Lead-free halide double perovskite Cs4CuSb2Cl12 for self-powered humidity sensing devices
摘要
Lead halide perovskites have excelled in photoelectric applications, but their toxicity, instability, and strong moisture sensitivity hinder practical use in humidity sensing. Here, we report the synthesis of lead-free Cs₄CuSb₂Cl₁₂ perovskites via a solution-phase method and their application in humidity sensing. The fabricated sensor exhibits excellent performance with a rapid response time of 0.55 s, recovery time of 24.47 s, and stable operation across 10–75% relative humidity. Notably, the device also generates open-circuit voltage (Voc) and short-circuit current (Isc) under varying humidity, enabling self-powered sensing. These results highlight Cs₄CuSb₂Cl₁₂ as a cost-effective, eco-friendly material for next-generation real-time humidity sensors. The excellent response and recovery behavior of the sensor can be attributed to the reversible physisorption of water molecules, which are readily adsorbed onto and desorbed from the thin-film surface. This reversible interaction ensures rapid and repeatable sensing performance. In addition, the sensor exhibits outstanding stability over a wide relative humidity range of 11% to 70%, demonstrating its reliability for continuous operation. These results highlight the potential of lead-free Cs₄CuSb₂Cl₁₂ perovskite as a promising candidate for real-time humidity sensing applications, offering an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to conventional lead-based materials.