Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of the Structural and Opto-electronic Properties of Fe-Doped Lead-Free Cs2AgBiCl6 Double Perovskite

Lead-free double perovskites have emerged as stable and non-toxic alternatives to Pb-halide perovskites. Herein, the synthesis of Fe-doped Cs₂AgBiCl₆ lead-free double perovskites are reported that display blue emission using an antisolvent method. The crystal structure, morphology, optical properties, band structure, and stability of the Fe-doped double perovskites were investigated systematically. Formation of the Fe-doped Cs₂AgBiCl₆ double perovskite is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. XRD and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that the Cs₂AgBiCl₆ double perovskite has high structural and thermal stability, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) analysis revealed the formation of dipyramidal shape Cs₂AgBiCl₆ crystals. Furthermore, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping shows the overlapping of Cs, Bi, Ag, Fe, and Cl elements and homogenous incorporation of Fe in Cs₂AgBiCl₆ double perovskite. The Fe-doped Cs₂AgBiCl₆ double perovskite shows a strong absorption at 380 nm. It extends up to 700 nm, suggesting that sub-band gap states transition may originate from the surface defect of the doped perovskite material. The radiative kinetics of the crystals was studied using the time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) technique. Lattice parameters and band gap value of the Fe-doped Cs₂AgBiCl₆ double perovskites predicted by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations are confirmed by XRD and UV/Visible spectroscopy analysis. Time-dependent photo-response characteristics of the Fe-doped Cs₂AgBiCl₆ double perovskite show fast response and recovery time of charge carriers. We believe that the successful incorporation of Fe in lead-free, environmentally friendly Cs₂AgBiCl₆ double perovskite can open a new class of doped double perovskites with significant potential optoelectronics devices fabrication and photocatalytic applications.     

High-Performance and Self-Powered X-Ray Detectors Made of Smooth Perovskite Microcrystalline Films with 100 μm Grains

Perovskite single crystals and polycrystalline films have complementary merits and deficiencies in X-ray detection and imaging. Herein, we report preparation of dense and smooth perovskite microcrystalline films with both merits of single crystals and polycrystalline films through polycrystal-induced growth and hot-pressing treatment (HPT). Utilizing polycrystalline films as seeds, multi-inch-sized microcrystalline films can be in situ grown on diverse substrates with maximum grain size reaching 100 μm, which endows the microcrystalline films with comparable carrier mobility-lifetime (μτ) product as single crystals. As a result, self-powered X-ray detectors with impressive sensitivity of 6.1×10⁴ μC Gy_air⁻¹ cm⁻² and low detection limit of 1.5 nGy_air s⁻¹ are achieved, leading to high-contrast X-ray imaging at an ultra-low dose rate of 67 nGy_air s⁻¹. Combining with the fast response speed (186 μs), this work may contribute to the development of perovskite-based low-dose X-ray imaging.     

Ternary Hybrid Perovskite Solid Solution Single Crystals: Growth,Composition Determination and Phase Stability in Highly Moist Atmosphere

Ternary hybrid perovskite solid solutions have shown superior optoelectronic properties and better stability than their ABX₃ simple perovskite counterparts under ambient conditions. However, crystal growth and identification of the accurate composition of these complex crystalline compounds remain challenging, and their stability under extreme conditions such as in highly moist atmosphere is unknown. Herein, large-size (up to 2 cm) single crystals of ternary perovskite 0.80FAPbI₃ ⋅ x′FAPbBr₃ ⋅ y′CsPbI₃ (x′+y′=0.20) are grown. An elemental analysis method based on wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence is proposed to determine their accurate compositions. Among these single crystals, the composition with y′=0.12 shows the best moisture stability at 90 % relative humidity for 15 days. Other components with richer or poorer Cs⁺ ions undergo different phase segregation behaviours. The performance and stability of photodetectors based on these single crystals are tested. This work offers a deeper insight into phase stability of ternary hybrid perovskite solid solution crystals in highly moist atmosphere.     

Luminescent determination of lanthanides using phosphor crystals

Summary Data on luminescent methods for the determination of lanthanides (Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb) in various objects using phosphor crystals have been systematized. It has been shown that the choice of the base and type of luminescence excitation are of special importance for working out analytical techniques. The processes of interionic interaction resulting in quenching or sensitization of luminescence are described. Some examples (ScBO₃ · Ce · Tb, GdOF · Tb (Ho, Er), Cs₂NaTbCl₆ · Eu) were considered to show the possibilities of luminescence sensitization allowing to lower the detection limit by 1.5–2 orders of magnitude. Summarizing tables of the proposed methods are given as well as some specific recommendations on the determination of the individual lanthanides.

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Luminescenzbestimmung von Lanthaniden mit Hilfe von Leuchtphosphorkristallen

     

Dimensional and Optoelectronic Tuning of Lead-free Perovskite Cs3Bi2I9−nBrn Single Crystals for Enhanced Hard X-ray Detection

Inorganic Bi-based perovskites have shown great potential in X-ray detection for their large absorption to X-rays, diverse low-dimensional structures, and eco-friendliness without toxic metals. However, they suffer from poor carrier transport properties compared to Pb-based perovskites. Here, we propose a mixed-halogen strategy to tune the structural dimensions and optoelectronic properties of Cs₃Bi₂I_9−nBr_n (0≤n≤9). Ten centimeter-sized single crystals are successfully grown by the Bridgman technique. Upon doping bromine to zero-dimensional Cs₃Bi₂I₉, the crystal transforms into a two-dimensional structure as the bromine content reaches Cs₃Bi₂I₈Br. Correspondingly, the optoelectronic properties are adjusted. Among these crystals, Cs₃Bi₂I₈Br exhibits negligible ion migration, moderate resistivity, and the best carrier transport capability. The sensitivities in 100 keV hard X-ray detection are 1.33×10⁴ and 1.74×10⁴ μC Gy_air⁻¹ cm⁻² at room temperature and 75 °C, respectively, which are the highest among all reported bismuth perovskites. Moreover, the lowest detection limit of 28.6 nGy_air s⁻¹ and ultralow dark current drift of 9.12×10⁻⁹ nA cm⁻¹ s⁻¹ V⁻¹ are obtained owing to the high ionic activation energy. Our work demonstrates that Br incorporation is an effective strategy to enhance the X-ray detection performance by tuning the dimensional and optoelectronic properties.     

Lead-Free,Water-Stable A3Bi2I9 Perovskites: Crystal Growth and Blue-Emitting Quantum Dots [A=CH3NH3+, Cs+, and (Rb0.05Cs2.95)+]

Despite the great success in the increase in the power conversion efficiency of lead halide perovskite solar cells, the toxicity of lead and the unstable nature of the materials are still major concerns for their wider implementation at the industrial level. Herein, large-size single crystals (SCs) are developed in HI solution by using a temperature lowering method and nanocrystals (NCs) of A₃Bi₂I₉ perovskites [where A=CH₃NH₃⁺ (MA)⁺, Cs⁺, and (Rb_0.05Cs_2.95)⁺] are formed in ethanol (EtOH) and toluene (TOL). The stability of A₃Bi₂I₉ perovskite is investigated by immersing the SCs for 24 h and pellets for 12 h in water. Moreover, the A₃Bi₂I₉ perovskite NCs displays a promising photoluminescence quantum yield of 17.63 % and a long lifetime of 8.20 ns.     

Boosting Charge Transport in a 2D/3D Perovskite Heterostructure by Selecting an Ordered 2D Perovskite as the Passivator

We demonstrate that an ordered 2D perovskite can significantly boost the photoelectric performance of 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures. Using selective fluorination of phenyl-ethyl ammonium (PEA) lead iodide to passivate 3D FA_0.8Cs_0.2PbI₃, we find that the 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures passivated by a higher ordered 2D perovskite have lower Urbach energy, yielding a remarkable increase in photoluminescence (PL) intensity, PL lifetime, charge-carrier mobilities (ϕμ), and carrier diffusion length (L_D) for a certain 2D perovskite content. High performance with an ultralong PL lifetime of ≈1.3 μs, high ϕμ of ≈18.56 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹, and long L_D of ≈7.85 μm is achieved in the 2D/3D films when passivated by 16.67 % para-fluoro-PEA₂PbI₄. This carrier diffusion length is comparable to that of some perovskite single crystals (>5 μm). These findings provide key missing information on how the organic cations of 2D perovskites influence the performance of 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures.     

K+掺杂双钙钛矿Cs2AgInCl6的发光性质

采用固相球磨法制备了K⁺掺杂双钙钛矿Cs₂AgInCl₆纳米材料,该方法无需配体辅助,绿色环保。通过X射线衍射谱和拉曼光谱对晶体结构进行研究,通过激发光谱、发射光谱和时间分辨光谱对其发光性能进行研究。结果表明,Cs₂AgInCl₆为立方晶体,属于Fm3m空间群,由于宇称禁戒跃迁,其荧光量子产率(PLQY)低,小于0.1%。低于60%的K⁺掺杂主要取代Ag⁺的位置,引起Cs₂AgInCl₆的晶格膨胀,消除了晶格结构的反演对称性,打破了宇称禁戒跃迁,掺杂后Cs₂AgInCl₆的光致发光强度显著增强。K⁺的最佳掺杂比例为40%,Cs₂Ag_0.6K_0.4InCl₆发出中心波长为640 nm,半高宽为180 nm,平均荧光寿命达到29.2 ns,PLQY达到10.5%。当K⁺掺杂比例超过60%,K⁺开始取代Cs⁺的位置,产物发生相变,出现立方相的Cs_2-xK_1+x-yAg_yInCl₆和单斜相的Cs_2-xK_1+xInCl₆产物,这些产物由于强电子-声子耦合,非辐射复合占据主导地位。     

K+掺杂双钙钛矿Cs2AgInCl6的发光性质

采用固相球磨法制备了K⁺掺杂双钙钛矿Cs₂AgInCl₆纳米材料,该方法无需配体辅助,绿色环保。通过X射线衍射和拉曼光谱对晶体结构进行研究,通过激发光谱、发射光谱和时间分辨光谱对其发光性能进行研究。结果表明,Cs₂AgInCl₆为立方晶体,属于Fm3m空间群,由于宇称禁戒跃迁,其荧光量子产率(PLQY)低,小于0.1%。低于60%的K⁺掺杂主要取代Ag⁺的位置,引起Cs₂AgInCl₆的晶格膨胀,消除了晶格结构的反演对称性,打破了宇称禁戒跃迁,掺杂后Cs₂AgInCl₆的光致发光强度显著增强。K⁺的最佳掺杂比例为40%,Cs₂Ag_0.6K_0.4InCl₆材料发射中心波长为640 nm,半高宽为180 nm,平均荧光寿命达到29.2 ns,PLQY达到10.5%。当K⁺掺杂比例超过60%,K⁺开始取代Cs⁺的位置,产物发生相变,出现立方相的Cs_2-xK_1+x-yAg_yInCl₆和单斜相的Cs_2-xK_1+xInCl₆产物,这些产物由于强电子-声子耦合,非辐射复合占据主导地位。     

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.     

Preparation of Ce-PbO(2) modified electrode and its application in detection of anilines

The effect of Ce(III) on the morphology and structure of lead dioxide (PbO₂) modified electrode was studied in this paper. The results obtained by cyclic voltammetry (CV), X-ray diffractometion (XRD) and scanning tunneling micrograph (STM) indicated that the Ce-doped PbO₂ film consisted of a mixture of α- and β-PbO₂ crystallographic phases and the content of α-phase was higher than that in undoped PbO₂ film. PbO₂ crystal grains in nanometric size were formed on the electrode surface by doping with Ce. So that the specific surface areas and catalytic active sites of the modified electrode were increased. Hence the catalytic activity of the Ce-PbO₂ modified electrode was evidently greater than the undoped PbO₂ modified electrode. When the Ce-PbO₂ modified electrode was applied as an analytical sensor to determine aniline compounds, the linearity was in the range of 5×10⁻⁵ to 1×10⁻³ mol/l and the detection limit was 1×10⁻⁵ mol/l.     

Monodisperse Adducts-Induced Homogeneous Nucleation Towards High-Quality Tin-Based Perovskite Film

The classic solvent system can't sufficiently separate one-dimensional edge-sharing SnI₂ crystals in solution, which severely restricts the fabrication of high-quality tin-based perovskite film. Herein, a strong Lewis base (hexamethylphosphoramide, HMPA) has been introduced to coordinate Sn²⁺ to modulate solvation behaviours on perovskite precursor and regulate crystallization kinetics. The large molecular volume of HMPA and stronger bind energy of SnI₂ ⋅ 2HMPA (−0.595 eV vs −0.118 eV for SnI₂ ⋅ 2DMSO) change the solvation structure of SnI₂ from edge-sharing cluster to monodisperse adduct, which contributes to uniform nucleation sites and prolongs crystal growth process. Delightfully, a fully-covered perovskite film is formed on the large-area substrate and tin-based perovskite solar cells processed with HMPA exhibit an excellent efficiency of 13.46 %. This research provides novel insights and directions for the solution preparation of smooth and uniform large-area tin-based perovskite film.     

Exploring Lead‐Free Hybrid Double Perovskite Crystals of (BA)2CsAgBiBr7 with Large Mobility‐Lifetime Product toward X‐Ray Detection

Halide double perovskites have recently bloomed as the green candidates for optoelectronic applications, such as X‐ray detection. Despite great efforts, the exploration of promising organic–inorganic hybrid double perovskites toward X‐ray detection remains unsuccessful. Now, single crystals of the lead‐free hybrid double perovskite, (BA)₂CsAgBiBr₇ (BA⁺ is n‐butylammonium), featuring the unique 2D multilayered quantum‐confined motif, enable quite large μτ (mobility‐lifetime) product up to 1.21×10^?3 cm² V^?1. This figure‐of‐merit realized in 2D hybrid double perovskites is unprecedented and comparable with that of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ wafers. (BA)₂CsAgBiBr₇ crystals also exhibit other intriguing attributes for X‐ray detection, including high bulk resistivity, low density of defects and traps, and large X‐ray attenuation coefficient. Consequently, a vertical‐structure crystal device under X‐ray source yields a superior sensitivity of 4.2 μC Gy_air^?1 cm^?2.     

A Highly Red‐Emissive Lead‐Free Indium‐Based Perovskite Single Crystal for Sensitive Water Detection

Low‐dimensional luminescent lead halide perovskites have attracted tremendous attention for their fascinating optoelectronic properties, while the toxicity of lead is still considered a drawback. Herein, we report a novel lead‐free zero‐dimensional (0D) indium‐based perovskite (Cs₂InBr₅?H₂O) single crystal that is red‐luminescent with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 33 %. Experimental and computational studies reveal that the strong PL emission might originate from self‐trapping excitons (STEs) that result from an excited‐state structural deformation. More importantly, the in situ transformation between hydrated Cs₂InBr₅?H₂O and the dehydrated form is accompanied with a switchable dual emission, which enables it to act as a PL water‐sensor in humidity detection or the detection of traces of water in organic solvents.     

Effect of 3,5-dichlorophenol on the extraction of technetium complexes with tetraphenylarsonium chloride

A radiometric method that permits to follow, in real time, the kinetics of crystals growth:¹³⁴CsClO₄;¹³⁴CsHC₄H₄O₆;¹³⁴Cs₂CrO₄;¹³⁴Cs₂[PtCl₆] and¹³⁴Cs[AgI₂], in gelatin medium is presented. Constants of the diffusion of¹³⁴Cs⁺ radioactive ions through gel and of the reaction between this cation and anions under study, leading to the formation of crystals were calculated. An approximately invesely proportional ratio was found between the rate of nucleation and the solubility of the crystal.     

Lead‐Free Silver‐Bismuth Halide Double Perovskite Nanocrystals

Lead‐free perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) were obtained mainly by substituting a Pb²⁺ cation with a divalent cation or substituting three Pb²⁺ cations with two trivalent cations. The substitution of two Pb²⁺ cations with one monovalent Ag⁺ and one trivalent Bi³⁺ cations was used to synthesize Cs₂AgBiX₆ (X=Cl, Br, I) double perovskite NCs. Using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, the charge carrier relaxation mechanism was elucidated in the double perovskite NCs. The Cs₂AgBiBr₆ NCs exhibit ultrafast hot‐carrier cooling (<1 ps), which competes with the carrier trapping processes (mainly originate from the surface defects). Notably, the photoluminescence can be increased by 100 times with surfactant (oleic acid) added to passivate the defects in Cs₂AgBiCl₆ NCs. These results suggest that the double perovskite NCs could be potential materials for optoelectronic applications by better controlling the surface defects.     

Design and Synthesis of Tb~(3+)-doped KGW Crystal for the Exploration of Scintillation Performance with X-ray Imaging

X-ray scintillators have been widely used in many fields owing to their strong penetrating ability,including security inspection, medical imaging, nuclear cameras, high energy physics and so forth. To explore new scintillation materials, we designed and synthesized KGW:Tb bulk scintillation crystals with monoclinic phase structure. We explored the fluorescence performance of KGW:Tb by testing the photoluminescence spectrum and fluorescence decay curve and observed strong green light emission in the visible light range at room temperature.Moreover, our crystal has a high stability under X-ray irradiation, a good sensitivity response and an appreciable light output(3424 ph/MeV) that is approximately twenty times more than PbWO_4. Moreover, we used a 0.98 mm thickness polished crystal sheet for X-ray imaging applications and observed excellent results. Therefore, KGW:Tb crystal may be an important direction for X-ray scintillation detection.     

Directed Electron Delivery from a Pb-Free Halide Perovskite to a Co(II) Molecular Catalyst Boosts CO2 Photoreduction Coupled with Water Oxidation

The development of high-performance photocatalytic systems for CO₂ reduction is appealing to address energy and environmental issues, while it is challenging to avoid using toxic metals and organic sacrificial reagents. We here immobilize a family of cobalt phthalocyanine catalysts on Pb-free halide perovskite Cs₂AgBiBr₆ nanosheets with delicate control on the anchors of the cobalt catalysts. Among them, the molecular hybrid photocatalyst assembled by carboxyl anchors achieves the optimal performance with an electron consumption rate of 300±13 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ for visible-light-driven CO₂-to-CO conversion coupled with water oxidation to O₂, over 8 times of the unmodified Cs₂AgBiBr₆ (36±8 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹), also far surpassing the documented systems (<150 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹). Besides the improved intrinsic activity, electrochemical, computational, ex-/in situ X-ray photoelectron and X-ray absorption spectroscopic results indicate that the electrons photogenerated at the Bi atoms of Cs₂AgBiBr₆ can be directionally transferred to the cobalt catalyst via the carboxyl anchors which strongly bind to the Bi atoms, substantially facilitating the interfacial electron transfer kinetics and thereby the photocatalysis.     

Crystallization of Methylammonium Lead Halide Perovskites by Optical Trapping

Single crystals of organolead halide perovskites attract much attention to electrooptical and photovoltaic applications. They are usually prepared in precursor solutions incubated at controlled temperatures or under optimized vapor atmosphere conditions, and thus, multiple perovskite crystals are nucleated all over the solution. Multiple nucleation of crystals prevents efficient use of precursors in the preferential growth of large single crystals. An innovative approach is presented for spatiotemporally controlled, selective nucleation and growth of single crystals of lead halide perovskites by optical trapping with a focused laser beam. Upon such trapping in unsaturated precursor solutions, nucleation of MAPbX₃ (MA=CH₃NH₃⁺; X=Cl^?, Br^?, or I^?) is induced at the focal spot through increase in the concentration of perovskite precursors in the focal volume. The rate at which the nucleated crystal grows depends upon whether the perovskite absorbs the trapping laser or not. These findings suggest that optical trapping would be useful to prepare various perovskite single crystals and modify their optical and electronic properties; thereby, offering new methods for engineering of perovskite crystals.     

Der erste röntgenstrukturanalytisch charakterisierte Cs+ – „in cavity”︁ – Komplex eines einundzwanziggliedrigen Coronanden: (Maleonitril-Dithio[21]krone-7)caesium-hexachloroantimonat

First X-ray Crystallographic Characterized Cs⁺ ‘‘in cavity”︁”︁ Complex of a Twenty-one Membered Coronand: (Maleonitrile-Dithio[21]crown-7)caesium Hexachloroantimonate A new maleonitrile-crown dithioether, the maleonitrile-dithio[21]crown-7 (mn–21 S₂O₅), was synthesized by high dilution cyclization of (Z)-1,2-disodium-1,2-dicyanoethene-1,2-dithiolate ( 1 ) with 1,17-dichloro-3,6,9,12,15-pentaoxaheptadecane ( 2 ) in ethanol/water mixtures. Mn–21 S₂O₅ forms with CsSbCl₆ in MeCN/MeNO₂ a 1 : 1 complex [Cs(mn–21 S₂O₅)]SbCl₆. X-ray crystal analysis revealed that the complex cation [Cs(mn–21 S₂O₅)]⁺ is an ‘‘in cavity”︁”︁ complex in which the Cs⁺ ion is coordinated by seven donor atoms (five O and two S atoms). This is the first X-ray crystallographic evidence of Cs⁺ coordination by seven donors in a hole of a twenty-one membered coronand.