Recent Advances and Optoelectronic Applications of Lead-Free Halide Double Perovskites

Organic-inorganic metal halide perovskites (most notably CH3NH3PbI3) have demonstrated remarkable physical attributes for photovoltaic and diverse optoelectronic applications, whereas concerns about toxicity owing to the use of lead in the chemical composition still motivate further exploration of new, nontoxic candidates. Lead-free halide double perovskites (HDPs), designed by the rational chemical substitution of Pb(2+)with other nontoxic candidate elements, have recently attracted interest as a fascinating alternative to their Pb-based counterparts. Herein, recent advances in crystal structures, physical properties, and versatile optoelectronic applications of lead-free HDPs, such as solar cells, photodetectors, X-ray detectors, and light-emitting diodes, are reviewed. Perspectives to improve the physical and photoelectric properties of existing HDP materials are also discussed and will favor future development of new, lead-free HDP candidates.