perowskites

Perovskites are a class of materials with a specific crystal structure, named after the mineral perovskite (calcium titanate, CaTiO3). This structure is characterized by the general chemical formula ABX3, where 'A' and 'B' are cations of different sizes and 'X' is an anion, typically a halide or oxide. The arrangement involves a central 'B' cation octahedrally coordinated by six 'X' anions, with the larger 'A' cation occupying the interstitial space between these octahedra. This versatile structural motif allows for a wide range of elemental combinations, leading to diverse physical and chemical properties.

The interest in perovskites stems from their remarkable electronic, optical, and catalytic properties. In recent years, halide perovskites, in particular, have garnered significant attention for their exceptional performance in photovoltaic applications, achieving efficiencies comparable to traditional silicon-based solar cells. Their tunable bandgaps, strong light absorption, and relatively low manufacturing costs make them promising candidates for next-generation solar technologies, including flexible and semi-transparent devices. Beyond solar cells, perovskites are also explored for use in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photodetectors, lasers, and as catalysts in chemical reactions. Challenges remain in improving their long-term stability and scalability for commercial production, but ongoing research continues to address these issues.