Layer-edge device of two-dimensional hybrid perovskites

Two dimensional layered organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites (2D perovskites) are potential candidates for next generation photovoltaic device. Especially, the out-of-plane surface perpendicular to the superlattice plane of 2D perovskites (layer-edge surface) has presented several exotic behaviors, such as layer-edge states which are found to be crucial for improving the efficiency of 2D perovskite solar cells. However, fundamental research on transport properties of layer-edge surface is still absent. In this report, we observe the electronic and opto-electronic behavior in layer-edge device of 2D perovskites. The dark and photo currents are demonstrated to strongly depend on the crystallographic orientation in layer-edge device, and such anisotropic properties, together with photo response, are related to the thickness of inorganic layers. Finally, due to the abundant hydroxyl groups, water molecules are easy to condense on the layer-edge surface, and the conductance is extremely sensitive to the humidity environment, indicating a potential application of humidity sensor.