Investigation of lead-free double perovskite Cs₂CeAgCl₆ for resistive switching and optoelectronic applications

Lead halide perovskites are widely used in optoelectronic applications but are toxic due to their lead content. To explore viable, lead-free alternatives, we investigate the properties of Cs₂CeAgCl₆, a double perovskite halide, for its potential use in resistive switching and optoelectronic devices. Using the WIEN2K code, we computed the structural, elastic, electrical, and optical properties of this compound. Our analysis reveals that Cs₂CeAgCl₆ is mechanically stable and ductile, with favorable mechanical properties. The electronic band structure was calculated using the GGA + U approximation, showing direct band gaps of 3.22 eV and 3.07 eV in the spin-up and spin-down channels, respectively. These findings suggest that Cs₂CeAgCl₆ is a promising candidate for resistive switching in resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices. Additionally, its wide direct bandgap and strong optical response in the ultraviolet region make it suitable for UV photodetectors, optoelectronic switches, and optical sensors. Overall, the material exhibits stable and reproducible switching behavior, making it an excellent choice for non-volatile RRAM applications.