Color-Pure Violet-Light-Emitting Diodes Based on Layered Lead Halide Perovskite Nanoplates

Can 2D Semiconductors Be Game-Changers for Nanoelectronics and Photonics?

2D semiconductors have interesting physical and chemical attributes that have led them to become one of the most intensely investigated semiconductor families in recent history. They may play a crucial role in the next technological revolution in electronics as well as optoelectronics or photonics. In this Perspective, we explore the fundamental principles and significant advancements in electronic and photonic devices comprising 2D semiconductors. We focus on strategies aimed at enhancing the performance of conventional devices and exploiting important properties of 2D semiconductors that allow fundamentally interesting device functionalities for future applications. Approaches for the realization of emerging logic transistors and memory devices as well as photovoltaics, photodetectors, electro-optical modulators, and nonlinear optics based on 2D semiconductors are discussed. We also provide a forward-looking perspective on critical remaining challenges and opportunities for basic science and technology level applications of 2D semiconductors.

Progress and Application of Halide Perovskite Materials for Solar Cells and Light Emitting Devices

Halide perovskite materials have attracted worldwide attention in the photovoltaic area due to the rapid improvement in efficiency, from less than 4% in 2009 to 26.1% in 2023 with only a nanometer lever photo-active layer. Meanwhile, this nova star found applications in many other areas, such as light emitting, sensor, etc. This review started with the fundamentals of physics and chemistry behind the excellent performance of halide perovskite materials for photovoltaic/light emitting and the methods for preparing them. Then, it described the basic principles for solar cells and light emitting devices. It summarized the strategies including nanotechnology to improve the performance and the application of halide perovskite materials in these two areas: from structure-property relation to how each component in the devices affects the overall performance. Moreover, this review listed the challenges for the future applications of halide perovskite materials.

Mechanism of the Anomalous Dependence between Spin-Orbit Coupling and Dimensionality in Lead Halide Perovskites

The spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effect of lead (Pb) atoms is a consequential attribute of the unique optoelectronic and defect properties of lead halide perovskites (LHPs). It has been found that the SOC effect varies significantly as the structural dimensionality changes with an anomalous dependence; i.e., while the SOC strength monotonically decreases as structural dimensionality decreases from three-dimensional (3D) to two-dimensional (2D) and then to one-dimensional (1D), the zero-dimensional (0D) SOC strength is greater than the 1D SOC strength. The underlying mechanism of such a SOC dimensionality dependence anomaly remains elusive. In this work, we show that Pb 6p energy splitting increases from 3D to 2D and to 1D LHPs due to the increased degree of distortion, leading to a reduced SOC strength. However, the degree of distortion decreases for the 1D to 0D transformation, resulting in reverse SOC enhancement. The mechanism described in this work can be employed to regulate the SOC effect in the design of perovskite materials.

Achieving Color-Tunable Long Persistent Luminescence in Cs2 CdCl4 Ruddlesden-Popper Phase Perovskites

Two-dimensional (2D)-halide perovskites have been enriched over recent years to offer remarkable features from diverse chemical structures and environmental stability endowed with exciting functionalities in photoelectric detectors and phosphorescence systems. However, the low conversion efficiency of singlet to triplet in 2D hybrid halide perovskites reduces phosphorescence lifetimes. In this study, the long persistent luminescence of 2D all-inorganic perovskites with a self-assembled 2D interlayer galleries structure is investigated. The results show that the decay time of the long persistent luminescence increases from 450 s to 600 s, and the luminescence color changes from cyan to orange, and the thermal stability of photoluminescence enhances dramatically after replacing Cd2+ by appropriate Mn2+ ions in 2D Cs2 CdCl4 Ruddlesden-Popper phase perovskites. Furthermore, diversified anti-counterfeiting modes are fabricated to highlight the promising applications of Cs2 CdCl4 perovskite systems with tunable persistent luminescence in advanced anti-counterfeiting. Therefore, our studies provide a novel model for realizing tunable long persistent luminescence of perovskite with 2D self-assembled layered structure for advanced anti-counterfeiting.

Judicious Heteroatom Doping Produces High-Performance Deep-Blue/Near-UV Multiresonant Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence OLEDs

Two multiresonant thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) emitters are presented and it is shown how further borylation of a deep-blue MR-TADF emitter, DIDOBNA-N, both blueshifts and narrows the emission producing a new near-UV MR-TADF emitter, MesB-DIDOBNA-N, are shown. DIDOBNA-N emits bright blue light (ΦPL = 444 nm, FWHM = 64 nm, ΦPL = 81%, τd = 23 ms, 1.5 wt% in TSPO1). The deep-blue organic light-emitting diode (OLED) based on this twisted MR-TADF compound shows a very high maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax ) of 15.3% for a device with CIEy of 0.073. The fused planar MR-TADF emitter, MesB-DIDOBNA-N shows efficient and narrowband near-UV emission (λPL = 402 nm, FWHM = 19 nm, ΦPL = 74.7%, τd = 133 ms, 1.5 wt% in TSPO1). The best OLED with MesB-DIDOBNA-N, doped in a co-host, shows the highest efficiency reported for a near-UV OLED at 16.2%. With a CIEy coordinate of 0.049, this device also shows the bluest EL reported for a MR-TADF OLED to date.

Synthesis of centimeter-size two-dimensional hybrid perovskite single crystals with tunable, pure, and stable luminescence

The environment-friendly synthesis and property modulation of two-dimensional organic-inorganic halide perovskite (2D OHP) single crystals with large sizes and high quality are important for the fabrication of optoelectric devices. In this work, plate-like and centimeter-size (BA)2Pb(BrxI1-x)4 (BA = n-butylammonium, x: 0-1) single crystals with high crystallinity were synthesized via the cooling crystallization method in a mixed HX (X: I, Br) acid aqueous solution. The synthesized samples were single-phase with homogenously distributed Br and I ions. The lattice structure and bandgap of (BA)2Pb(BrxI1-x)4 were both finely tuned through halide alloying. Pure photoluminescence with unitary wavelength was obtained in the mixed-halide samples compared to those of monohalides (BA)2PbI4 and (BA)2PbBr4. This is attributed to the structural homogeneity of the alloyed crystals. Moreover, the prepared (BA)2Pb(BrxI1-x)4 samples showed higher photo and thermal stability for a long duration even with ion migration. This study will be an important reference for the fabrication and property modulation of 2D OHP-based light-emitting and other optoelectric devices.

Challenges and developments for the blue perovskite nanocrystal light-emitting diodes

Perovskite nanomaterials have been highly thought as next-generation light emitters after recent development owing to their benefits of simple synthesis, low-cost, large-area, and wide color gamut. Encouragingly, the external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of green, red, and near-infrared perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have exceeded more than 20%. However, the performance of the blue PeLEDs is still lower than other analogs, which severely limits the applications of PeLEDs in future full-color displays. Herein, we have reviewed the advances in blue perovskite NCs and their applications in blue PeLEDs. Promising blue perovskite emitters and strategies for fabricating highly efficient blue PeLEDs based on perovskite NCs are investigated and highlighted. Moreover, we point out the main challenges in blue perovskite NC LEDs including low electroluminescence efficiency (EL), spectral instability, the difficulty of charge injection, and device optimization. The perspectives for the further development of blue PeLEDs are also presented.

Lead-free 2D MASnBr3 and Ruddlesden-Popper BA2MASn2Br7 as light harvesting materials

We have explored the structural, electronic, charge transport, and optical properties of lead-free 2D hybrid halide perovskites, MASnBr₃ and Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites, BAMASn₂Br₇ monolayers. Under density functional theory (DFT) calculation, we applied mechanical strain, i.e., tensile and compressive strain up to 10% in both cases. The mechanical strain engineering technique is useful for a tuned bandgap of 2D MASnBr₃ and 2D BAMASn₂Br₇. The calculated carrier mobility for the electron is 404 cm² V^-1 s^-1 and for the hole is up to 800 cm² V^-1 s^-1 for MASnBr₃. For BAMASn₂Br₇ the highest carrier mobility is up to 557 cm² V^-1 s^-1 for electrons and up to 779 cm² V^-1 s^-1 for the hole, which is 14% and 24% higher than the reported lead-iodide based perovskites, respectively. The calculated solar cell efficiency of 2D MASnBr₃ is 23.46%, which is 18% higher than the reported lead-based perovskites. Furthermore, the optical activity of the 2D MASnBr₃ and 2D BAMASn₂Br₇ shows a high static dielectric constant of 2.48 and 2.14, respectively. This is useful to show nanodevice performance. Also, 2D MASNBr₃ shows a high absorption coefficient of 15.25 × 10⁵ cm^-1 and 2D BAMASn₂Br₇ shows an absorption coefficient of up to 13.38 × 10⁵ cm^-1. Therefore our theoretical results suggest that the systems are under mechanical strain engineering. This is convenient for experimentalists to improve the performance of the 2D perovskites. The study supports these materials as good candidates for photovoltaic and optoelectronic device applications.

Metal Halide Perovskite Nanowires: Controllable Synthesis, Mechanism, and Application in Optoelectronic Devices

Metal halide perovskites are promising energy materials because of their high absorption coefficients, long carrier lifetimes, strong photoluminescence, and low cost. Low-dimensional halide perovskites, especially one-dimensional (1D) halide perovskite nanowires (NWs), have become a hot research topic in optoelectronics owing to their excellent optoelectronic properties. Herein, we review the synthetic strategies and mechanisms of halide perovskite NWs in recent years, such as hot injection, vapor phase growth, selfassembly, and solvothermal synthesis. Furthermore, we summarize their applications in optoelectronics, including lasers, photodetectors, and solar cells. Finally, we propose possible perspectives for the development of halide perovskite NWs.

Lasing in Two-Dimensional Tin Perovskites

Two-dimensional (2D) perovskites have been proposed as materials capable of improving the stability and surpassing the radiative recombination efficiency of three-dimensional perovskites. However, their luminescent properties have often fallen short of what has been expected. In fact, despite attracting considerable attention for photonic applications during the last two decades, lasing in 2D perovskites remains unclear and under debate. Here, we were able to improve the optical gain properties of 2D perovskite and achieve optically pumped lasing. We show that the choice of the spacer cation affects the defectivity and photostability of the perovskite, which in turn influences its optical gain. Based on our synthetic strategy, we obtain PEA₂SnI₄ films with high crystallinity and favorable optical properties, resulting in amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) with a low threshold (30 μJ/cm²), a high optical gain above 4000 cm^-1 at 77 K, and ASE operation up to room temperature.

One-step synthesis of epitaxial 3D/2D metal halide perovskite heterostructures

Facile and scalable synthesis of perovskite heterostructures with well-controlled heterointerfaces remains challenging. Herein, we developed a simple one-step solution method to prepare 3D/2D CsPbBr₃/PEA₂PbBr₄ perovskite heterostructures with a well-defined epitaxial structure in the gram scale. The formation mechanism was detailed by using in situ time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy analysis. In addition, a series of 3D/2D epitaxial heterostructures were also prepared by changing the organic cations or halogen anions. Due to the effective charge separation and transfer, photodetectors based on the type-II 3D/2D CsPbBr₃/PEA₂PbBr₄ heterostructures showed up to 120 times higher photoresponsivities and 50 times higher on/off ratios compared to devices based on single component perovskites.

Mixed 3D-2D Perovskite Flexible Films for the Direct Detection of 5 MeV Protons

This study reports on a novel, flexible, proton beam detector based on mixed 3D-2D perovskite films deposited by solution onto thin plastic foils. The 3D-2D mixture allows to obtain micrometer-thick and highly uniform films that constitute the detector's active layer. The devices demonstrate excellent flexibility with stable electric transport properties down to a bending radius of 3.1 mm. The detector is characterized under a 5 MeV proton beam with fluxes in the range [4.5 × 105 - 1.4 × 109 ] H+ cm-2 s-1 , exhibiting a stable response to repetitive irradiation cycles with sensitivity up to (290 ± 40) nC Gy-1 mm-3 and a limit of detection down to (72±2) µGy s-1 . The detector radiation tolerance is also assessed up to a total of 1.7 × 1012 protons impinging on the beam spot area, with a maximum variation of the detector's response of 14%.

Room-temperature epitaxial welding of 3D and 2D perovskites

Formation of epitaxial heterostructures via post-growth self-assembly is important in the design and preparation of functional hybrid systems combining unique properties of the constituents. This is particularly attractive for the construction of metal halide perovskite heterostructures, since their conventional solution synthesis usually leads to non-uniformity in composition, crystal phase and dimensionality. Herein, we demonstrate that a series of two-dimensional and three-dimensional perovskites of different composition and crystal phase can form epitaxial heterostructures through a ligand-assisted welding process at room temperature. Using the CsPbBr₃/PEA₂PbBr₄ heterostructure as a demonstration, in addition to the effective charge and energy transfer across the epitaxial interface, localized lattice strain was observed at the interface, which was extended to the top layer of the two-dimensional perovskite, leading to multiple new sub-bandgap emissions at low temperature. Given the versatility of our strategy, unlimited hybrid systems are anticipated, yielding composition-, interface- and/or orientation-dependent properties.

First-principles study of lead-free Ge-based 2D Ruddlesden-Popper hybrid perovskites for solar cell applications

Recently, 2D halide perovskites have attracted attention because they are excellent photo absorbing materials for perovskite solar cells. To date, the majority of 2D perovskite-based devices have been made of Pb, a material with toxic properties and environmental concerns. Thus, lead-free alternatives are essential to enable the expansion of photovoltaic systems based on perovskites. Herein, we examine the structural, electronic, optical and stability properties of Pb-free 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) perovskites (BA)₂(MA)_n-1Ge_nI_3n+1 (BA = CH₃(CH₂)₃NH₃⁺; MA = CH₃NH₃⁺; n = 1-5, and ∝) by using DFT calculations and comparing the results to their Pb-based counterparts (BA)₂(MA)_n-1Pb_nI_3n+1 (n = 1-5, and ∝). Theoretical analysis indicates that Pb and Ge-based 2D perovskites are significantly more thermodynamically stable than their corresponding 3D materials. A more accurate bandgap is achieved using the HSE06 + SOC scheme and compared to the findings of the PBE and PBE + SOC. These materials are direct bandgap semiconductors. Due to spin-orbit coupling, Pb-based perovskite displays higher Rashba energy splitting than Ge-based ones. The bandgap changes from 2.37 eV (n = 1) to 1.79 eV (n = 5), and from 1.92 eV (n = 1) to 1.56 eV (n = 5) for Pb and Ge-based perovskites, respectively. The bandgap of all Ge-based perovskites is lower than their corresponding Pb-based ones. We show that the 2D perovskites could serve as hole-transporting materials when they are alongside 3D perovskites. The trade-off between thermodynamic stability and absorption coefficient of the considered compounds indicates that 2D RP perovskites BA₂MA₄Ge₅I₁₆ are promising Pb-free halide semiconductors for solar cell applications.

Robust Heterostructures in Two-Dimensional Perovskites by Threshold-Dominating Anion Exchange

Heterostructures play an irreplaceable role in high-performance optoelectronic devices. However, the preparation of robust perovskite heterostructures is challenging due to spontaneous interdiffusion of halogen anions. Herein, a vapor-phase anion exchange method universally suitable for the preparation of robust 2D Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite (RPP) heterostructures is developed. A variety of heterostructures are fabricated based on exfoliated RPP microplates (MPs). Depending on the specific organic cations, the heterostructures can be either sharp and uniform, or broad and gradient, suggesting a new anion diffusion behavior different from that in 3D perovskites. Further experimental studies reveal that the lateral transport of anions follows a threshold-dominating mechanism, while the vertical transport can be partially or completely suppressed by organic cations. Subsequently, quantitative investigation of anion diffusion in 2D perovskites is conducted. The lateral diffusion coefficient of halogen anions is calculated to be 6 to 7 orders of magnitude larger than the vertical coefficient, consistent with the observed highly anisotropic anion diffusion. In addition, it is shown that the anion exchange threshold can also enhance the thermodynamic stability of the heterostructures at elevated temperature. These results provide a general method to fabricate robust lateral RPP heterostructures, and offer important insights into anion behavior in low-dimensional perovskites.

Engineering van der Waals Materials for Advanced Metaphotonics

The outstanding chemical and physical properties of 2D materials, together with their atomically thin nature, make them ideal candidates for metaphotonic device integration and construction, which requires deep subwavelength light-matter interaction to achieve optical functionalities beyond conventional optical phenomena observed in naturally available materials. In addition to their intrinsic properties, the possibility to further manipulate the properties of 2D materials via chemical or physical engineering dramatically enhances their capability, evoking new science on light-matter interaction, leading to leaped performance of existing functional devices and giving birth to new metaphotonic devices that were unattainable previously. Comprehensive understanding of the intrinsic properties of 2D materials, approaches and capabilities for chemical and physical engineering methods, the resulting property modifications and novel functionalities, and applications of metaphotonic devices are provided in this review. Through reviewing the detailed progress in each aspect and the state-of-the-art achievement, insightful analyses of the outstanding challenges and future directions are elucidated in this cross-disciplinary comprehensive review with the aim to provide an overall development picture in the field of 2D material metaphotonics and promote rapid progress in this fast emerging and prosperous field.

Stimulating and Manipulating Robust Circularly Polarized Photoluminescence in Achiral Hybrid Perovskites

Circularly polarized light (CPL) is essential for optoelectronic and chiro-spintronic applications. Hybrid perovskites, as star optoelectronic materials, have demonstrated CPL activity, which is, however, mostly limited to chiral perovskites. Here, we develop a simple, general, and efficient strategy to stimulate CPL activity in achiral perovskites, which possess rich species, efficient luminescence, and tunable bandgaps. With the formation of van der Waals heterojunctions between chiral and achiral perovskites, a nonequilibrium spin population and thus CPL activity are realized in achiral perovskites by receiving spin-polarized electrons from chiral perovskites. The polarization degree of room-temperature CPL in achiral perovskites is at least one order of magnitude higher than in chiral ones. The CPL polarization degree and emission wavelengths of achiral perovskites can be flexibly designed by tuning chemical compositions, operating temperature, or excitation wavelengths. We anticipate that unlimited types of achiral perovskites can be endowed with CPL activity, benefiting their applications in integrated CPL sources and detectors.

Highly Emissive Quasi-2D Perovskites Enabled by a Multifunctional Molecule for Bright Light-Emitting Diodes

Quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskite has exhibited great potential to be an ideal luminescent material for perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs). However, the low-order phases (especially n = 1 phase) and the inevitable defects result in massive nonradiative recombination and poor emission efficiency. Herein, a multifunctional molecule of tetrabutylammonium dihydrogen phosphate (TDP) is introduced to simultaneously suppress the low-n phase, passivate the defects, and increase the exciton binding energy of the quasi-2D perovskite for massive radiative recombination and thus high emission efficiency. The multifunctional roles of TDP are realized by the synergistic effects of tetrabutylammonium cation and dihydrogen phosphate anion, both of which show strong interaction with the lead bromide octahedron of the perovskite. As a result, the TDP-incorporated perovskite films show a great enhancement of the emission efficiency with a remarkable increase in photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) from 34.6 to 96.9% at the wavelength of 522 nm. The strengthened radiative recombination promotes efficient emission efficiency with over 2.5-fold improvement in external quantum efficiency (EQE) and current efficiency (CE) from 3.27% and 10.83 cd A^-1 to 9.25% and 28.35 cd A^-1, respectively, as well as high brightness with over 37% enhancement from 12713 to 17536 cd m^-2. Consequently, this work contributes to an efficient approach to employ a multifunctional molecule for highly emissive quasi-2D perovskites and enhanced quasi-2D PeLED performances.

Highly efficient and stable red perovskite quantum dots through encapsulation and sensitization of porous CaF2:Ce,Tb nanoarchitectures

Lead halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) are extremely unstable when exposed to oxygen, water and heat, especially red CsPbBr_xI_3-x (x = 0, 0.5, 1.2) PQDs. This seriously hinders their practical application. Here, red CsPbBr_xI_3-x (x = 0, 0.5, 1.2) PQDs have been successfully encapsulated in porous CaF₂:Ce,Tb hierarchical nanospheres (HNSs), which not only greatly improved the stability of PQDs, benefitting from the protection of the CaF₂ shell, but also maintained the high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of PQDs, benefitting from the sensitization of Tb³⁺ ions. More importantly, porous CaF₂:Ce,Tb nanoarchitectures can prevent aggregation quenching and anion exchange of PQDs. Therefore, the CaF₂:Ce,Tb&CsPbBr_xI_3-x (x = 0, 0.5, 1.2) composite powder can have high PLQY comparable to that of the PQD powder. In view of this, CaF₂:Ce,Tb&CsPbBr_1.2I_1.8 composite based red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are prepared, and they are very suitable as a supplementary light source for plant lighting. Furthermore, white LEDs are also prepared by coating the CaF₂:Ce,Tb&CsPbBr₃ and CaF₂:Ce,Tb&CsPbBr_1.2I_1.8 composite on a 450 nm chip. The optimum luminous efficiency is 61.2 lm W^-1, and the color rendering index is 91, which are comparable to the current highest values. This shows that the composite composed of PQDs has great potential in LED lighting.

A Universal Cosolvent Evaporation Strategy Enables Direct Printing of Perovskite Single Crystals for Optoelectronic Device Applications

Solution-processed metal halide perovskite (MHP) single crystals (SCs) are in high demand for a growing number of printed electronic applications due to their superior optoelectronic properties compared to polycrystalline thin films. There is an urgent need to make SC fabrication facile, scalable, and compatible with the printed electronic manufacturing infrastructure. Here, a universal cosolvent evaporation (CSE) strategy is presented by which perovskite SCs and arrays are produced directly on substrates via printing and coating methods within minutes at room temperature from drying droplets. The CSE strategy successfully guides the supersaturation via controlled drying of droplets to suppress all crystallization pathways but one, and is shown to produce SCs of a wide variety of 3D, 2D, and mixed-cation/halide perovskites with consistency. This approach works with commonly used precursors and solvents, making it universal. Importantly, the SC consumes the precursor in the droplet, which enables the large-scale fabrication of SC arrays with minimal residue. Direct on-chip fabrication of 3D and 2D perovskite photodetector devices with outstanding performance is demonstrated. The approach shows that any MHP SC can now be manufactured on substrates using precision printing and scalable, high-throughput coating methods.

High-Performance Blue Quasi-2D Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes via Balanced Carrier Confinement and Transfer

Extensive investigation of the passivating agents has been performed to suppress the perovskite defects. However, very few attentions have been paid to rationally design the passivating agents for the balance of the carrier confinement and transfer in quasi-2D perovskites, which is essential to achieve high-performance perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs). In this work, tributylphosphine oxide (TBPO) with moderate carbon chain length is demonstrated as a decent passivator for the quasi-2D perovskites by strengthening the carrier confinement for massive radiative recombination within the perovskites, and more importantly providing efficient carrier transfer in the quasi-2D perovskites. Benefiting from these interesting optoelectronic properties of TBPO-incorporated perovskites, we achieve high-efficient blue PeLEDs with an external quantum efficiency up to 11.5% and operational stability as long as 41.1 min without any shift of the electroluminescence spectra. Consequently, this work contributes an effective approach to promote the carrier confinement and transfer for high-performance and stable blue PeLEDs.

Deciphering the Carrier Transport Properties in Two-Dimensional Perovskites via Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

2D layered organic-inorganic perovskites have attracted substantial attention due to their high stability and promising optoelectronic properties. However, in-depth insights on the anisotropic carrier transport properties of these 2D perovskites are remaining challenging, while they are significant for further designing the high-performance device applications. Here, the carrier transport properties within 2D perovskite single crystals are investigated and a layered-carrier-transport model is developed through the non-invasive and non-destructive surface-enhanced Raman scattering techniques. The carrier transport features of 2D perovskites show clearly the thickness-, applied voltage- and anisotropy-dependent behaviors, which are demonstrated to origin from the quantum confinement effect. The findings elucidate the carrier transport mechanisms within 2D perovskites from their molecular level through Raman spectroscopy, thus providing a promising way for exploring the photo-physical properties in wide-ranged halide perovskites and designing highly efficient perovskite optoelectronic devices.

Role of Polycyclic Aromatic Alkylammonium Cations in Tuning the Electronic Properties and Band Alignment of Two-Dimensional Hybrid Perovskite Semiconductors

Two-dimensional hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) have recently drawn intense attention as potential photovoltaic materials. However, n = 1 two-dimensional (2D) HOIPs face the challenge of low conductivity between the inorganic layers, leading to unsatisfactory device performance. Interestingly, 2D HOIPs employing π-conjugated molecules as organic moieties show energy and charge transfers between organic and inorganic layers, indicating potentially efficient carrier transport for photovoltaic applications. Nevertheless, the development of 2D HOIP-based solar cells especially utilizing polycyclic aromatic alkylammonium as cations is in its infancy. Herein, we investigated the electronic structure and band alignment of a series of n = 1 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) phase HOIPs containing different polycyclic aromatic groups and alkyl chains, based on density functional theory calculations. We find that the polycyclic aromatic group plays an important role in controlling the functionality of 2D HOIPs by directly modifying band-edge states, and the band alignment at the organic-inorganic interface can be designed to promote either exciton trapping or dissociation for light-emitting or photovoltaic applications, respectively.

2D Hybrid Halide Perovskites: Structure, Properties, and Applications in Solar Cells

2D metal-halide perovskites have attracted intense research interest due to superior long-term stability under ambient environments. Compared to their 3D analog, the alternate arrangement of organic and inorganic layers leads to forming a multilayer quantum well (MQW), which endows 2D perovskites with anisotropic optoelectronic properties. In addition, the spacer layer functions as a hydrophobic barrier to effectively prevent 2D perovskite films from ion migration and moisture penetrating, thus realizing outstanding stability. Recently, 2D perovskites have been widely developed with abundant species. The stunning photovoltaic performance with the coexistence of long-term stability and high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) has been realized in 2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which paves an avenue for commercialization of PSCs. This review begins with an introduction of crystal structure and crystallization kinetics to illustrate the unique layer characters in 2D perovskites. Then, electron structure, excitons, dielectric confinement, and intrinsic stability properties are discussed in detail. Next, the photovoltaic performance based on recent Ruddlesden-Popper (RP), Dion-Jacobson (DJ), and alternating cations in the interlayer (ACI) phase 2D-PSCs is comprehensively summarized. Finally, the confronting challenges and strategies toward structural design and optoelectronic studies of 2D perovskites are proposed to offer insight into the advanced underlying properties of this family of materials.

Highly Efficient Quasi-2D Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes Incorporating a TADF Dendrimer as an Exciton-Retrieving Additive

Although small organics or polymer additives have been introduced to enhance film formation and radiative recombination of perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs), the exciton utilization and quantum efficiency need further optimization. Here, we introduce a thermal-activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) dendrimer as an additive to enhance the surface coverage and reduce the trap state of the grain boundary. More importantly, the TADF nature of such an additive can retrieve the exciton dissociated from perovskite or trapped by the grain boundary and then transfer the energy back to emissive perovskite through the Förster energy transfer process. Since the triplets can be reused by reverse intersystem crossing in such a TADF additive, the theoretical exciton utilization is 100%. As a result, the optimized PeLEDs cooperating with a TADF additive achieved a high current efficiency of 39.0 cd A^-1 and an ultrabright luminescence of 18,000 cd m^-2, which are almost 5 times higher than those of the control device without an additive. Moreover, the device stability monitored by half-lifetime at 1000 cd m^-2 enhanced 2 times after introducing the TADF dendrimer as an additive. The parent dendrimer without a TADF feature was also synthesized as an additive to explore the mechanism action, which found that 54% enhancement of device efficiency can be attributed to defect passivating, while 46% was assigned to retrieved energy. This research first demonstrates that the TADF dendrimer is a promising exciton-retrieving additive for enhancing the performance of PeLEDs by passivating defect, filling up grain boundary, and retrieving leakage exciton.

Mostafa R, H. Zeenelabden H, M. Mabrouk M, Mourtada Elseman A, Gad N, El-Aasser M, M. Rashad M. Mixed 2D-3D Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

The 3D-perovskite halides have gained a considerable reputation versus their counterpart semiconductor materials since they achieved a remarkable high-power conversion efficiency of 25.2% within a decade. Perovskite solar cells also have some problems as lattice degradation and sensitivity against moisture, oxygen, and strong irradiation. The perovskite instability is the drawback in front of this emerging technology towards mass production and commercialization. 2D-perovskites, with the general formula A2Bn − 1MnX3n + 1, have been recently introduced to overcome some of the drawbacks of the stability of 3D-perovskites; however, this is at the expense of sacrificing a part of the power conversion efficiency. Mixed 2D/3D perovskites could solve this dilemma towards the way to high stability-efficiency perovskites. The research is expected to obtain highly stable and efficient mixed 2D/3D perovskite solar cells in the few coming years. This chapter reviews 2D-perovskites’ achieved progress, highlighting their properties, current trends, challenges, and future prospects.

Efficient and Stable Mg2+-Doped CsPbCl3 Nanocrystals for Violet LEDs

It has been a challenge to prepare perovskite violet light-emitting diodes due to the low luminous efficiency and poor stability of the relevant materials. In this work, the defect state density of CsPbCl₃ NCs was reduced by Mg²⁺ doping, so the photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQY) was increased by 57 times (from 1.3% to 75.8%) compared with undoped CsPbCl₃ NCs. The doped CsPbCl₃ NCs had no phase change in the atmosphere over 180 days, and the PLQY was only dropped by 19%. Based on the highly efficient luminescence and high stability of Mg²⁺-doped CsPbCl₃ NCs, violet-light-emitting diodes were fabricated. The maximum brightness of device was 135 cd/m², and the peak EQE reached 0.1%.

Quasi-2D Halide Perovskite Memory Device Formed by Acid-Base Binary Ligand Solution Composed of Oleylamine and Oleic Acid

Organometal halide perovskite materials are receiving significant attention for the fabrication of resistive-switching memory devices based on their high stability, low power consumption, rapid switching, and high ON/OFF ratios. In this study, we synthesized 3D FAPbBr₃ and quasi-2D (RNH₃)₂(FA)₁Pb₂Br₇ films using an acid-base binary ligand solution composed of oleylamine (OlAm) and oleic acid in toluene. The quasi-2D (RNH₃)₂(FA)₁Pb₂Br₇ films were synthesized by controlling the protonated OlAm (RNH₃⁺) solution concentration to replace FA⁺ cations with large organic RNH₃⁺ cations from 3D FAPbBr₃ perovskites. The quasi-2D (RNH₃)₂(FA)₁Pb₂Br₇ devices exhibited nonvolatile write-once read-many (WORM) memory characteristics, whereas the 3D FAPbBr₃ only exhibited hysteresis behavior. Analysis of the 3D FAPbBr₃ device indicated operation in the trap-limited space-charge-limited current region. In contrast, quasi-2D (RNH₃)₂(FA)₁Pb₂Br₇ devices provide low trap density that is completely filled by injected charge carriers and then subsequently form conductive filaments (CFs) to operate as WORM devices. Nanoscale morphology analysis and an associated current mapping study based on conductive atomic force microscopy measurements revealed that perovskite grain boundaries serve as major channels for high current, which may be correlated with the conductive low-resistive-switching behavior and formation of CFs in WORM devices.

Oriented Halide Perovskite Nanostructures and Thin Films for Optoelectronics

Oriented semiconductor nanostructures and thin films exhibit many advantageous properties, such as directional exciton transport, efficient charge transfer and separation, and optical anisotropy, and hence these nanostructures are highly promising for use in optoelectronics and photonics. The controlled growth of these structures can facilitate device integration to improve optoelectronic performance and benefit in-depth fundamental studies of the physical properties of these materials. Halide perovskites have emerged as a new family of promising and cost-effective semiconductor materials for next-generation high-power conversion efficiency photovoltaics and for versatile high-performance optoelectronics, such as light-emitting diodes, lasers, photodetectors, and high-energy radiation imaging and detectors. In this Review, we summarize the advances in the fabrication of halide perovskite nanostructures and thin films with controlled dimensionality and crystallographic orientation, along with their applications and performance characteristics in optoelectronics. We examine the growth methods, mechanisms, and fabrication strategies for several technologically relevant structures, including nanowires, nanoplates, nanostructure arrays, single-crystal thin films, and highly oriented thin films. We highlight and discuss the advantageous photophysical properties and remarkable performance characteristics of oriented nanostructures and thin films for optoelectronics. Finally, we survey the remaining challenges and provide a perspective regarding the opportunities for further progress in this field.

Electroluminescent materials toward near ultraviolet region

Near ultraviolet (NUV) light-emitting materials and devices are significant due to unique applications in anti-counterfeit, manufacturing industries, and hygienic treatments. However, the development of high-efficiency NUV electroluminescent devices encounters great challenges and is far behind their RGB emitter counterparts. Besides the photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of NUV materials being higher than 40%, charge injection and lopsided carrier transport also determine the device performance, leading to great efforts in optimizing the frontier molecular orbitals to fit the adjacent function layer. In the exploration of NUV materials, organic molecules are one of the primary candidates, given their preparative facility and structural variability. Recently, all-inorganic quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) of Cd-based, ZnSe, graphene and inorganic perovskite emitters and organic-inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) were demonstrated for achieving NUV electroluminescence. Owing to the great efforts devoted to NUV material engineering and device configuration, NUV materials and devices have achieved great advances over the last two decades. In this review, we retrospect the development of NUV materials and devices covering all promising systems, which may inspire the enthusiasm of researchers to explore the huge potential in the NUV region.

Exciton Self-Trapping Dynamics in 1D Perovskite Single Crystals: Effect of Quantum Tunnelling

We present experimental and theoretical investigations of the photophysics in the one-dimensional (1D) hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite (HOIP) white-light emitter, [DMEDA]PbBr₄. It is found that the broadband-emission nature of the 1D perovskite is similar to the case of two-dimensional (2D) HOIP materials, exciton self-trapping (ST) is the dominant mechanism. By comprehensive spectroscopic investigations, we observed direct evidence of exciton crossing the energy barrier separating free and ST states through quantum tunnelling. Moreover, we consider the lattice shrinking mechanisms at low temperatures and interpret the ST exciton formation process using a configuration coordinate diagram. We propose that the energy barrier separating free and ST excitons is temperature-dependent, and consequently, the manner of excitons crossing it is highly dependent on the exciting energy and temperature. For excitons located at the bottom of the free excitonic states, the quantum tunnelling is the dominant channel to the ST states.

Tetrazine molecules as an efficient electronic diversion channel in 2D organic-inorganic perovskites

Taking advantage of an innovative design concept for layered halide perovskites with active chromophores acting as organic spacers, we present here the synthesis of two novel two-dimensional (2D) hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskites incorporating for the first time 100% of a photoactive tetrazine derivative as the organic component. Namely, the use of a heterocyclic ring containing a nitrogen proportion imparts a unique electronic structure to the organic component, with the lowest energy optical absorption in the blue region. The present compound, a tetrazine, presents several resonances between the organic and inorganic components, both in terms of single particle electronic levels and exciton states, providing the ideal playground to discuss charge and energy transfer mechanisms at the organic/inorganic interface. Photophysical studies along with hybrid time-dependent DFT simulations demonstrate partial energy transfer and rationalise the suppressed emission from the perovskite frame in terms of different energy-transfer diversion channels, potentially involving both singlet and triplet states of the organic spacer. Periodic DFT simulations also support the feasibility of electron transfer from the conduction band of the inorganic component to the LUMO of the spacer as a potential quenching mechanism, suggesting the coexistence and competition of charge and energy transfer mechanisms in these heterostructures. Our work proves the feasibility of inserting photoactive small rings in a 2D perovskite structure, meanwhile providing a robust frame to rationalize the electronic interactions between the semiconducting inorganic layer and organic chromophores, with the prospects of optimizing the organic moiety according to the envisaged application.

Lead-Free Organic-Perovskite Hybrid Quantum Wells for Highly Stable Light-Emitting Diodes

Two-dimensional perovskites that could be regarded as natural organic-inorganic hybrid quantum wells (HQWs) are promising for light-emitting diode (LED) applications. High photoluminescence quantum efficiencies (approaching 80%) and extremely narrow emission bandwidth (less than 20 nm) have been demonstrated in their single crystals; however, a reliable electrically driven LED device has not been realized owing to inefficient charge injection and extremely poor stability. Furthermore, the use of toxic lead raises concerns. Here, we report Sn(II)-based organic-perovskite HQWs employing molecularly tailored organic semiconducting barrier layers for efficient and stable LEDs. Utilizing femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, we demonstrate the energy transfer from organic barrier to inorganic perovskite emitter occurs faster than the intramolecular charge transfer in the organic layer. Consequently, this process allows efficient conversion of lower-energy emission associated with the organic layer into higher-energy emission from the perovskite layer. This greatly broadened the candidate pool for the organic layer. Incorporating a bulky small bandgap organic barrier in the HQW, charge transport is enhanced and ion migration is greatly suppressed. We demonstrate a HQW-LED device with pure red emission, a maximum luminance of 3466 cd m^-2, a peak external quantum efficiency up to 3.33%, and an operational stability of over 150 h, which are significantly better than previously reported lead-free perovskite LEDs.

Perpendicularly oriented 2D perovskite thin films prepared using the bar-coating method and DMSO additive

A 2D perovskite incorporating an amine moiety with a carboxy group exhibited orientation changes as the amount of DMSO additive varied. The degree of perpendicular orientation was increased by optimizing the amount of DMSO additive, while using the bar-coating method. Moreover, film thickness and the ratio of perpendicular orientation exhibited a positive correlation.

Metal Halide Perovskites for Optical Parametric Modulation

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have attracted considerable academic and industrial attention because of their remarkable optoelectronic properties. The development of optical parametric modulation is urgently needed because it plays an important role in display applications and optical communication. Perovskites can become the bridge between materials and optics. Through changing the composition and nanostructure of perovskites, we can modulate optical parameters, including optical intensity, frequency, polarization, and phase. This Perspective provides a brief introduction to this field and summarizes the methods of modulating optical parameters. It is instructive for building a relationship between perovskite nanostructures and optics, which is meaningful for display technologies and optical communication.

High-performance quasi-2D perovskite light-emitting diodes: from materials to devices

Quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskites have attracted extraordinary attention due to their superior semiconducting properties and have emerged as one of the most promising materials for next-generation light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The outstanding optical properties originate from their structural characteristics. In particular, the inherent quantum-well structure endows them with a large exciton binding energy due to the strong dielectric- and quantum-confinement effects; the corresponding energy transfer among different n-value species thus results in high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), particularly at low excitation intensities. The review herein presents an overview of the inherent properties of quasi-2D perovskite materials, the corresponding energy transfer and spectral tunability methodologies for thin films, as well as their application in high-performance LEDs. We then summarize the challenges and potential research directions towards developing high-performance and stable quasi-2D PeLEDs. The review thus provides a systematic and timely summary for the community to deepen the understanding of quasi-2D perovskite materials and resulting LED devices.

Energy-Funneling Process in Quasi-2D Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes

Quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskites, demonstrating excellent radiative efficiency and facile processability, have been considered as next-generation materials for light-emitting applications. Quasi-2D perovskites with a unique energy-funneling process offer an approach to achieve not only high photoluminescence quantum yields at low excitation but also tunable emission induced by dielectric and quantum confinement. In this Perspective, we highlight the mechanism of the energy-funneling process and discuss the salient position of it in quasi-2D perovskite materials for light-emitting applications; we then present the significance of component and molecular engineering strategies for the energy-funneling process to meet the requirements of stable emission and display technologies. Considering present achievements, we also provide promising directions for future advancements of quasi-2D perovskite materials. We hope this Perspective can provide a new viewpoint for researchers to encourage the commercial progress of quasi-2D perovskites for light-emitting applications.

Efficient and Bright Pure-Blue All-Inorganic Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes from an Ecofriendly Alloy

Metal halide perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have been regarded as alternative candidates for full-color display applications with rapid progress to surge the external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) over 20%. However, in contrast to the high efficiencies of green, red, and near-infrared PeLEDs, the performance of their blue cousins is still lagging behind, especially the pure-blue one. Obtaining blue perovskite films with negligible nonradiative recombination loss and high stability is of great importance to realize efficient and spectrally stable blue PeLEDs. In this work, through partially replacing the toxic lead ions (Pb²⁺) with ecofriendly strontium ions (Sr²⁺) to tune the emission wavelength along with using passivation strategies, all-inorganic pure-blue perovskite films with a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 60.7% were achieved, which then delivered PeLEDs with a luminance of 510 cd m^-2 and an EQE of 1.43%. The device yields a record radiance among the most efficient PeLEDs at 467 nm. In addition, the resultant PeLEDs displayed exceptional spectral stability during the electrical bias operation. Our work provides a promising avenue to develop environmentally friendly perovskite materials for efficient and spectrally stable pure-blue PeLEDs and beyond.

Deterministic fabrication of arbitrary vertical heterostructures of two-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper halide perovskites

Ruddlesden-Popper lead halide perovskites have emerged as a new class of two-dimensional semiconductors with tunable optoelectronic properties, potentially offering unlimited heterostructure configurations for exploration. However, the practical realization of such heterostructures is challenging because of the difficulty in achieving controllable direct synthesis or van der Waals integration of halide perovskites due to their mobile and fragile crystal lattices. Here we report direct growth of large-area nanosheets of diverse phase-pure Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites with thicknesses down to one monolayer at the solution-air interface and a reliable approach for gently transferring and stacking these nanosheets. These advances enable the deterministic fabrication of arbitrary vertical heterostructures and multi-heterostructures of Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites with greater structural degrees of freedom that define the electronic structures of the heterojunctions. Such rationally designed heterostructures exhibit interesting interlayer properties, such as interlayer carrier transfer and reduction of the photoluminescence linewidth, and could enable the exploration of exciton physics and optoelectronic applications.

All-inorganic lead-free metal halide perovskite quantum dots: progress and prospects

Lead halide perovskite quantum dots have drawn worldwide attention due to their quantum confinement effect and excellent optical gain properties. It is worth noting that due to the toxicity of lead ions and the inherent instability of organic groups, research on all-inorganic lead-free metal halide perovskite quantum dots (ILFHPQDs) has become a hot spot in recent years. This paper summarizes the latest research progress of ILFHPQDs, analyzes the sources and limitations affecting the performance of ILFHPQDs, and provides the improvement methods. Firstly, the typical synthesis strategies of ILFHPQDs are discussed, followed by a focus on the structural characteristics, optoelectronic properties and stability of each type of ILFHPQD. Next, the applications of ILFHPQDs in devices are investigated. Finally, the challenges, solutions and future application directions of ILFHPQDs are prospected.

High-Performance Blue Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes Enabled by Efficient Energy Transfer between Coupled Quasi-2D Perovskite Layers

While there has been extensive investigation into modulating quasi-2D perovskite compositions in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for promoting their electroluminescence, very few reports have studied approaches involving enhancement of the energy transfer between quasi-2D perovskite layers of the film, which plays very important role for achieving high-performance perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs). In this work, a bifunctional ligand of 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzoic acid (ABA) cation is strategically introduced into the perovskite to diminish the weak van der Waals gap between individual perovskite layers for promoting coupled quasi-2D perovskite layers. In particular, the strengthened interaction between coupled quasi-2D perovskite layers favors an efficient energy transfer in the perovskite films. The introduced ABA can also simultaneously passivate the perovskite defects by reducing metallic Pb for less nonradiative recombination loss. Benefiting from the advanced properties of ABA incorporated perovskites, highly efficient blue PeLEDs with external quantum efficiency of 10.11% and a very long operational stability of 81.3 min, among the best performing blue quasi-2D PeLEDs, are achieved. Consequently, this work contributes an effective approach for high-performance and stable blue PeLEDs toward practical applications.

Suppression of Electric Field-Induced Segregation in Sky-Blue Perovskite Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells

Inexpensive perovskite light-emitting devices fabricated by a simple wet chemical approach have recently demonstrated very prospective characteristics such as narrowband emission, low turn-on bias, high brightness, and high external quantum efficiency of electroluminescence, and have presented a good alternative to well-established technology of epitaxially grown III-V semiconducting alloys. Engineering of highly efficient perovskite light-emitting devices emitting green, red, and near-infrared light has been demonstrated in numerous reports and has faced no major fundamental limitations. On the contrary, the devices emitting blue light, in particular, based on 3D mixed-halide perovskites, suffer from electric field-induced phase separation (segregation). This crystal lattice defect-mediated phenomenon results in an undesirable color change of electroluminescence. Here we report a novel approach towards the suppression of the segregation in single-layer perovskite light-emitting electrochemical cells. Co-crystallization of direct band gap CsPb(Cl,Br)3 and indirect band gap Cs4Pb(Cl,Br)6 phases in the presence of poly(ethylene oxide) during a thin film deposition affords passivation of surface defect states and an increase in the density of photoexcited charge carriers in CsPb(Cl,Br)3 grains. Furthermore, the hexahalide phase prevents the dissociation of the emissive grains in the strong electric field during the device operation. Entirely resistant to 5.7 × 106 V·m−1 electric field-driven segregation light-emitting electrochemical cell exhibits stable emission at wavelength 479 nm with maximum external quantum efficiency 0.7%, maximum brightness 47 cd·m−2, and turn-on bias of 2.5 V.

Improving Efficiency and Stability in Quasi-2D Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes by a Multifunctional LiF Interlayer

Owing to the enlarged exciton binding energy and the ability to confine charge carriers compared to their three-dimensional (3D) counterparts, research on quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskite materials and the correlative application in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has attracted considerable attention. However, high density of defects, exciton emission trapping, and unbalanced charge injection are still the main intractable obstacles to their further development and practical application. Herein, we report an efficient multifunctional interlayer, lithium fluoride (LiF), to boost the performance of green-emitting quasi-2D perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) by simultaneously overcoming the aforementioned issues. The introduced LiF interlayer not only eliminates the defects at perovskite grain boundaries and the surface by reinforcing the chemical bonds with uncoordinated lead ions but also restrains the emission of perovskite from quenching triggered by the electron transport layer and reduces excess electron injections to effectively balance carriers in the device. As a result, the resulting green quasi-2D PeLED shows a maximum external quantum efficiency of 16.35%, which is the best value obtained for quasi-2D perovskite-based LEDs reported so far, with simultaneous improvement in the operating lifetime of the device.

Rearranging Low-Dimensional Phase Distribution of Quasi-2D Perovskites for Efficient Sky-Blue Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes

Metal halide perovskites have received much attention for their application in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the past several years. Rapid progress has been made in efficient green, red, and near-infrared perovskite LEDs. However, the development of blue perovskite LEDs is still lagging far behind. Here, we report efficient sky-blue perovskite LEDs by rearranging low-dimensional phase distribution in quasi-2D perovskites. We incorporated sodium ions into the mixed-Cl/Br quasi-2D perovskites with phenylethylammonium as the organic spacer and cesium lead halide as the inorganic framework. The inclusion of the sodium ion was found to significantly reduce the formation of the n = 1 phase, which was dominated by nonradiative transition, and increase the formation of other small-n phases for efficient exciton energy transfer. By managing the phase distribution, a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 11.7% was achieved in the sky-blue perovskite LED, with a stable emission peak at 488 nm. Further optimizing the phase distribution and film morphology with Pb content, we demonstrated the sky-blue devices with the average EQE approaching 10%. This strategy of engineering phase distribution of quasi-2D perovskites with a sodium ion could provide a useful way for the fabrication of high-performance blue perovskite LEDs.

Intramolecular Band Alignment and Spin-Orbit Coupling in Two-Dimensional Halide Perovskites

In two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites, four distinct types of intramolecular band alignment (I_a, I_b, II_a, and II_b) can be formed between the organic and inorganic components. Molecular design to achieve desirable band alignments is of crucial importance to the applications of 2D perovskites and their heterostructures. In this work, by means of first-principles calculations, we have developed molecular design strategies that lead to the discovery of 2D halide perovskites with favorable band alignments toward light-emitting and photovoltaic applications. The same design strategies can be extended to vertical and lateral heterostructures of 2D perovskites with selective light emissions from the organic and/or inorganic layer of constituent 2D perovskites. For each intramolecular band alignment, the charge density and binding energy of the lowest energy exciton are examined. The effect of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) on the band structures is assessed. While SOC significantly lowers the band gaps in type-I_a and type-II_a alignments, it has a negligible effect in type-I_b and type-II_b alignments.