excellent performances. Herein, by introducing chiral α-phenylethylammonium (α-PEA⁺ ) cations into bismuth-based hybrid halides, centimeter-sized (R-α-PEA)₄ Bi₂ I₁₀ and (S-α-PEA)₄ Bi₂ I₁₀ single crystals with a superior piezoelectric voltage coefficient g₂₂ of 309 mV m N^-1 , are obtained. Structural rigidity in crystals leads to a remarkable electrostrictive coefficient Q₂₂ of 25.8 m⁴ C^-2 , nearly 20 times higher than that of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), which is beneficial to improve piezoelectricity with the synergistic effect of chirality. Moreover, the as-grown crystals show outstanding phase stability from 173 K to ≈470 K. This work suggests a design strategy based on rigidity and chirality to exploit novel piezoelectrics among hybrid metal halides.

Eco-friendly MA3Bi2I9perovskite thin films based ammonia sensor

Organic-inorganic perovskite halides (OIPH) have emerged as a wonder material with growing interest in sensors detecting various toxic gases. However, lead toxicity represents a potential obstacle, and therefore finding lead-free cost-effective compatible materials for gas sensing applications is essential. In this work, methylammonium bismuth iodide i.e. (CH₃NH₃)₃Bi₂I₉(MABI) perovskite thin films-based ammonia (NH₃) sensor was synthesized using an antisolvent-assisted one-step spin coating method. The MABI sensor shows a linear relationship between the responsivity and concentration of NH₃with excellent reversibility, high gas responsivity, and humidity stability. The MABI thin-film sensor exhibits a maximum gas response of 24%, a short response/recovery time i.e. 0.14 s /8.15 s and good reversibility at 6 ppm of NH₃. It was observed that MABI thin films based sensors have excellent ambient stability over a couple of months. This work reveals that it is feasible to design high-performance gas sensors based on environmentally-friendly Bi-based OIPH materials.

Recent advances on structural, thermal, vibrational, optical, phase transitions, and catalysis properties of alkylenediammonium halogenometallate materials (Metal: Bi, Sb, Halogen: Cl, Br, I)

This paper aims to review recent advances on synthesis, crystal structures, thermal, spectroscopic, phase transitions, optical, dielectric, and catalysis properties of hydrate and anhydrous alkylenediammonium halogenometallates materials (Metal: Bi, Sb, Halogen: Cl, Br, I). These hybrid materials present rich structural diversities based on octahedra forming infinite zero dimensional, 1-dimensional chains, 2-dimensional layers, discrete bioctahedra, and discrete tetramer units. The effect, contribution and importance of hydrogen bonding N–H … X (X: Cl, Br, I) are reviewed in terms of solid state relationship. Particularly, a comparative study is made on hydrate and anyhdrous aliphatic chlorobismuthates with alkylenediammonium +NH3(CH2) n NH3 + based on structural data and V/Z variation with (CH2) n chains (n = 2–8, 12), and variation of BiCl6 3− Raman frequencies modes versus (CH2) n chains (n = 3–8). Hydrate salts with (n = 3, 12) consist of isolated BiCl6 3− anions and two water molecules, against others ones with isolated anionic chains [BiCl5 2−] n or Bi2Cl10 4− dimers, formed by distorted octahedra BiCl6 3− sharing corners, vices or edges. The reviewed optical and electronic band gaps suggested interesting compounds with band gaps (1.85–2.4 eV), as suitable materials in optoelectronic properties, photoactive layer in solution-processed photovoltaics, and bio-imaging or photovoltaic applications. It was concluded that iodobismuthate salts have generally the lowest bands gap, compared to that of bromo and chlorobismuthate slats. Catalysis proprieties are reviewed n fast (RhB) degradation under dark conditions for (C4N2H7)4Bi2Cl10, (C5H9N2)BiI4, and {(H-BPA)4·[(BiI6)I13]·2I3} n , and in organic salts synthesis under solvent-free conditions. Herein NH3(CH2) n NH3BiCl5 (n = 5–7) salts were used as highly efficient catalysts, which is a novel tendency in chlorobismuthate researchs in the green chemistry field.

Efficient Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting from a Discrete Hybrid Bismuth Bromide Ferroelectric Templated by Phosphonium Cation

Bismuth containing hybrid molecular ferroelectrics are receiving tremendous attention in recent years owing to their stable and non-toxic composition. However, these perovskite-like structures are primarily limited to ammonium cations. Herein, we report a new phosphonium based discrete perovskite-like hybrid ferroelectric with a formula [Me(Ph)₃ P]₃ [Bi₂ Br₉ ] (MTPBB) and its mechanical energy harvesting capability. The Polarization-Electric field (P-E) measurements resulted in a well-defined ferroelectric hysteresis loop with a remnant polarization value of 2.1 μC cm^-2 . Piezoresponse force microscopy experiments enabled visualization of the ferroelectric domain structure and evaluation of the piezoelectric strain coefficient (d₃₃ ) for an MTPBB single crystal and thin film sample. Furthermore, flexible devices incorporating MTPBB in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix at various concentrations were fabricated and explored for their mechanical energy harvesting properties. The champion device with 20 wt % of MTPBB in PDMS rendered a maximum peak-to-peak open-circuit voltage of 22.9 V and a maximum power density of 7 μW cm^-2 at an optimal load of 4 MΩ. Moreover, the potential of MTPBB-based devices in low power electronics was demonstrated by storing the harvested energy in various electrolytic capacitors.

(C3N2H5)3Sb2I9 and (C3N2H5)3Bi2I9: ferroelastic lead-free hybrid perovskite-like materials as potential semiconducting absorbers

We have synthesised and characterised novel organic-inorganic hybrid crystals: (C₃N₂H₅)₃Sb₂I₉ and (C₃N₂H₅)₃Bi₂I₉ (PSI and PBI). The thermal DSC and TG analyses indicate four structural phase transitions (PTs) at 366.2/366.8, 274.6/275.4, 233.3/233.3 and 142.8/143.1 K (on cooling/heating) for PSI and two reversible PTs at 365.2/370.8 and 252.6/257.9 K for PBI. Both analogues crystallize at room temperature in the orthorhombic Cmcm structure, which transforms, in the case of PBI, to monoclinic P2₁/n at low temperature. According to the X-ray diffraction results, the anionic component is discrete and built of face-sharing bioctahedra, [M₂I₉]^3-, in both compounds, whereas cations exhibit distinct dynamical disorder over high temperature phases. Dielectric spectroscopy and ¹H NMR spectroscopy have been used to characterise the dynamical state of the C₃N₂H₅⁺ cations. The ferroelastic domain structure has been characterised by observations under a polarized optical microscope. Both compounds are semiconductors with narrow bandgaps of 1.97 eV (PBI) and 2.10 eV (PSI).

Self-Assembled Organic Cations-Assisted Band-Edge Tailoring in Bismuth-Based Perovskites for Enhanced Visible Light Absorption and Photoconductivity

Bismuth-based zero-dimensional perovskites garner high research interest because of their advantages, such as excellent moisture stability and lower toxicity in comparison to lead-based congeners. However, the wide optical bandgap (>2 eV) and poor photoconductivity of these materials are the bottlenecks for their optoelectronic applications. Herein, we report a combined experimental and theoretical study of the structural features and optoelectronic properties of two novel and stable zero-dimensional bismuth perovskites: (biphenyl bis(methylammonium))1.5BiI6·2H2O (BPBI) and (naphthalene diimide bis(ethylammonium))1.5BiI6·2H2O (NDBI). NDBI features a remarkably narrower bandgap (1.82 eV) than BPBI (2.06 eV) because of the significant orbital contribution of self-assembled naphthalene diimide cations at the band edges of NDBI. Further, the FP-TRMC analysis revealed that the photoconductivity of NDBI is about 3.7-fold greater than that of BPBI. DFT calculations showed that the enhanced photoconductivity in NDBI arises from its type-IIa band alignment, whereas type-Ib alignment was seen in BPBI.

Towards ferroelectricity-inducing chains of halogenoantimonates(iii) and halogenobismuthates(iii)

In halogenoantimonate(iii) and halogenobismuthate(iii) organic–inorganic hybrids, chains of trans-connected octahedra, trans-[MX₅]_∞, are considered attractive anionic structures for inducing ferroelectricity. The latter is realized by displacing the bridging halogen atoms along the chain direction – the process that changes the polarity of the whole unit. Advances in the identification of such materials have been hindered, however, by substantial difficulty in obtaining such structures. Here we investigate structural and dielectric properties of three families of compounds based on 2-mercaptopyrimidinium, 2-aminopyrimidinium, and 2-amino-4-methylpyrimidinium cations in which 8 out of 12 compounds show trans-[MX₅]_∞ chains in their crystal structures. Two of the compounds adopt a polar P2₁ space group and are potentially ferroelectric. We perform a detailed structural analysis of all compounds with trans-[MX₅]_∞ chains discovered by far to understand the factors that lead to the chains' formation. We reveal that the size of a cation predominantly defines the accessibility of structures with this anionic form and we provide rules for designing hybrids with trans-[MX₅]_∞ chains to help guide future efforts to engineer materials with interesting non-linear electrical properties.

A discovered abundance of structures with rare and highly-desired anionic chains is examined to identify structural factors leading to the chains' formation.

Ultrasensitive polarized-light photodetectors based on 2D hybrid perovskite ferroelectric crystals with a low detection limit

Polarized-light photodetectors are the indispensable elements for practical optical and optoelectronic device applications. Two-dimensional (2D) hybrid perovskite ferroelectrics, in which the coupling of spontaneous polarization (P_s) and light favors the dissociation of photo-induced carriers, have taken a booming position within this portfolio. However, polarized-light photodetectors with a low detection-limit remain unexplored in this 2D ferroelectric family. In this work, the high-quality individual crystals of a 2D perovskite ferroelectric, BA₂CsPb₂Br₇ (1, where BA⁺ is n-butylammonium), were used to fabricate ultrasensitive polarized-light detectors. Its unique bilayered structural motif results in quite strong electric and optical anisotropy with a large absorption ratio of α_c/α_a ≈ 3.2 (λ = 405 nm). Besides, the presence of ferroelectric P_s also endows high built-in electric field along the polar c-axis that favors photoelectric activities. Under an extremely low detectable limit of 40 nW/cm², the detector of 1 exhibits a notable dichroism ratio (I_ph^c/I_ph^a ≈ 1.5), a large responsivity of ~39.5 mA/W and a specific detectivity of ~1.2 × 10¹² Jones. Moreover, crystal-based devices of 1 also exhibit a fast response speed (~300 μs) and excellent anti-fatigue merits. This work highlights great potentials of hybrid perovskite ferroelectrics toward polarized-light photodetection.

Synthesis and supramolecular organization of the iodide and triiodides of a polycyclic adamantane-based diammonium cation: the effects of hydrogen bonds and weak I⋯I interactions

Adamantane-like divalent building blocks and iodide or polyiodide anions combine into supramolecular architectures with the help of various noncovalent forces ranging from strong hydrogen bonds to secondary and weak I⋯I interactions.

Ferroelectricity in Ethylammonium Bismuth-Based Organic-Inorganic Hybrid: (C2H5NH3)2[BiBr5]

The (C₂H₅NH₃)₂[BiBr₅] (EBB) crystals adopt the one-dimensional (1D) polymeric anionic form [BiBr₅]_∞^2-, which is preferred by halobismuthates(III) exhibiting polar properties and realized in R₂MX₅ stoichiometry. Differential scanning calorimetry and dilatometric measurements reveal reversible structural phase transitions: at 160 K (phase I → phase II) and 120 K (phase II → phase III). The resolved crystal structures of EBB show the centrosymmetric space group in phase I (Aeam), polar (Pca2₁) in phase II, and polar (Aea2) in phase III. The presence of dielectric hysteresis loops in phases II and III evidence ferroelectric properties. The dielectric response [ε*(ω,T)] of EBB close to 160 K is characteristic of ferroelectrics with a critical slowing down process. The molecular mechanism of a paraelectric-ferroelectric phase transition at 160 K is explained as "order-disorder" (assigned to the dynamics of the ethylammonium cations) and dominating "displacive" (related to strong distortion of the 1D anionic network). The optical band gap obtained from UV-vis measurements is about 2.6 eV. The conduction band minimum is formed by the hybridized Bi 6p and Br 4p states. An analysis of the CSD results for haloantimonates(III) and halobismuthates(III) ferroelectrics characterized by [MX₄]^-, [M₂X₉]^3-, [MX₅]^2-, and [M₂X₁₁]^5- anions is given.

Halogen substitution regulates the phase transition temperature and band gap of semiconductor compounds

(CH₃CH₂NH₃)₃BiX₆ and (CH₂ClCH₂NH₃)₃BiX₆ (X = Cl, Br) obtained by halogen substitution not only realize the adjustment of the phase transition in a relatively wide temperature range, but also optimize the semiconductor performance. This will promote the exploration and construction of semiconductor materials with tunable temperatures and lower band gaps.

Correlation between crystal structures and polar (ferroelectric) properties of hybrids of haloantimonates(iii) and halobismuthates(iii)

Halogenoantimonates(iii) and halogenobismuthates(iii) are a highly versatile class of organic–inorganic hybrid materials, applicable in optoelectronics and switchable dielectric devices.

Halide Perovskites for Nonlinear Optics

Halide perovskites provide an ideal platform for engineering highly promising semiconductor materials for a wide range of applications in optoelectronic devices, such as photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, and lasers. More recently, increasing research efforts have been directed toward the nonlinear optical properties of halide perovskites because of their unique chemical and electronic properties, which are of crucial importance for advancing their applications in next-generation photonic devices. Here, the current state of the art in the field of nonlinear optics (NLO) in halide perovskite materials is reviewed. Halide perovskites are categorized into hybrid organic/inorganic and pure inorganic ones, and their second-, third-, and higher-order NLO properties are summarized. The performance of halide perovskite materials in NLO devices such as upconversion lasers and ultrafast laser modulators is analyzed. Several potential perspectives and research directions of these promising materials for nonlinear optics are presented.

Additive-assisted synthesis and optoelectronic properties of (CH3NH3)4Bi6I22

A novel iodobismuthate semiconductor (MA)₄Bi₆I₂₂ (measured bandgap of 1.9 eV) was prepared using solution methods in the presence of HgI₂ additive.

Ferroelectricity of the Orthorhombic and Tetragonal MAPbBr3 Single Crystal

Hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskites (HOIPs) MAPbBr₃ and their ramifications have emerged because of the photovoltaic, optical, and other fascinating performances of HOIPs in recent years. However, many intrinsic properties, such as crystal structure and ferroelectricity, are still controversial. In this work, the ferroelectricity of the orthorhombic and tetragonal MAPbBr₃ single crystal was confirmed through the dielectric behavior versus bias electric field ε( E), the temperature-dependent pyroelectric current with positive/negative poling, and the positive-up-negative-down (PUND) measurements. The electric field dependence of dielectric constant curves shows a butterfly type shape in the orthorhombic and tetragonal phase. The pyroelectric current shows two maxima at 155 and 245 K, corresponding to ferroelectric-ferroelectric and ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transitions, respectively. In particular, the direction of the pyroelectric current can be reversed by a positive or negative poling electric field, which is the assertive evidence of ferroelectricity. The PUND measurements act as the most convincing proof of the ferroelectricity of the MAPbBr₃ single crystal. This work reports new evidence of the ferroelectric properties of the MAPbBr₃ single crystal, which provides the intrinsic property when considering their high power conversion efficiencies.

Structural phase transition and dielectric anisotropy properties of a lead-free organic–inorganic hybrid

We presented a new inorganic–organic hybrid compound, which exhibits phase transition and dielectric anisotropy properties.

Tunable optical absorption in lead-free perovskite-like hybrids by iodide management

Tunable optical absorption in lead-free perovskite-like hybrids by iodide management.

Symmetry breaking structural phase transitions, dielectric properties and molecular motions of formamidinium cations in 1D and 2D hybrid compounds: (NH2CHNH2)3[Bi2Cl9] and (NH2CHNH2)3[Bi2Br9]

Two organic–inorganic hybrid halobismuthates(iii), (NH₂CHNH₂)₃[Bi₂Cl₉] (FBC) and (NH₂CHNH₂)₃[Bi₂Br₉] (FBB), have been prepared with their structures revealed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at various temperatures.

[C6 H14 N]PbBr3 : An ABX3 -Type Semiconducting Perovskite Hybrid with Above-Room-Temperature Phase Transition

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites, with the formula ABX₃ (A=organic cation, B=metal cation, and X=halide; for example, CH₃ NH₃ PbI₃ ), have diverse and intriguing physical properties, such as semiconduction, phase transitions, and optical properties. Herein, a new ABX₃ -type semiconducting perovskite-like hybrid, (hexamethyleneimine)PbBr₃ (1), consisting of one-dimensional inorganic frameworks and cyclic organic cations, is reported. Notably, the inorganic moiety of 1 adopts a perovskite-like architecture and forms infinite columns composed of face-sharing PbBr₆ octahedra. Strikingly, the organic cation exhibits a highly flexible molecular configuration, which triggers an above-room-temperature phase transition, at T_c =338.8 K; this is confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), specific heat capacity (C_p ), and dielectric measurements. Further structural analysis reveals that the phase transition originates from the molecular configurational distortion of the organic cations coupled with small-angle reorientation of the PbBr₆ octahedra inside the inorganic components. Moreover, temperature-dependent conductivity and UV/Vis absorption measurements reveal that 1 also displays semiconducting behavior below T_c . It is believed that this work will pave a potential way to design multifeatured perovskite hybrids by utilizing cyclic organic amines.

(1,4-Butyldiammonium)CdBr4: a layered organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite with a visible-blind ultraviolet photoelectric response

We report an organic–inorganic hybrid adopting two-dimensional layered perovskite, which shows a visible-blind ultraviolet photoelectric properties.

A lead-iodide based single crystal semiconductor: exploring multi-orientation photoconductive behaviour via intervening isopropyl viologen component between the inorganic [Pb2I6]2−n wires

A lead-iodide single crystal semiconductor with multi-orientation photoconductive property and broad spectrum absorption has been designed and constructed by crystal engineering technique.