Issue 24, 2018

Tin and germanium based two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper hybrid perovskites for potential lead-free photovoltaic and photoelectronic applications

Abstract

Despite their high power conversion efficiency, the commercial applications of hybrid organic–inorganic lead (Pb) halide perovskite based solar cells are still hampered by concerns about the toxicity of Pb and the structural stability in open air. Herein, based on density-functional theory computation, we show that lead-free tin (Sn) and germanium (Ge) based two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden–Popper hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites with a thickness of a few unit-cells, BA2MAn−1MnI3n+1 (M = Sn or Ge, n = 2–4), possess desirable electronic, excitonic and light absorption properties, thereby showing promise for photovoltaic and/or photoelectronic applications. In particular, we show that by increasing the layer thickness of the Sn-based 2D perovskites, the bandgap can be lowered towards the optimal range (0.9–1.6 eV) for solar cells. Meanwhile, the exciton binding energy is reduced to a more optimal value. In addition, theoretical assessment indicates that the thermodynamic stability of Sn-/Ge-based 2D perovskites is notably enhanced compared to that of their 3D analogues. These features render the Sn-/Ge-based 2D hybrid perovskites with a thickness of a few tens of unit cells promising lead-free perovskites with much improved structural stabilities for photovoltaic and/or photoelectronic applications.

Graphical abstract: Tin and germanium based two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper hybrid perovskites for potential lead-free photovoltaic and photoelectronic applications

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
03 may 2018
Accepted
01 iyn 2018
First published
04 iyn 2018

Nanoscale, 2018,10, 11314-11319

Author version available

Tin and germanium based two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper hybrid perovskites for potential lead-free photovoltaic and photoelectronic applications

L. Ma, M. Ju, J. Dai and X. C. Zeng, Nanoscale, 2018, 10, 11314 DOI: 10.1039/C8NR03589J

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