[Sm-Eu-Tm]:CsPbI<inf>2</inf>Br<inf>1</inf> perovskite hetero-system: Probing rare earth driven stabilization for sustainable energy conversion, generation, and storage capacity

Abstract

This is the first report on the lanthanide doped cesium lead halide perovskite using triple doping mechanism for formation of the novel [Sm-Eu-Tm]:CsPbI2Br1 perovskite (SET-CPVSK) hetero-structure. SET-CPVSK remained intact in terms of opto-electronic response shown by slight alleviation in band gap from 1.63 to 1.66 eV for 28 days. It attained the characteristic black cubic phase (ABX3 crystalline orientation) when thermally treated at 200 °C. The deposited thin films were smoother and devoid of any pinholes. Planar and ambient perovskite solar cell containing SET-CPVSK absorber was 14.06 % efficient. This solar cell was also hysteresis free with 63.14 % fill factor. The profound electro-catalytic output towards O2 and H2 generation achieved with the SET-CPVSK was reflected by the lower overpotential values of 50 and 140 mV, respectively. The kinetic favorability was also disclosed by lower Tafel slope values. As a potential energy storage material, SET-CPVSK adorned electrode achieved the unit capacity of 554.4 mA H g−1 with the impressively lower equivalent series resistance (Rs) of 0.79 Ω depicting lower impedance and subsequently higher diffusion of the ions. SET-CPVSK is a sustainable energy material which has the potential to replace potentially expensive materials due to its impressive efficiency and stability.