Quasi-One-Dimensional Metallicity in Compressed CsSnI 3

Abstract

Low-dimensional metal halides exhibit strong structural and electronic anisotropies, making them candidates for accessing unusual electronic properties. Here, in this work, we demonstrate pressure-induced quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) metallicity in δ-CsSnI 3 . With the application of pressure up to 40 GPa, the initially insulating δ-CsSnI 3 transforms to a metallic state. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy indicate that the starting 1D chain structure of edge-sharing Sn–I octahedra in δ-CsSnI 3 is maintained in the high-pressure metallic phase while the SnI 6 octahedral chains are distorted. Our experiments combined with first-principles density functional theory calculations reveal that pressure induces Sn–Sn hybridization and enhances Sn–I coupling within the chain, leading to band gap closure and formation of conductive SnI 6 distorted octahedral chains. In contrast, the interchain I...I interactions remain minimal, resulting in a highly anisotropic electronic structure and quasi-1D metallicity. Our study offers a high-pressure approach for achieving diverse electronic platforms in the broad family of low-dimensional metal halides.