Highly Sensitive Self-Powered 2D Perovskite Photodiodes with Dual Interface Passivations

2D perovskites have attracted intensive attention by virtue of their excellent optical and electrical properties along with good stabilities. Herein, a highly sensitive self-powered photodiode based on (PEA)₂(MA)₄Pb₅I₁₆ (PEA=C₆H₅(CH₂)NH₃, MA=CH₃NH₃) 2D perovskite is demonstrated by dual interface passivations. The Al₂O₃ bottom passivation can reduce the pinhole defects in the 2D perovskite film and suppress the trap-related recombination loss, bringing forward much reduced dark current and increased photocurrent. The poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) top passivation can encapsulate the 2D perovskite film and thus improve the stability of the device. These results show that the 2D perovskite-based photodiode with dual interface passivations exhibits a large photo-to-dark current ratio of 10⁷, a fast response speed of 597 ns and a linear dynamic range of 160 dB without bias. Responsivity (R) and detectivity (D*) respectively reach 0.36 A W⁻¹ and 5.4 × 10¹² Jones under 532 nm laser illumination at a power density of 1.5 nW cm⁻². Moreover, the dual interface passivated device exhibits good stabilities. This study paves the road for developing low-cost, low-power, solution processed image sensors.     

2D Hybrid Perovskite Ferroelectric Enables Highly Sensitive X‐Ray Detection with Low Driving Voltage

X‐ray detectors with high sensitivity are of great significance in both civil and military fields. Over the past decades, great efforts have been made to improve the sensitivity in conventional inorganic materials, but mainly at the cost of increasing the energy consumption with a quite high operating voltage. Developing photosensitive ferroelectrics directly as detector materials may be a conceptually new strategy in view of the strong ferroelectric spontaneous polarization (P_s) that assists photoinduced carriers separation and transport. A high‐performance X‐ray detector in 2D hybrid halide perovskite ferroelectric (C₄H₉NH₃)₂(C₂H₅NH₃)₂Pb₃Br₁₀ ( BA₂EA₂Pb₃Br₁₀ ) (P_s = 5 µC cm^?2) is fabricated and exhibits an ultrahigh X‐ray sensitivity up to 6.8 × 10³ µC Gy_air^?1 cm^?2 even at a relatively low operating voltage, which is over 300‐fold larger than that of state‐of‐the‐art α‐Se X‐ray detectors. Such a brilliant figure‐of‐merit is largely attributed to the superior mobility–lifetime products associated with the strong ferroelectric polarization of BA₂EA₂Pb₃Br₁₀ . As pioneering work, these findings inform the exploration of hybrid halide perovskite ferroelectrics toward high‐performance photoelectronic devices.     

The First 2D Hybrid Perovskite Ferroelectric Showing Broadband White‐Light Emission with High Color Rendering Index

Luminescent ferroelectrics have attracted considerable attention in terms of integrated photoelectronic devices, most of which are focused on the multicomponent systems of rare‐earth doping ferroelectric ceramics. However, bulk ferroelectricity with coexistence of strong white‐light emission, especially in the single‐component system, remains quite rare. Here, a new organic–inorganic hybrid ferroelectric of (C₄H₉NH₃)₂PbCl₄ ( 1 ) is reported, adopting a 2D layered perovskite architecture, which exhibits an unprecedented coexistence of notable ferroelectricity and intrinsic white‐light emission. Decent above‐room‐temperature spontaneous polarization of ≈2.1 µC cm^?2 is confirmed for 1 . Particularly, it also exhibits brilliant broadband white‐light emission with a high color‐rendering‐index up to 86 under UV excitation. Structural analyses indicate that ferroelectricity of 1 originates from molecular reorientation of dynamic organic cations, as well as significant structural distortion of PbCl₆ octahedra that also contribute to its white‐light emission. This work paves an avenue to design new hybrid ferroelectrics for multifunctional application in the photoelectronic field.     

2D Antiferroelectric Hybrid Perovskite with a Large Breakdown Electric Field And Energy Storage Density

Energy conversion and storage devices are highly desirable for the sustainable development of human society. Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites have shown great potential in energy conversion devices including solar cells and photodetectors. However, its potential in energy storage has seldom been explored. Here the crystal structure and electrical properties of the 2D hybrid perovskite (benzylammonium)₂PbBr₄ (PVK-Br) are investigated, and the consecutive ferroelectric-I (FE1) to ferroelectric-II (FE2) then to antiferroelectric (AFE) transitions that are driven by the orderly alignment of benzylamine and the distortion of [PbBr₆] octahedra are found. Furthermore, accompanied by field-induced AFE to FE transition near room temperature, a large energy storage density of ≈1.7 J cm⁻³ and a wide working temperature span of ≈70 K are obtained; both of which are among the best in hybrid AFEs. This good energy storage performance is attributed to the large polarization of ≈7.6 µC cm⁻² and the high maximum electric field of over 1000 kV cm⁻¹, which, as revealed by theoretical calculations, originate from the cooperative coupling between the [PbBr₆] octahedral framework and the benzylamine molecules. The research clarifies the discrepancy in the phase transition character of PVK-Br and shed light on developing high-performance energy storage devices based on 2D hybrid perovskite.     

The First Improper Ferroelectric of 2D Multilayered Hybrid Perovskite Enabling Strong Tunable Polarization-Directed Second Harmonic Generation Effect

2D organometallic halide perovskites are recently emerging as a robust family of ferroelectrics, of which their inherent spontaneous polarization (P_s) endows fascinating quadratic nonlinear optical properties. However, up to date, few studies are reported to tune and control the second harmonic generation (SHG) effect in this ferroelectric branch. Herein, the first improper ferroelectric of 2D multilayered hybrid perovskites, (IA)₂(EA)₂Pb₃Br₁₀ ( 1 , where IA is isoamylammonium and EA is ethylammonium), which exhibits a high Curie temperature ( ≈ 371 K) and biaxial ferroelectricity with P_s of 2.2  µ C cm⁻² is reported. Strikingly, its unique in-plane ferroelectricity allows strong tunable SHG properties under the polarized-light. That is, the maximum SHG signals are observed with polarized-light parallel to P_s, while the minimum SHG appears along the vertical direction. This SHG anisotropy creates an extremely large dichroism ratio of ≈ 12, as visualized by 2D color mapping, which is the record-high merit for this type of SHG systems. To the best knowledge, this is the first time to achieve tunable SHG effects through ferroelectric polarization. As a pioneering study, the coupling between the SHG effect and ferroelectricity paves a new direction of 2D hybrid perovskite ferroelectrics toward smart optical device applications.     

Functional 2D Phases in Mixed Dimensional Perovskite Photovoltaics

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with unique properties exhibit their powerful competitiveness in the photovoltaic field over the past few years. However, the challenges of stability for perovskite devices limit the commercialization and further development. The 2D/3D hybrid structures combine the superior efficiency of bulk perovskites and the superior stability of layered perovskites and gradually get hotspots of the photovoltaic field. In addition, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding and systematic summary of the function of 2D perovskite attributed to the complex nature of 2D/3D structures. Here, the latest progress of 2D/3D hybrid structures and focus on the functionality of 2D phases in mixed structures and the underlying mechanism from the perspective of their different distributions in the perovskite layer is summarized. Then, the insight and vital factors for overall improvements in the stability of 2D/3D structures are thoroughly discussed. Finally, it is expected that this review will contribute to the present challenges and future research prospects in the photovoltaic industry.     

Neurotransmitter-Mediated Plasticity in 2D Perovskite Memristor for Reinforcement Learning

The neuromorphic computing architecture is a promising artificial intelligence for implementing hierarchical processing, in-memory computing, event-driven operation and functional specialization in computing systems. However, current investigations mainly focus on unisensory processing without objective experience which is contrary to the flexible sensory learning capability in the human brain that can sense and process information according to the ever-changing environment. For example, a dominant paradigm for reconfigurable bio-learning features is the emotional experience. The neurotransmitter dopamine is released during arousal, influencing the vital brain functions involved in cognition, reward learning, movement and motivation. Here, the on-demand configuration of a biorealistic synaptic connection based on a 2D CaTa₂O₇ (CTO) device is demonstrated that can be adaptively reconfigured for a reinforcement learning purpose by the light-active resistive switching, which originated from the photon-regulated metaplasticity. The low energy consumption of 12.4 fJ endows the reinforcement learning system with high power efficiency and reliability. Finally, in-sensor computing with a CTO synapse is implemented with a filtering function to process digital data in a neuromorphic engineering manner. This work demonstrates the feasibility of 2D perovskite neuromorphic device with enhanced biological plausibility in the approaching post-Moore era.     

The Electronic Properties of a 2D Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskite and its Energy Level Alignment with a 3D Perovskite Enable Interfacial Energy Transfer

The success of using 2D Ruddlesden-Popper metal halide perovskites (MHPs) in optoelectronic devices has ignited great interest as means for energy level tuning at the interface with 3D MHPs. Inter alia, the application of 2D phenylethylammonium lead quaternary iodide (PEA₂PbI₄)/3D MHPs interfaces has improved various optoelectronic devices, where a staggered type-II energy level alignment is often assumed. However, a type-II heterojunction seems to contradict the enhanced photoluminescence observed for 2D PEA₂PbI₄/3D MHP interfaces, which raises fundamental questions about the electronic properties of such junctions. In this study, using direct and inverse photoelectron spectroscopy, it is revealed that a straddling type-I energy level alignment is present at 2D PEA₂PbI₄/3D methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI₃) interfaces, thus explaining that the photoluminescence enhancement of the 3D perovskite is induced by energy transfer from the 2D perovskite. These results provide a reliable fundamental understanding of the electronic properties at the investigated 2D/3D MHP interfaces and suggest careful (re)consideration of the electronic properties of other 2D/3D MHP heterostructures.     

Dual Emission of Water‐Stable 2D Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskites with Mn(II) Dopant

Moisture‐delicate and water‐unstable organic–inorganic halide perovskites (OI‐HPs) create huge challenges for the synthesis of highly efficient water‐stable light‐emitting materials for optoelectronic devices. Herein, a simple acid solution–assisted method to synthesize quantum confined 2D lead perovskites through Mn doping is reported. The efficient energy transfer between host and dopant ions in orange light‐emitting Mn²⁺‐doped OI‐HPs leads to the most efficient integrated luminescence with a photoluminescence quantum yield over 45%. The Mn²⁺ substitution of Pb²⁺ and passivation with low dielectric constant molecules such as phenethylamine, benzylamine, and butylamine enhance water resistivity, leading to water stability. The dual emission process of this water‐stable 2D Mn‐doped perovskite will help in developing highly efficient 2D water‐stable perovskites for practical applications.     

Exciton Formation Dynamics and Band-Like Free Charge-Carrier Transport in 2D Metal Halide Perovskite Semiconductors

Metal halide perovskite (MHP) semiconductors have driven a revolution in optoelectronic technologies over the last decade, in particular for high-efficiency photovoltaic applications. Low-dimensional MHPs presenting electronic confinement have promising additional prospects in light emission and quantum technologies. However, the optimisation of such applications requires a comprehensive understanding of the nature of charge carriers and their transport mechanisms. This study employs a combination of ultrafast optical and terahertz spectroscopy to investigate phonon energies, charge-carrier mobilities, and exciton formation in 2D (PEA)₂PbI₄ and (BA)₂PbI₄ (where PEA is phenylethylammonium and BA is butylammonium). Temperature-dependent measurements of free charge-carrier mobilities reveal band transport in these strongly confined semiconductors, with surprisingly high in-plane mobilities. Enhanced charge-phonon coupling is shown to reduce charge-carrier mobilities in (BA)₂PbI₄ with respect to (PEA)₂PbI₄. Exciton and free charge-carrier dynamics are disentangled by simultaneous monitoring of transient absorption and THz photoconductivity. A sustained free charge-carrier population is observed, surpassing the Saha equation predictions even at low temperature. These findings provide new insights into the temperature-dependent interplay of exciton and free-carrier populations in 2D MHPs. Furthermore, such sustained free charge-carrier population and high mobilities demonstrate the potential of these semiconductors for applications such as solar cells, transistors, and electrically driven light sources.     

Synergy of Organic and Inorganic Sites in 2D Perovskite for Fast Neutron and X-Ray Imaging

Fast neutron and X-ray imaging are considered complementary nondestructive detection technologies. However, due to their opposite cross-sections, development of a scintillator that is sensitive to both fast neutrons and X-rays within a single-material framework remains challenging. Herein, an organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite (C₄H₉NH₃)₂PbBr₄ (BPB) is demonstrated as a scintillator that fully meets the requirements for both fast neutron and X-ray detection. The hydrogen-rich organic component acts as a fast neutron converter and produces detectable recoil protons. The heavy atom-rich inorganic fraction efficiently deposits the energy of charged recoil protons and directly provides a large X-ray cross-section. Due to the synergy of these organic and inorganic components, the BPB scintillator exhibits high light yields (86% of the brightness of a commercial ZnS (Ag)/⁶LiF scintillator for fast neutrons; 22 000 photons per MeV for X-rays) and fast response times (τ_decay = 10.3 ns). More importantly, energy-selective fast neutron and X-ray imaging are also demonstrated, with high resolutions of ≈1 lp mm⁻¹ for fast neutrons and 17.3 lp mm⁻¹ for X-rays; these are among the highest resolution levels for 2D perovskite scintillators. This study highlights the potential of 2D perovskite materials for use in combined fast neutron and X-ray imaging applications.     

2D/3D Heterostructure for Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells with Engineered Bandgap Enables Efficiencies Exceeding 25% in Four‐Terminal Tandems with Silicon and CIGS

Wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with optimal bandgap (E_g) and high power conversion efficiency (PCE) are key to high‐performance perovskite‐based tandem photovoltaics. A 2D/3D perovskite heterostructure passivation is employed for double‐cation wide‐bandgap PSCs with engineered bandgap (1.65 eV ≤ E_g ≤ 1.85 eV), which results in improved stabilized PCEs and a strong enhancement in open‐circuit voltages of around 45 mV compared to reference devices for all investigated bandgaps. Making use of this strategy, semitransparent PSCs with engineered bandgap are developed, which show stabilized PCEs of up to 25.7% and 25.0% in four‐terminal perovskite/c‐Si and perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells, respectively. Moreover, comparable tandem PCEs are observed for a broad range of perovskite bandgaps. For the first time, the robustness of the four‐terminal tandem configuration with respect to variations in the perovskite bandgap for two state‐of‐the‐art bottom solar cells is experimentally validated.     

Highly Enhanced Polarization Switching Speed in HfO2-based Ferroelectric Thin Films via a Composition Gradient Strategy

The next-generation semiconductor memories are essentially required for the advancements in modern electronic devices. Ferroelectric memories by HfO₂-based ferroelectric thin films (FE-HfO₂) have opened promising directions in recent years. Nevertheless, improving the polarization switching speed of FE-HfO₂ remains a critical task. In this study, it is demonstrated that the composition-graded Hf_1-xZr_xO₂ (HZO) ferroelectric thin film has more than two times faster polarization switching speed than the conventional composition-uniform one. Meanwhile, it has excellent ferroelectricity and improved endurance characteristics. It is also discovered that when the HZO thin film has a gradient composition, the polarization-switching dynamics shifts from the nucleation-limited-switching mechanism to the domain-wall growth mechanism. Moreover, the transition of switching dynamics is responsible for the faster speed and better endurance of the composition-graded HZO thin film. These findings not only reveal the physical mechanisms of this material system but also provide a new strategy for memory devices having faster speed and higher endurance.     

Expanded Phase Distribution in Low Average Layer-Number 2D Perovskite Films: Toward Efficient Semitransparent Solar Cells

The application of low average layer-number (〈n〉 ≤ 2) 2D perovskites in semitransparent photovoltaics (ST-PVs) has been hindered by their strong exciton binding energy and high electrical anisotropy. Here, the phase distribution is expanded fully and orderly to enable efficient charge transport in 2D (NMA)₂(MA)Pb₂I₇ (NMA: 1-naphthylmethylammonium, MA: CH₃NH₃⁺) perovskite films by regulating the sedimentation dynamics of organic cation-based colloids. Ammonium chloride is synergistically introduced to enhance the phase separation further and construct a favorable out-of-plane orientation. The wide and graded phase distribution well aligns the energy level to facilitate charge transfer. As a result, the first application of an average 〈n〉 = 2 2D perovskite is implemented in ST-PVs with visible power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.52% and high average visible transmittance (AVT) of 40.5%. This study offers a new candidate and an effective strategy for efficient and stable ST-PVs and is relevant to other perovskite optoelectronic devices.     

In Situ Fabrication of Highly Luminescent Bifunctional Amino Acid Crosslinked 2D/3D NH3C4H9COO(CH3NH3PbBr3)n Perovskite Films

The perovskite quantum dots are usually synthesized by solution chemistry and then fabricated into film for device application with some extra process. Here it is reported for the first time to in situ formation of a crosslinked 2D/3D NH₃C₄H₉COO(CH₃NH₃) _n Pb_n Br_3n perovskite planar films with controllable quantum confine via bifunctional amino acid crosslinkage, which is comparable to the solution chemistry synthesized CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ quantum dots. These atomic layer controllable perovskite films are facilely fabricated and tuned by addition of bi‐functional 5‐aminovaleric acid (Ava) of NH₂C₄H₉COOH into regular (CH₃NH₃)PbBr₃ (MAPbBr₃) perovskite precursor solutions. Both the NH₃⁺ and the COO^? groups of the zwitterionic amino acid are proposed to crosslink the atomic layer MAPbBr₃ units via Pb? COO bond and ion bond between NH₃⁺ and [PbX₆] unit. The characterizations by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman, and photoluminescence spectroscopy confirm a successful fabrication of ultrasmooth and stable film with tunable optical properties. The bifunctional crosslinked 2D/3D Ava(MAPbBr₃)_n perovskite films with controllable quantum confine would serve as distinct and promising materials for optical and optoelectronic applications.     

弛豫型铁电陶瓷(1-x)Pb(Sc1/2Ta1/2)O3-xPbTiO3研究进展

钽钪酸铅陶瓷具有优良的介电、压电和铁电性能,但烧成温度高、居里点较低。为降低钽钪酸铅陶瓷的烧结温度并提高其居里点,人们合成了钽钪酸铅-钛酸铅(简称PSTT)材料体系。该文综述了弛豫型铁电陶瓷PSTT体系在相图与结构、制备和性能等方面的研究进展,探索了一种合成PSTT陶瓷新工艺,介绍了PSTT材料体系的重要应用领域。     

Multi-Site Intermolecular Interaction for In Situ Formation of Vertically Orientated 2D Passivation Layer in Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

Surface passivation via 2D perovskite is critical for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to achieve remarkable performances, in which the applied spacer cations play an important role on structural templating. However, the random orientation of 2D perovskite always hinder the carrier transport. Herein, multiple nitrogen sites containing organic spacer molecule (1H-Pyrazole-1-carboxamidine hydrochloride, PAH) is introduced to form 2D passivation layer on the surface of formamidinium based (FAPbI₃) perovskite. Deriving from the interactions between PAH and PbI₂, the defects of FAPbI₃ perovskite are effectively passivated. Interestingly, due to the multiple-site interactions, the 2D nanosheets are found to grow perpendicularly to the substrate for promotion of charge transfer. Therefore, an impressive power conversion efficiency of 24.6% and outstanding long-term stability are achieved for the 2D/3D perovskite devices. The findings further provide a perspective in structure design of novel organic halide salts for the fabrication of efficient and stable PSCs.     

Layered (C6H5CH2NH3)2CuBr4 Perovskite for Multilevel Storage Resistive Switching Memory

Although there have been attempts to use non‐lead based halide perovskite materials as insulating layers for resistive switching memory, the ratio of low resistance state (LRS) to high resistance state (HRS) ( = ON/OFF ratio) and/or endurance is reported to be mostly lower than 10³. Resistive switching memory characteristics of layered (BzA)₂CuBr₄ (BzA = C₆H₅CH₂NH₃) perovskite with high ON/OFF ratio and long endurance are reported here. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the deposited (BzA)₂CuBr₄ layer shows highly oriented (00l) planes perpendicular to a Pt substrate. An Ag/PMMA/(BzA)₂CuBr₄/Pt device shows bipolar switching behavior. A forming step at around +0.5 V is observed before the repeated bipolar switching at the SET voltage of +0.2 V and RESET voltage of ‐0.3 V. The ON/OFF ratio as high as =10⁸ is monitored along with an endurance of ≈2000 cycles and retention time over 1000 s. The high ON/OFF ratio enables multilevel storage characteristics as confirmed by changing the compliance currents. Ohmic conduction at the LRS and Schottky emission at HRS are involved in electrochemical metallization process. The bipolar resistive switching property is retained after storing the device at ambient condition under relative humidity of about 50% for 2 weeks, which indicates that (BzA)₂CuBr₄ is stable memory material.     

Colossal Reversible Barocaloric Effects in Layered Hybrid Perovskite (C10H21NH3)2MnCl4 under Low Pressure Near Room Temperature

Barocaloric effects in a layered hybrid organic–inorganic compound, (C₁₀H₂₁NH₃)₂MnCl₄, that are reversible and colossal under pressure changes below 0.1 GPa are reported. This barocaloric performance originates in a phase transition characterized by different features: A strong disordering of the organic chains, a very large volume change, a very large sensitivity of the transition temperature to pressure and a small hysteresis. The obtained values are unprecedented among solid-state cooling materials at such low pressure changes and demonstrate that colossal effects can be obtained in compounds other than plastic crystals. The temperature-pressure phase diagram displays a triple point indicating enantiotropy at high pressure.