Properties of solution grown PbI2 layers embedded in PVA

Polycrystalline lead iodide layers with crystallites in the micrometer range have been prepared using a solution growth method from water and polyvinyl alcohol. Structural, electrical and optical measurements have been performed to characterize these layers and compare their properties to those of polycrystalline films prepared by solution growth in pure water. Most of these properties are very similar. The main difference comes from the photoresponse: that of films prepared with PVA remains high but presents an unusual behaviour with temperature. This has been related to the presence of a trapping/recombination energy level in the band gap. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)