Synthesis and properties of charge-ordered thallium halide perovskites, CsTl1+0.5Tl3+0.5X3 (X = F, Cl)- theoretical precursors for superconductivity?

TL;DR

This study reports the synthesis, structural characterization, and high-pressure properties of charge-ordered CsTlX3 (X=F, Cl) perovskites, aiming to validate their potential as superconductors as predicted theoretically.

Contribution

The paper provides the first experimental synthesis and detailed characterization of CsTlF3 and CsTlCl3 perovskites, confirming their charge ordering and exploring their properties under high pressure.

Findings

CsTlCl3 exists in tetragonal and cubic phases with charge ordering.

CsTlF3 forms as a cubic perovskite with charge ordering.

High pressure reduces resistivity and alters optical properties, indicating band gap changes.

Abstract

Recently CsTlCl3 and CsTlF3 perovskites were theoretically predicted to be potential superconductors if they are optimally doped. The synthesis of these two compounds, together with a complete characterization of the samples are reported. CsTlCl3 is obtained as orange crystals in two different polymorphs: a tetragonal (I4/m) and a cubic (Fm-3m) phase. CsTlF3 is formed as a light brown powder, also as a double cubic perovskite (Fm-3m). In all three CsTlX3 phases Tl1+ and Tl3+ were located in two different crystallographic positions that accommodate their different bond lengths. In CsTlCl3 some Tl vacancies are found in the Tl1+ position. The charge ordering between Tl1+ and Tl3+ was confirmed by x-ray absorption and Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectroscopy of CsTlCl3 under high pressure (58 GPa) did not indicate any phase transition to a possible single Tl2+ state. However, the highly insulating material becomes less resistive with increasing high pressure, while undergoing a change in the optical properties, from transparent to deeply opaque red, indicative of a decrease of the band gap. The theoretical design and experimental validation of the existence of CsTlF3 and CsTlCl3 cubic perovskites is the necessary first step in confirming the theoretical prediction of superconductivity in these materials.