Parity-Forbidden Transitions and Their Impact on the Optical Absorption Properties of Lead-Free Metal Halide Perovskites and Double Perovskites

Using density functional theory calculations, we analyze the optical absorption properties of lead (Pb)-free metal halide perovskites (AB(2+)X(3)) and double perovskites (A(2)B(+)B(3+)X(6)) (A = Cs or monovalent organic ion, B2+ = non-Pb divalent metal, B+ = monovalent metal, B3+ = trivalent metal, X = halogen). We show that if B2+ is not Sn or Ge, Pb-free metal halide perovskites exhibit poor optical absorptions because of their indirect band gap nature. Among the nine possible types of Pb-free metal halide double perovskites, six have direct band gaps. Of these six types, four show inversion symmetry-induced parity-forbidden or weak transitions between band edges, making them not ideal for thin-film solar cell applications. Only one type of Pb-free double perovskite shows optical absorption and electronic properties suitable for solar cell applications, namely, those with B+ = In, Tl and B3+ = Sb, Bi. Our results provide important insights for designing new metal halide perovskites and double perovskites for optoelectronic applications.