Alloying n‐Butylamine into CsPbBr3 To Give a Two‐Dimensional Bilayered Perovskite Ferroelectric Material

Cesium‐lead halide perovskites (e.g. CsPbBr₃) have gained attention because of their rich physical properties, but their bulk ferroelectricity remains unexplored. Herein, by alloying flexible organic cations into the cubic CsPbBr₃, we design the first cesium‐based two‐dimensional (2D) perovskite ferroelectric material with both inorganic alkali metal and organic cations, (C₄H₉NH₃)₂CsPb₂Br₇ ( 1 ). Strikingly, 1 shows a high Curie temperature (T_c=412 K) above that of BaTiO₃ (ca. 393 K) and notable spontaneous polarization (ca. 4.2 μC cm^?2), triggered by not only the ordering of organic cations but also atomic displacement of inorganic Cs⁺ ions. To our knowledge, such a 2D bilayered Cs⁺‐based metal–halide perovskite ferroelectric material with inorganic and organic cations is unprecedented. 1 also shows photoelectric semiconducting behavior with large “on/off” ratios of photoconductivity (>10³).     

All‐Inorganic Lead‐Free 0D Perovskites by a Doping Strategy to Achieve a PLQY Boost from <2 % to 90 %

Zero‐dimensional (0D) lead‐free perovskites have unique structures and optoelectronic properties. Undoped and Sb‐doped all inorganic, lead‐free, 0D perovskite single crystals A₂InCl₅(H₂O) (A=Rb, Cs) are presented that exhibit greatly enhanced yellow emission. To study the effect of coordination H₂O, Sb‐doped A₃InCl₆ (A=Rb, Cs) are also synthesized and further studied. The photoluminescence (PL) color changes from yellow to green emission. Interestingly, the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) realizes a great boost from <2 % to 85–95 % through doping Sb³⁺. We further explore the effect of Sb³⁺ dopants and the origin of bright emission by ultrafast transient absorption techniques. Furthermore, Sb‐doped 0D rubidium indium chloride perovskites show excellent stability. These findings not only provide a way to design a set of new high‐performance 0D lead‐free perovskites, but also reveal the relationship between structure and PL properties.     

A Semiconducting Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite‐type Non‐ferroelectric Piezoelectric with Excellent Piezoelectricity

Piezoelectric materials are a class of important functional materials applied in high‐voltage sources, sensors, vibration reducers, actuators, motors, and so on. Herein, [(CH₃)₃S]₃[Bi₂Br₉]( 1 ) is a brilliant semiconducting organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite‐type non‐ferroelectric piezoelectric with excellent piezoelectricity. Strikingly, the value of the piezoelectric coefficient d₃₃ is estimated as ≈18 pC N^?1. Such a large piezoelectric coefficient in non‐ferroelectric piezoelectric has been scarcely reported and is comparable with those of typically one‐composition non‐ferroelectric piezoelectrics such as ZnO (3pC N^?1) and much greater than those of most known typical materials. In addition, 1 exhibits semiconducting behavior with an optical band gap of ≈2.58 eV that is lower than the reported value of 3.37 eV for ZnO. This discovery opens a new avenue to exploit molecular non‐ferroelectric piezoelectric and should stimulate further exploration of non‐ferroelectric piezoelectric due to their high stability and low loss characteristics.     

Polarization‐Driven Self‐Powered Photodetection in a Single‐Phase Biaxial Hybrid Perovskite Ferroelectric

Self‐powered photodetection driven by ferroelectric polarization has shown great potential in next‐generation optoelectronic devices. Hybrid perovskite ferroelectrics that combine polarization and semiconducting properties have a promising position within this portfolio. Herein, we demonstrate the realization of self‐powered photodetection in a new developed biaxial ferroelectric, (EA)₂(MA)₂Pb₃Br₁₀ ( 1 , EA is ethylammonium and MA is methylammonium), which displays high Curie temperature (375 K), superior spontaneous polarization (3.7 μC cm^?2), and unique semiconducting nature. Strikingly, without an external energy supply, 1 exhibits an direction‐selectable photocurrent with fascinating attributes including high photocurrent density (≈4.1 μA cm^?2), high on/off switching ratio (over 10⁶), and ultrafast response time (96/123 μs); such merits are superior to those of the most active ferroelectric oxide BiFeO₃. Further studies reveal that strong inversion symmetry breaking in 1 provides a desirable driving force for carrier separation, accounting for such electrically tunable self‐powered photoactive behaviors. This work sheds light on exploring new multifunctional hybrid perovskites and advancing the design of intelligent photoelectric devices.     

Room‐Temperature Ferroelectric Material Composed of a Two‐Dimensional Metal Halide Double Perovskite for X‐ray Detection

Although two‐dimensional (2D) metal–halide double perovskites display versatile physical properties due to their huge structural compatibility, room‐temperature ferroelectric behavior has not yet been reported for this fascinating family. Here, we designed a room‐temperature ferroelectric material composed of 2D halide double perovskites, (chloropropylammonium)₄AgBiBr₈, using an organic asymmetric dipolar ligand. It exhibits concrete ferroelectricity, including a Curie temperature of 305 K and a notable spontaneous polarization of ≈3.2 μC cm^?2, triggered by dynamic ordering of the organic cation and the tilting motion of heterometallic AgBr₆/BiBr₆ octahedra. Besides, the alternating array of inorganic perovskite sheets and organic cations endows large mobility‐lifetime product (μτ=1.0×10^?3 cm² V^?1) for detecting X‐ray photons, which is almost tenfold higher than that of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ wafers. As far as we know, this is the first study on an X‐ray‐sensitive ferroelectric material composed of 2D halide double perovskites. Our findings afford a promising platform for exploring new ferroelectric materials toward further device applications.     

[C6H14N]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, CH₃NH₃PbI₃), 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.     

Ferroelectric Behavior of a Hexamethylenetetramine‐Based Molecular Perovskite Structure

We report the development of a molecular ferroelectric material inspired by the hexamethylenetetramine (hmta) non‐centrosymmetric molecular rotator. The bromide salt of diprotonated hmta (hmtaH₂) crystalized as (hmtaH₂)(NH₄)Br₃ in a metal‐free ABX₃ perovskite‐type structure, in which the A and B sites are occupied by hmtaH₂²⁺ and ammonium cations, respectively. The compound crystallized in the Pma2 polar space group. A distorted polar perovskite structure formed owing to the distortion of {(NH₄)Br₆} octahedrons that are stabilized through the formation of NH???Br hydrogen bonds and the orientational ordering of positive charges on the non‐centrosymmetric hmtaH₂ molecules. This spontaneous polarization exhibited ferroelectric behavior with a nominally high Curie temperature (>400 K), in which the electrical switching of polarization originates from the rotation of the hmtaH₂ unit.     

Air‐Stable,Lead‐Free Zero‐Dimensional Mixed Bismuth‐Antimony Perovskite Single Crystals with Ultra‐broadband Emission

Lead‐free zero‐dimensional (0D) organic‐inorganic metal halide perovskites have recently attracted increasing attention for their excellent photoluminescence properties and chemical stability. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of an air‐stable 0D mixed metal halide perovskite (C₈NH₁₂)₄Bi_0.57Sb_0.43Br₇?H₂O, in which individual [BiBr₆]^3? and [SbBr₆]^3? octahedral units are completely isolated and surrounded by the large organic cation C₈H₁₂N⁺. Upon photoexcitation, the bulk crystals exhibit ultra‐broadband emission ranging from 400 to 850 nm, which originates from both free excitons and self‐trapped excitons. This is the first example of 0D perovskites with broadband emission spanning the entire visible spectrum. In addition, (C₈NH₁₂)₄Bi_0.57Sb_0.43Br₇?H₂O exhibits excellent humidity and light stability. These findings present a new direction towards the design of environmentally‐friendly, high‐performance 0D perovskite light emitters.     

Air‐Stable,Lead‐Free Zero‐Dimensional Mixed Bismuth‐Antimony Perovskite Single Crystals with Ultra‐broadband Emission

Lead‐free zero‐dimensional (0D) organic‐inorganic metal halide perovskites have recently attracted increasing attention for their excellent photoluminescence properties and chemical stability. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of an air‐stable 0D mixed metal halide perovskite (C₈NH₁₂)₄Bi_0.57Sb_0.43Br₇?H₂O, in which individual [BiBr₆]^3? and [SbBr₆]^3? octahedral units are completely isolated and surrounded by the large organic cation C₈H₁₂N⁺. Upon photoexcitation, the bulk crystals exhibit ultra‐broadband emission ranging from 400 to 850 nm, which originates from both free excitons and self‐trapped excitons. This is the first example of 0D perovskites with broadband emission spanning the entire visible spectrum. In addition, (C₈NH₁₂)₄Bi_0.57Sb_0.43Br₇?H₂O exhibits excellent humidity and light stability. These findings present a new direction towards the design of environmentally‐friendly, high‐performance 0D perovskite light emitters.     

A two‐dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite‐type semiconductor: poly[(2‐azaniumylethyl)trimethylphosphanium [tetra‐μ‐bromido‐plumbate(II)]]

Recently, with the prevalence of `perovskite fever', organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (OHPs) have attracted intense attention due to their remarkable structural variability and highly tunable properties. In particular, the optical and electrical properties of organic–inorganic hybrid lead halides are typical of the OHP family. Besides, although three‐dimensional hybrid perovskites, such as [CH₃NH₃]PbX₃ (X = Cl, Br or I), have been reported, the development of new organic–inorganic hybrid semiconductors is still an area in urgent need of exploration. Here, an organic–inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskite is reported, namely poly[(2‐azaniumylethyl)trimethylphosphanium [tetra‐μ‐bromido‐plumbate(II)]], {(C₅H₁₆NP)[PbBr₄]}_n, in which an organic cation is embedded in inorganic two‐dimensional (2D) mesh layers to produce a sandwich structure. This unique sandwich 2D hybrid perovskite material shows an indirect band gap of ～2.700 eV. The properties of this compound as a semiconductor are demonstrated by a series of optical characterizations and indicate potential applications for optical devices.     

An Above‐Room‐Temperature Ferroelectric Organo–Metal Halide Perovskite: (3‐Pyrrolinium)(CdCl3)

Hybrid organo–metal halide perovskite materials, such as CH₃NH₃PbI₃, have been shown to be some of the most competitive candidates for absorber materials in photovoltaic (PV) applications. However, their potential has not been completely developed, because a photovoltaic effect with an anomalously large voltage can be achieved only in a ferroelectric phase, while these materials are probably ferroelectric only at temperatures below 180 K. A new hexagonal stacking perovskite‐type complex (3‐pyrrolinium)(CdCl₃) exhibits above‐room‐temperature ferroelectricity with a Curie temperature T_c=316 K and a spontaneous polarization P_s=5.1 μC cm^?2. The material also exhibits antiparallel 180° domains which are related to the anomalous photovoltaic effect. The open‐circuit photovoltage for a 1 mm‐thick bulky crystal reaches 32 V. This finding could provide a new approach to develop solar cells based on organo–metal halide perovskites in photovoltaic research.     

Synthesis of Lead‐free CsGeI3 Perovskite Colloidal Nanocrystals and Electron Beam‐induced Transformations

Colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) of metal halide perovskite have recently aroused great research interest, due to their remarkable optical and electronic properties. We report a solution synthesis of a new member in this category, that is, all‐inorganic lead‐free cesium germanium iodine (CsGeI₃) perovskite NCs. These CsGeI₃ colloidal NCs are confirmed to adopt a rhombohedral structure. Moreover, the electron beam‐induced transformations of these lead‐free perovskite NCs have been investigated for the first time. The fracture of single‐crystalline CsGeI₃ nanocubes occurs first, followed by the emergence and growth of cesium iodine (CsI) single crystals and the final fragmentation into small debris with random orientations. Notably, the electron‐reduced Ge species in CsGeI₃ nanocubes exhibit a distinctive transformation path, compared to heavier Pb atoms in lead halide perovskite NCs.     

Two‐, One‐, and Zero‐Dimensional Elemental Nanostructures Based on Ge9‐Clusters

We investigated the structural principles of novel germanium modifications derived by oxidative coupling of Zintl‐type [Ge₉]^4?clusters in various ways. The structures, stabilities, and electronic properties of the predicted {²_∞[Ge₉]_n} sheet, {¹_∞[Ge₉]_n} nanotubes, and fullerene‐like {Ge₉}_n cages were studied by using quantum chemical methods. The polyhedral {Ge₉}_n cages are energetically comparable with bulk‐like nanostructures of the same size, in good agreement with previous experimental findings. Three‐dimensional structures derived from the structures of lower dimensionality are expected to shed light on the structural characteristics of the existing mesoporous Ge materials that possess promising optoelectronic properties. Furthermore, 3D networks derived from the polyhedral {Ge₉}_n cages lead to structures that are closely related to the well‐known LTA zeolite framework, suggesting further possibilities for deriving novel mesoporous modifications of germanium. Raman and IR spectra and simulated X‐ray diffraction patterns of the predicted materials are given to facilitate comparisons with experimental results. The studied novel germanium modifications are semiconducting, and several structure types possess noticeably larger band gaps than bulk α‐Ge.     

Mixed‐Organic‐Cation Perovskite Photovoltaics for Enhanced Solar‐Light Harvesting

Hybrid organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite APbX₃ pigments, such as methylammonium lead iodide, have recently emerged as excellent light harvesters in solid‐state mesoscopic solar cells. An important target for the further improvement of the performance of perovskite‐based photovoltaics is to extend their optical‐absorption onset further into the red to enhance solar‐light harvesting. Herein, we show that this goal can be reached by using a mixture of formamidinium (HN=CHNH₃⁺, FA) and methylammonium (CH₃NH₃⁺, MA) cations in the A position of the APbI₃ perovskite structure. This combination leads to an enhanced short‐circuit current and thus superior devices to those based on only CH₃NH₃⁺. This concept has not been applied previously in perovskite‐based solar cells. It shows great potential as a versatile tool to tune the structural, electrical, and optoelectronic properties of the light‐harvesting materials.     

Experimental Evidence for a Triboluminescent Antiperovskite Ferroelectric: Tris(trimethylammonium) catena‐Tri‐μ‐chloro‐manganate(II) Tetrachloromanganate(II)

The perovskite structure is rich in ferroelectricity. In contrast, ferroelectric antiperovskites have been scarcely confirmed experimentally since the discovery of M₃AB‐type antiperovskites in the 1930s. Ferroelectricity is now revealed in an organic–inorganic hybrid X₃AB antiperovskite structure, which exhibits a clear ferroelectric phase transition 6/mmmF6mm with a high Curie point of 480 K. The physical properties across the phase transition are obviously changed along with the symmetry requirements, providing solid experimental evidence for the ferroelectric phase transition. More interestingly, the discovered antiperovskite shows intense photoluminescence and triboluminescence properties. The confirmation of the triboluminescent ferroelectric antiperovskite will open new avenues to explore excellent optoelectronic properties in the antiperovskite family.     

Incorporating Rare‐Earth Terbium(III) Ions into Cs2AgInCl6:Bi Nanocrystals toward Tunable Photoluminescence

The incorporation of impurity ions or doping is a promising method for controlling the electronic and optical properties and the structural stability of halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs). Herein, we establish relationships between rare‐earth ions doping and intrinsic emission of lead‐free double perovskite Cs₂AgInCl₆ NCs to impart and tune the optical performances in the visible light region. Tb³⁺ ions were incorporated into Cs₂AgInCl₆ NCs and occupied In³⁺ sites as verified by both crystallographic analyses and first‐principles calculations. Trace amounts of Bi doping endowed the characteristic emission (⁵D₄→⁷F_6‐3) of Tb³⁺ ions with a new excitation peak at 368 nm rather than the single characteristic excitation at 290 nm of Tb³⁺. By controlling Tb³⁺ ions concentration, the emission colors of Bi‐doped Cs₂Ag(In_1?xTb_x)Cl₆ NCs could be continuously tuned from green to orange, through the efficient energy‐transfer channel from self‐trapped excitons to Tb³⁺ ions. Our study provides the salient features of the material design of lead‐free perovskite NCs and to expand their luminescence applications.     

Steric Mixed‐Cation 2D Perovskite as a Methylammonium Locker to Stabilize MAPbI3

The reduced dimension perovskite including 2D perovskites are one of the most promising strategies to stabilize lead halide perovskite. A mixed‐cation 2D perovskite based on a steric phenyltrimethylammonium (PTA) cation is presented. The PTA‐MA mixed‐cation 2D perovskite of PTAMAPbI₄ can be formed on the surface of MAPbI₃ (PTAI‐MAPbI₃) by controllable PTAI intercalation by either spin coating or soaking. The PTAMAPbI₄ capping layer can not only passivate PTAI‐MAPbI₃ perovskite but also act as MA⁺ locker to inhibit MAI extraction and significantly enhance the stability. The highly stable PTAI‐MAPbI₃ based perovskite solar cells exhibit a reproducible photovoltaic performance with a champion PCE of 21.16 %. Such unencapsulated devices retain 93 % of initial efficiency after 500 h continuous illumination. This steric mixed‐cation 2D perovskite as MA⁺ locker to stabilize the MAPbI₃ is a promising strategy to design stable and high‐performance hybrid lead halide perovskites.     

Synthesis,Structure and Characterization of a Novel One‐dimensional Tube‐like Cadmium Coordination Polymer

By the self‐assembly of 2‐aminobenzimidazole ( L ), Nadca (Nadca = dicyanamide sodium) and CdCl₂, a novel one‐dimensional (1D) Cd^II coordination polymer [Cd(μ_1,5‐dca)(μ_1,3,5‐dca) L ]_n ( 1 ) ( L = 2‐aminobenzimidazole) has been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, element analysis and FT‐IR spectra. In 1 μ_1,5‐bidentate and μ_1,3,5‐tridentate dca ligands bridge Cd^II ions to form a 1D tube‐like structure, which presents a new 1D tubular structural motif of (3.4(2))(3(2).4(2).5(3)) topology in M‐dca systems (M = metallic). Solid‐state blue fluorescence spectrum of 1 also has been determined and compared with that of free ligand.     

Conductance Switch of a Bromoplumbate Bistable Semiconductor by Electron‐Transfer Thermochromism

Electron‐transfer (redox) thermochromism was successfully used for switching the conductance of semiconductors, by introducing a thermally active organic component into an inorganic semiconducting framework. A moisture‐resistant semiconductor {(MV)₂[Pb₇Br₁₈]}_n (MV²⁺=methyl viologen cation) has been prepared through an in situ synthetic method for MV²⁺. It features a rare 3D haloplumbate open framework and unprecedented electron‐transfer thermochromic behavior in haloplumbates. The electrical conductivity of this compound dropped significantly after coloration and restored after decoloration, which was satisfactorily explained by valence band XPS and theoretical data. This work not only offers a new approach to modify electrical properties of semiconductors without altering components or structures, but may lead to the development of over‐temperature color indicators, circuit overload protectors or photovoltaic materials.     

Halide Double Perovskite Ferroelectrics

Halide double perovskites have recently emerged as a promising environmentally friendly optoelectronic and photovoltaic material for their inherent thermodynamic stability, high defect tolerance, and appropriate band gaps. However, to date, no ferroelectric material based on halide double perovskites has been discovered. Herein, by hetero‐substitution of lead and cation intercalation of n‐propylamine, the first halide double perovskite ferroelectric, (n‐propylammonium)₂CsAgBiBr₇ ( 1 ), is reported and it exhibits distinct ferroelectricity with a notable saturation polarization of about 1.5 μC cm^?2. More importantly, single‐crystal photodetectors of 1 exhibit extraordinary performance with containing high on/off ratios of about 10⁴, fast response rates of 141 μs, and detectivity as high as 5.3×10¹¹ Jones. This finding opens a new way to design high‐performance perovskite ferroelectrics, and provides a viable approach in the search for stable and lead‐free optoelectronic materials as an alternative to the lead‐containing system.