Templated Growth of Perovskite Shells on Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes: A Solution Processable Route Towards Tailored Devices

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) based nanohybrids have shown considerable potential for the construction of functional heterostructures with a diverse range of optoelectronic properties. To fully exploit their potential, high-performance solution-processed semiconductors with precisely controlled optical and electronic characteristics are desirable. In this regard, halide perovskite semiconductors are known for their excellent and tunable optoelectronic properties and hence are an ideal candidate to be integrated into CNT-based nanohybrids towards the construction of systems and devices with enhanced functionality. Here we present a strategy for the synthesis of solution-processable nanohybrids made of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and perovskites semiconductors, using methylammonium-lead-iodide (MAPbI3) and Cesium Lead Iodide (CsPbI3) as proof-of-concept systems: the CNTs act as templates for the facile and tunable formation of perovskite nanocrystals. We investigated the structural and electronic properties of the assembled SWCNT-heterostructures and demonstrated their integration (from solution) in field-effect transistor device configurations. By harnessing the synergistic properties of carbon nanotubes and perovskites, we discuss pathways for the development of photoresponsive devices employing these nanohybrids. The facile, solution-processable methodology we developed enables the spatial positioning of SWCNT-perovskite intermediate nanohybrids prior to crystallization, allowing the integration of nanoscale SWCNT bundles into FET architectures toward optoelectronic applications.