# 1D Lead Bromide Hybrids Directed by Complex Cations: Syntheses, Structures, Optical and Photocatalytic Properties

## TL;DR

This paper reports on new lead bromide materials with unique optical and photocatalytic properties, synthesized using transition metal complex cations.

## Contribution

The study introduces two novel 1D lead(II) bromide hybrids with distinct structures and photocatalytic behaviors due to transition metal complex cations.

## Key findings

- Compound 2 shows a narrower band gap (2.02 eV) and higher electron-hole separation efficiency compared to compound 1 (3.04 eV).
- Compound 2 exhibits hydrogen evolution activity under visible light, unlike compound 1.
- Both compounds effectively degrade organic dyes, suggesting potential for photocatalytic applications.

## Abstract

This study presents the synthesis, structural characterization, and evaluation of the photocatalytic performance of two novel one-dimensional (1D) lead(II) bromide hybrids, [Co(2,2′-bpy)3][Pb2Br6CH3OH] (1) and [Fe(2,2′-bpy)3][Pb2Br6] (2), synthesized via solvothermal reactions. These compounds incorporate transition metal complex cations as structural directors, contributing to the unique photophysical and photocatalytic properties of the resulting materials. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that both compounds crystallize in monoclinic space groups with distinct 1D lead bromide chain configurations influenced by the nature of the complex cations. Optical property assessments show band gaps of 3.04 eV and 2.02 eV for compounds 1 and 2, respectively, indicating their potential for visible light absorption. Photocurrent measurements indicate a significantly higher electron–hole separation efficiency in compound 2, correlated with its narrower band gap. Additionally, photocatalytic evaluations demonstrate that while both compounds degrade organic dyes effectively, compound 2 also exhibits notable hydrogen evolution activity under visible light, a property not observed in 1. These findings highlight the role of metal complex cations in tuning the electronic and structural properties of lead(II) bromide hybrids, enhancing their applicability in photocatalytic and optoelectronic devices.