  Transition metal perovskite chalcogenides (TMPCs) are explored as stable,
environmentally friendly semiconductors for solar energy conversion. They can
be viewed as the inorganic alternatives to hybrid halide perovskites, and
chalcogenide counterparts of perovskite oxides with desirable optoelectronic
properties in the visible and infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Past theoretical studies have predicted large absorption coefficient, desirable
defect characteristics, and bulk photovoltaic effect in TMPCs. Despite recent
progresses in polycrystalline synthesis and measurements of their optical
properties, it is necessary to grow these materials in high crystalline quality
to develop a fundamental understanding of their optical properties and evaluate
their suitability for photovoltaic application. Here, we report the growth of
single crystals of a two-dimensional (2D) perovskite chalcogenide, Ba3Zr2S7,
with a natural superlattice-like structure of alternating double-layer
perovskite blocks and single-layer rock salt structure. The material
demonstrated a bright photoluminescence peak at 1.28 eV with a large external
luminescence efficiency of up to 0.15%. We performed time-resolved
photoluminescence spectroscopy on these crystals and obtained an effective
recombination time of ~65 ns. These results clearly show that 2D
Ruddlesden-Popper phases of perovskite chalcogenides are promising materials to
achieve single-junction solar cells.
