Synthesis of BaZrS${}_3$ and BaHfS${}_3$ chalcogenide perovskite films using single-phase molecular precursors at moderate temperatures

Chalcogenide perovskites have garnered interest for applications in semiconductor devices due to their excellent predicted optoelectronic properties and stability. However, high synthesis temperatures have historically made these materials incompatible with the creation of photovoltaic devices. Here, we demonstrate the solution processed synthesis of luminescent BaZrS${}_3$ and BaHfS${}_3$ chalcogenide perovskite films using single-phase molecular precursors at sulfurization temperatures of 575 °C and sulfurization times as short as one hour. These molecular precursor inks were synthesized using known carbon disulfide insertion chemistry to create Group 4 metal dithiocarbamates, and this chemistry was extended to create species, such as barium dithiocarboxylates, that have never been reported before. These findings, with added future research, have the potential to yield fully solution processed thin films of chalcogenide perovskites for various optoelectronic applications. (© 2023 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH)