Reversible and Irreversible Thermochromism in Copper-Based Halide Perovskites

Copper-based layered perovskites have shown abundant phase transitions and thermochromic behaviors. However, there are very few cases of perovskites with irreversible transitions. Here, the thermochromic behavior of two perovskites (CEA)(2)CuCl4 and (BEA)(2)CuCl4 is discussed, where CEA = 2-chloroethylammonium and BEA = 2-bromoethylammonium, the latter of which is reported for the first time. These materials exhibit a reversible and irreversible thermochromic behavior determined by the nature of the organic cation. Using nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, and optical absorption, it was possible to investigate the mechanism for this transition: a topochemical exchange reaction between the organic and inorganic halides in (BEA)(2)CuCl4 to yield the mixed-halide perovskite (BEA)(1.1)(CEA)(0.9)CuCl3.1Br0.9. These materials and the fundamental principles shown herein have potential use as low-cost irreversible thermochromic sensors and their design.

Automated summary

This study discussed the thermochromic behavior of two copper-based layered perovskite materials, revealing that the nature of the organic cation determines whether the behavior is reversible or irreversible. Through techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, and optical absorption, the mechanism for the thermochromic transition was investigated.