Stable two-dimensional lead iodide hybrid materials for light detection and broadband photoluminescence

Two-dimensional (2D) organic–inorganic hybrid materials have attracted widespread attention for photodetection. Moreover, such materials with broadband photoluminescence and strong photocurrent response are still rare. Here, we report two new semiconducting 2D organic–inorganic hybrid materials, namely {PbII2I6[PbII(TETA)]}n (1Pb) and {PbII3I8[PbII(TETA)]}n (2Pb), where TETA = triethylenetetramine, with broadband yellow-green emission. Both compounds are soluble in DMF and yield high surface coverage films through spin coating. Strikingly, the photocurrent responses of such thin films show ca. 600 and 700 nA cm−2 difference between Ilight and Idark for 1Pb and 2Pb, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, 1Pb and 2Pb showed among the highest current obtained in 2D lead iodide hybrid materials under a low voltage (0.7 V). Moreover, 1Pb and 2Pb are stable under heat, moisture and light, which may provide realistic applications for light detection.