Substitution of Ca2+ in Calcite by Sn2+ and Sr2+ cations through ion exchange characterized by X-ray absorption and photoelectron spectroscopies

Abstract Tin (Sn 2+ ) and strontium (Sr ), two potential alternatives to lead (Pb in perovskite formation, were explored transforming calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 into a leaving group cation exchange reaction. This is the first part of sequential ion process calcite Pb-free material for solar cell applications. Calcite, polymorph CaCO , was successfully transformed strontianite (SrCO through In Sn substitution reaction on other hand, no SnCO formation noted. Instead, oxides formed. The wider spaces between Ca cations (100) orientation account higher atomic Sr concentrations as compared (001) orientation, where movement restricted. X-ray absorption photoelectron spectroscopies used investigate ion-exchange transformation towards an intermediate material. Graphic abstract