Novel lead-free halide perovskite KMgI3 for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (HER) and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR)

• Published in: Materials letters 2024-04, Vol.361, p.136066, Article 136066
• Main Authors: Luévano-Hipólito, Edith, Fabela-Cedillo, Mayte G., Torres-Martínez, Leticia M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: CO2RR; Halide perovskite; HER; KMgI3; Photocatalysis
• ISSN: 0167-577X; 1873-4979
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2024.136066

•Novel lead-free halide perovskite KMgI3 films were obtained.•KMgI3 films were deposited by ink-jet printing in glass, mica, and magnesium cement.•KMgI3 exhibited photocatalytic activity for H2 generation and CO2 reduction.•Mica provides a more adequate surface for KMgI3 due to its K atoms.•Apparent quantum yields up to 7.86 % at 550 nm were obtained. Lead-free magnesium iodide (KMgI3) perovskite films were obtained by ink-jet printing. The halide perovskites were printed in different supports: mica, magnesium oxychloride, and glass. The printed samples were evaluated in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (HER) and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) to produce alternative solar based fuels, e.g., formic acid (HCOOH) and hydrogen (H2) under visible light. The KMgI3 printed on mica exhibited the highest activity to produce both HCOOH and H2, with apparent quantum yields of 1.02 and 7.86 % at 550 nm, respectively. This result was associated with an enhanced adhesion of the perovskite to mica due to the K+ affinity and a better interaction of the C atom possible due to the depletion of the layer of K+, leading to the exposure of aluminosilicate sheets. The stability of the perovskite was corroborated after three consecutive cycles.