Tuning Phase Purity in Chiral 2D Perovskites

The introduction of chiral organic spacers in low-dimensional metal-halide perovskites triggers chiroptical activity, which is appealing for spintronic applications. However, a comprehensive understanding of structure formation and the ability to control phase purity in such materials have yet to be developed. Herein, the impact of processing conditions on the phase purity, microstructure, and chiroptical properties of chiral 2D perovskites is explored. The anisotropic emergence of a 1D perovskite inside the 2D matrix and its dependence on the organic cation chirality, solvent, and thermal annealing conditions are shown. By controlling these parameters, the in-plane conductivity of the films is nearly doubled. Furthermore, it is demonstrated, for the first time, that solvent choice and the spatial configuration of the organic cation can have an impact on the residual lattice strain and the energetic disorder of the system. The fundamentals presented here can help to improve the film deposition methods for low-dimensional chiral perovskites, offering strategies to control phase purity.

Automated summary

The introduction of chiral organic spacers in low-dimensional metal-halide perovskites leads to chiroptical activity, which is attractive for spintronic applications. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the formation of structure and the ability to control phase purity in such materials. This study explores the impact of processing conditions on the phase purity, microstructure, and chiroptical properties of chiral 2D perovskites. The anisotropic emergence of a 1D perovskite inside the 2D matrix and its dependence on the organic cation chirality, solvent, and thermal annealing conditions are demonstrated.