Tunable optical properties and stability of lead free all inorganic perovskites (Cs₂SnI_xCl_6-x)

Organic-inorganic hybrid lead-based perovskites experience significant environmental instability under ambient moist air and are not environmentally benign due to the usage of toxic Pb. Here, we report a new approach to synthesize lead-free all inorganic perovskites (Cs₂SnI_xCl_6-x) using hydriodic acid (HI) demonstrating greatly enhanced environmental stability and tunable optical properties by controlling the I^-/Cl^- ratios. Single phase perovskites can be achieved with a low iodine or chlorine content, and a phase separation occurs in the binary system with closer iodine and chlorine dopings. UV-vis diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence measurements reveal tunable band gaps of Cs₂SnI_xCl_6-x perovskites from the UV to the infrared region. The mixed halide perovskite with a lower chloride content shows significantly higher photoluminescence intensity. The thermal stability of mixed halide all-inorganic perovskites is continuously improved as the Cl content increases. The synthesis of Sn-based perovskites with tunable optical properties and environmental stability represents one step further toward the realization of the stable lead-free all inorganic perovskites.