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. Cs₃ Cu₂ I₅ has a 0D photoactive site and exhibits blue emission (≈445 nm) with very high PLQYs of ≈90 and ≈60% for single crystals and thin films, respectively. The large exciton binding energy of ≈490 meV explains well the 0D electronic nature of Cs₃ Cu₂ I₅ . Blue electroluminescence of Pb-free halides is demonstrated using solution-derived Cs₃ Cu₂ I₅ thin films.