Emerging Opportunities in Lead-Free and Lead–Tin Perovskites for Environmentally Viable Photodetector Applications

Abstract

In modern society, photodetectors (PDs) have permeated virtually all areas of human life, from home appliances to space exploration. This versatility generates a high demand for photodetectors. It is attributed to their ability to detect signals spanning a broad spectrum of wavelengths while possessing advantageous mechanical properties such as light weight, flexibility, and low cost. Metal halide perovskites (PSKs) have recently emerged as effective photodetectors because their detection range extends from the visible spectrum to the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum through the adjustment of the chemical composition. In addition to having notable successes in photovoltaic applications, perovskites have gained attention in photodetector applications due to their superior optoelectronic properties. Incorporating toxic Pb offsets the desirability of such a high performance as the main component of perovskites. This issue was addressed by replacing Pb with relatively nontoxic Sn to retain the unique optoelectronic properties of perovskites. To promote the continued advancement of perovskites with reduced toxicity, we provide a comprehensive overview of current research on Sn and Sn−Pb mixed perovskites, emphasizing crystal structures, optoelectronic properties, synthesis, and modification methods. We then highlight exemplary applications of Sn and Sn−Pb perovskites through detailed introductions. Simultaneously, current challenges and respective solutions to the development of Sn perovskites are discussed in this Review. This Review concludes with a novel outlook on future research directions for Sn-rich perovskite photodetectors as potential candidates for enhancing light signal detection technologies. We explain how this enhancement enables performance comparable to that of commercially available crystalline Si and III−V photodetectors.

Cyano‐Coordinated Tin Halide Perovskites for Wearable Health Monitoring and Weak Light Imaging

“…[ 12–14 ] However, previously reported tin halide PPDs suffer from high dark current, slow response time and low detectivity. [ 15–18 ]…”

Impact of Low-Temperature Seed-Assisted Growth on the Structural and Optoelectronic Properties of MAPbBr3 Single Crystals

“…Apart from the excellent optoelectronic properties of Pb-based perovskite single crystals, numerous works are being performed to grow Pb-free perovskite single crystals to address the issues of sustainability and toxicity . Sn-based perovskite single crystalline photodetectors have been employed for narrow bandgap photodetection and NIR imaging .…”

Oxidation in Tin Halide Perovskites: Influence of Acidic and Basic Additives

“…Metal halide perovskites (HPs) with the general formula AMX 3 (A = Cs + , NH 2 –CHNH 2 + (FA), or CH 3 NH 3 + (MA); M = Pb 2+ , Sn 2+ ; X = Cl – , Br – , or I – ) are promising materials for application in photovoltaics (PVs), − light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors, , memristors, , and field effect transistors (FETs) . Excellent properties such as low-cost solution processability, tunable band gaps, defect tolerance, and high absorption coefficients make these materials particularly desirable as low-cost semiconductors for the next generation of photovoltaics .…”