Theoretical insight into physical characteristics of lead-free perovskites Rb2TlSbX6 (X = Cl, Br, I) for optoelectronic devices

Abstract

Context

Novel optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties with broad compositional range, non-toxic nature and structural stability make halide-based double perovskites fascinating for flexible optoelectronic devices. In this work, the structural electronic, optical and transport properties of Rb₂TlSbX₆ (X = Cl, Br, I) were studied using density functional theory for optoelectronic devices. The elastic analysis demonstrates ductile nature, mechanical stability, anisotropic behaviour and feasibility for flexible optoelectronic devices. The band structure study using Tran–Blaha–modified Becke–Johnson (TB-mBJ) potential shows that all studied materials have direct bandgap. In addition, the bandgap of Rb₂TlSbCl₆ is more appropriate for optoelectronic devices. The small loss and maximum absorption in visible regions make these materials prime candidates for optoelectronic devices. The transport features indicate that all the studied double perovskites reflect p-type semiconducting behaviour as highlighted by positive Seebeck coefficient values. Furthermore, the high power factor values of Rb₂TlSbX₆ (X = Cl, Br, I) double perovskites make them suitable for thermoelectric device applications at high temperatures. Based on electronic optical and thermoelectric properties Rb₂TlSbCl₆ is the best candidate for flexible optoelectronic devices.

Methods

In this paper, structural optimization of Rb₂TlSbX₆ (X = Cl, Br, I) double perovskites was conducted utilizing the Wien2k software based on first principle calculations with Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof’s generalized-gradient approximation (PBE-sol approximation). The TB-mBJ potential was employed to compute the accurate band gap of studied materials. The thermoelectric properties are evaluated with BoltzTraP code, showing a predominance of P-type charge carriers in all studied perovskites. This methodological strategy verifies the material’s remarkable stability and optical properties and offers a solid framework for examining its potential in optoelectronic devices.