Solution-processable copper(I) iodide-based inorganic-organic hybrid semiconductors composed of both coordinate and ionic bonds

Three new one-dimensional (1D) All-In-One (AIO) type CuI-based hybrid semiconductors with both dative and ionic bonds between the inorganic and organic components have been successfully designed and synthesized by using the ligands containing both cationic center and coordination available sites. Structural analysis confirms that all compounds share the same formula of Cu₄I₆(L)₂ (L ​= ​ligand) and are composed of 1D-Cu₄I₆²⁻ anionic chains that coordinate to cationic ligands. These materials demonstrate high stability towards heat and moisture and excellent solution processability due to their unique bonding nature. They emit low energy light ranging from green to orange color (530–590 ​nm). The origin and mechanism of their emissions were studied by both experimental and theoretical methods. More importantly, all compounds can be easily fabricated into films by solution process, a desired but rare feature for most of CuI-based hybrids built of extended networks.