Efficient and accurate calculation of band gaps of halide perovskites with the Tran-Blaha modified Becke-Johnson potential

Abstract

We report on a reoptimization of the Tran-Blaha modified Becke-Johnson (TB-mBJ) potential dedicated to the prediction of the band gaps of 3-dimensional (3D) and layered hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOP) within pseudopotential-based density functional theory methods. These materials hold promise for future photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. We begin by determining a set of parameters for 3D HOP optimized over a large range of materials. Then we consider the case of layered HOP. We design an empirical relationship that facilitates the prediction of band gaps of layered HOP with arbitrary interlayer molecular spacers with a computational cost considerably lower than more advanced methods like hybrid or GW. Our study also shows that substituting interlayer molecular chains of layered HOP with Cs atoms is an appealing and cost-effective route to band gap calculations. Finally, we discuss on the pitfalls and limitations of TB-mBJ for HOP, notably its tendency to overestimate the effective masses due to the narrowing of the band dispersions. We expect our results to extend the use of TB-mBJ for other low-dimensional materials.