(C6H5C2H4NH3)2GeI4: A Layered Two-Dimensional Perovskite with Potential for Photovoltaic Applications

Recently, two-dimensional organic–inorganic perovskites have attracted increasing attention due to their unique photophysical properties and high stability. Here we report a lead-free, two-dimensional perovskite, (PEA)2GeI4 (PEA = C6H5(CH2)2NH3+). Structural characterization demonstrated that this 2D perovskite structure is formed with inorganic germanium iodide planes separated by organic PEAI layers. (PEA)2GeI4 has a direct band gap of 2.12 eV, in agreement with 2.17 eV obtained by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, implying that it is suitable for a tandem solar cell. (PEA)2GeI4 luminesces at room-temperature with a moderate lifetime, exhibiting good potential for photovoltaic applications. In addition, 2D (PEA)2GeI4 is more stable than 3D CH3NH3GeI3 in air, owing to the presence of a hydrophobic organic long chain. This work provides a direction for the development of 2D Ge-based perovskites with potential for photovoltaic applications.