Unravelling Structure and Formation Mechanisms of Ruddlesden-Popper-Phase-like Nanodomains in Inorganic Lead Halide Perovskites

Ultrastable CsPbBr3 nanoplates against electron beam irradiations are fabricated and nanodomains with anomalous high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) contrasts are observed within CsPbBr3 nanoplates. Atomic resolution energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping, which requires even higher beam currents and may cause significant damages on electron beam sensitive materials, are obtained without any detectable damages or decomposition. Combining HAADF-STEM images, atomic resolution EDS mapping, and image simulations has revealed detailed structure and chemistry of the nanodomains to be induced by Ruddlesden-Popper faults (RP faults) rather than any chemical intermixing or formation of new phases. A formation mechanism is also proposed on the basis of the atomic structure of the nanodomains. This result promotes an atomic-level understanding of inorganic lead halide perovskites and may help to reveal their structure-property relationship.