Magnetic Properties in CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Thin Films by Mn Doping

In recent years, perovskite halide compounds have attracted attention for the fabrication of highly efficient solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and X-ray detection. However, a comprehensive understanding of their microscopic origins has not been fully explored. In this work, the effect of Mn doping in organic–inorganic perovskite semiconductor methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) has been studied. The existence of magnetism in CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) has been confirmed by magnetization measurements at room temperature. A drastic enhancement in magnetic moment is obtained in Mn (15%)-doped MAPbI3. The influence of Mn doping in MAPbI3 films has been analyzed for structural and morphological changes. Room-temperature ferromagnetism is achieved by the incorporation of Mn2+/Mn3+ ions into Mn (3–20%)-doped MAPbI3 films by the effect of eminent double-exchange and superexchange interactions in between the Mn2+–I––Mn3+ ions compared with other doping content. Our finding offers an alternative pathway for spintronic, light-controlled magnetic and photovoltaic devices.