Mixed-Anion Inorganic Zn Halide Rb₃ZnCl₄I

Lead-free halides, recognized for their nontoxic properties and remarkable stability, have emerged as promising candidates for various optoelectronic applications. In this work, we report the discovery of a novel all-inorganic zinc halide, Rb₃ZnCl₄I. With the doping of Mn²⁺ ion, the as-obtained Rb₃Zn_1-xMn_xCl₄I single crystals show intense green photoluminescence with a full width at half-maximum (fwhm) of 52 nm and a peak at 525 nm. The sample with x = 0.30 exhibits the maximum photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), reaching a value of 44.14%. We further explored their potential applications in white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) and X-ray detection. The constructed WLED exhibits a color rendering index (CRI) of 84.1 along with a correlated color temperature (CCT) of 6491 K, demonstrating the material's suitability for high-quality solid-state lighting. Notably, Rb₃Zn_0.70Mn_0.30Cl₄I exhibits remarkable stability under X-ray irradiation. Upon being continuously exposed to X-ray irradiation for 10 min at a dose rate of 26.5 Gy/min, the radioluminescence intensity retains 90% of its initial value. This work not only introduces a new member to the family of environmentally friendly and stable lead-free halides but also paves the way for further exploration and development of metal halides in various high-tech fields.