The wondrous world of ABX3 molecular perovskites

Abstract

The substitution of atoms with molecular building blocks to form hybrid organic–inorganic networks has been an important research theme for several decades. ABX3 molecular perovskites (MolPs) are a subclass of hybrid networks, adopting the perovskite structure with cationic and anionic molecules on the A-site and X-site. MolPs such as ((CH3)2NH2)Zn(HCOO)3 or ((n-C3H7)4N)Mn(C2N3)3 show a range of fascinating structure–chemical properties, including temperature-driven phase transitions that include a change of polarity as interesting for ferroelectrics, pressure-driven order–disorder phase transitions as interesting for barocaloric solid-state refrigeration, and most recently, melting-behaviour before decomposition with subsequent glass formation after cooling. In this feature article, we take a more personal perspective, overviewing the field's current state and outlining future directions. We start by comparing the MolPs’ structural chemistry with their inorganic parents, a comparison that helps us identify opportunities for material design. After discussing the MolPs’ potential as barocalorics, ferroelectrics, and in the area of glasses, we outline some challenges that lie ahead. Beyond their relevance as a hybrid analogue of inorganic perovskites, we find that MolPs' chemical parameter space provides exciting opportunities for systematically developing design guidelines for functional materials.

Graphical abstract: The wondrous world of ABX3 molecular perovskites

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Feature Article
Submitted
30 Jul 2024
Accepted
06 Sep 2024
First published
09 Sep 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article

The wondrous world of ABX3 molecular perovskites

S. M. Kronawitter and G. Kieslich, Chem. Commun., 2024, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D4CC03833A

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