Lead-Free Highly Efficient Blue-Emitting Cs3Cu2I5 with 0D Electronic Structure

Abstract

Halide perovskites, including CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I), have gained much attention in the field of optoelectronics. However, the toxicity of Pb and the low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of these perovskites hamper their use. In this work, new halide materials that meet the requirements of: (i) nontoxicity, (ii) high PLQY, and (iii) ease of fabrication of thin films via the solution process are explored. In particular, copper(I) halide compounds with low-dimensional electronic structures are considered. Cs3Cu2I5 has a 0D photoactive site and exhibits blue emission (approximate to 445 nm) with very high PLQYs of approximate to 90 and approximate to 60% for single crystals and thin films, respectively. The large exciton binding energy of approximate to 490 meV explains well the 0D electronic nature of Cs3Cu2I5. Blue electroluminescence of Pb-free halides is demonstrated using solution-derived Cs3Cu2I5 thin films.