Investigation of lead-free Cs₂AgBiBr₆ double perovskites for application in solar cells

Hybrid lead halide perovskites are efficient semiconductors with outstanding performance in optoelectronic applications, particularly in photovoltaics. Despite this, their stability and toxicity concerns present substantial obstacles. It is encouraging that double perovskites are emerging as a substitute in this context. Cs₂AgBiBr₆ has shown great potential as a lead-free material thanks to its high stability and non-toxicity. In this work, we have investigated the potential of Cs₂AgBiBr₆ double perovskites for application in solar cells. Initially, the Cs₂AgBiBr₆ powder was synthesized using the solid-state reaction method and its various properties were evaluated. The stability tests revealed excellent thermal and air stability of the Cs₂AgBiBr₆. The XRD results highlighted the superior peak intensity of the annealed Cs₂AgBiBr₆ powder as compared to the as-prepared powders. The obtained powder was used for the solution and vapor processing of Cs₂AgBiBr₆ double perovskite thin films. The resulting films' structural, morphological, and photophysical properties were analyzed, shedding light on the potential of each route.