Zero-Dimensional Lead-Free Hybrid Perovskite-like Material with a Quantum-Well Structure

Low-dimensional perovskites are an emerging class of materials with high stability and excellent optoelectronic properties. Herein, we introduce a novel, lead-free, zero-dimensional perovskite-like material, (1,3-propanediammonium)2Bi2I10·2H2O, for optoelectronic applications. This material exhibited good moisture and thermal stability under ambient conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a quantum-well structure having the inorganic Bi2I104– clusters periodically arranged in the crystallographic “c” axis separated by a distance of 5.36 Å, sandwiched by independent layers of organic cations. The density functional theory calculations showed that the oxygen in water molecules has a significant contribution to the band edges of the material. The photodetector device fabricated using this material showed an efficient charge separation at low voltage (1 V) due to the good electronic conduction between the Bi2I104– dimer units.