Structural, electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of CsPbI3-yBry (y = 0.5, 1.5, 2.5) compounds: First-principle study

Abstract

BackgroundAmong photovoltaic materials, halide-based perovskites, such as CsPbI3, have been the subject of many research papers due to their suitable and direct bandgap, very good optical properties, and remarkable thermoelectric properties. Enhancing optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties can be achieved by combining halide atoms intelligently. The purpose of this article is to examine the physical properties of Br substitution at different concentrations in CsPbI3 perovskite. MethodsThe structural, electrical, and optical properties of CsPbI3-yBry (y = 0.5, 1.5, 2.5) compounds have been investigated by using the QUANTUM-ESPRESSO/PWSCF computational package which is based on the density functional theory and the pseudo-potential technique. The thermoelectric properties of CsPbI3-yBry perovskites were calculated by solving the Boltzmann transport equations within the constant relaxation time approximation as employed in the BoltzTraP package. Significant findingsThe structural investigation reveals that when the I atom is substituted by Br, the lattice constant decreases, increasing the bulk modulus and stiffness of compounds. The calculated negative formation energy confirmed the thermodynamic stability of CsPbI3-yBry compounds, and the stability improved with an increase in Br concentration. The electronic investigation indicates the semiconductor nature of compounds with a direct band gap, with a slight increase in electronic band gap as Br concentration increases. The noticeable optical absorption coefficient in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum, along with high and tunable optical conductivity, confirms the capability of the compounds for use in optoelectronic devices. The positive value of the Seebeck coefficient revealed the p-type semiconducting nature of CsPbI3-yBry perovskites. Lattice thermal conductivity calculation reveals that this quantity is decreased because of the increase in phonon-phonon interaction due to rising temperature. Thermoelectric investigation indicates that a precise mixture of halide I and Br atoms significantly enhances the electrical and thermal conductivity of perovskites. Also, the substitution of halide I atoms by Br can improve the figure of merit (ZT). The maximum value of ZT at room temperature is equal to 0.99, justifying the brilliant thermoelectric properties of the studied compounds.