Heavy pnictogen chalcohalides for efficient, stable, and environmentally friendly solar cell applications

Solar cell technology is an effective solution for addressing climate change and the energy crisis. Therefore, many researchers have investigated various solar cell absorbers that convert Sunlight into electric energy. Among the different materials researched, heavy pnictogen chalcohalides comprising heavy pnictogen cations, such as Bi³⁺ and Sb³⁺, and chalcogen-halogen anions have recently been revisited as emerging solar absorbers because of their potential for efficient, stable, and low-toxicity solar cell applications. This review explores the recent progress in the applications of heavy pnictogen chalcohalides, including oxyhalides and mixed chalcohalides, in solar cells. We categorize them into material types based on their common structural characteristics and describe their up-to-date developments in solar cell applications. Finally, we discuss their material imitations, challenges for further development, and possible strategies for overcoming them.