Pyro-phototronic Effect in 2D Halide Perovskite

2D layered halide perovskites are one of the latest additions to the fascinating class of 2D materials. Along with the superior optical absorbance, one of the most intriguing aspect of such halide perovskites is the occurrence of ferroelectricity, which also qualify as piezo- and pyro-electric materials. The presence of ferroelectricity combined with the unique optical and electronic properties opens up exciting possibilities for applications in optical memory devices, piezo- and pyro-phototronic photodetectors and ferroelectric photovoltaics (FEPV) devices.

Taking into account of amalgamation of the aforementioned unique properties, a lead-free 2D layered halide perovskite of (3-FbaH)₂CuCl₄ was designed. The unique interaction of polarized domains with light is confirmed by scanning probe microscopy based technique of piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM). The superior optical absorbance coupled with pyroelectricity arising from the ferroelectric nature of the crystals was utilized to demonstrate superior pyro-phototronic photodetector. Additionally, the crystals were found to demonstrate thermochromism, which has industrial applications as temperature indicators.