Overcoming Short-Circuit in Lead-Free CH3NH3SnI3 Perovskite Solar Cells via Kinetically Controlled Gas-Solid Reaction Film Fabrication Process

Carrier lifetimes of >1 μs in Sn-Pb perovskites enable efficient all-perovskite tandem solar cells

All-perovskite–based polycrystalline thin-film tandem solar cells have the potential to deliver efficiencies of >30%. However, the performance of all-perovskite–based tandem devices has been limited by the lack of high-efficiency, low–band gap tin-lead (Sn-Pb) mixed-perovskite solar cells (PSCs). We found that the addition of guanidinium thiocyanate (GuaSCN) resulted in marked improvements in the structural and optoelectronic properties of Sn-Pb mixed, low–band gap (~1.25 electron volt) perovskite films. The films have defect densities that are lower by a factor of 10, leading to carrier lifetimes of greater than 1 microsecond and diffusion lengths of 2.5 micrometers. These improved properties enable our demonstration of >20% efficient low–band gap PSCs. When combined with wider–band gap PSCs, we achieve 25% efficient four-terminal and 23.1% efficient two-terminal all-perovskite–based polycrystalline thin-film tandem solar cells.

Tin-Based Multiple Quantum Well Perovskites for Light-Emitting Diodes with Improved Stability

Tin-based halide perovskites have attracted considerable attention for nontoxic perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs), but the easy oxidation of Sn²⁺ and nonuniform film morphology cause poor device stability and reproducibility. Herein, we report a facile approach to achieve efficient and stable lead-free PeLEDs by using tin-based perovskite multiple quantum wells (MQWs) for the first time. On the basis of various spectroscopic investigations, we find that the MQW structure not only facilitates the formation of uniform and highly emissive perovskite films but also suppresses the oxidation of Sn²⁺ cations. The tin-based MQW PeLED exhibits a peak external quantum efficiency of 3% and a high radiance of 40 W sr^-1 m^-2 with good reproducibility. Significantly, these devices show excellent operational stability with over a 2 h lifetime under a constant current density of 10 mA cm^-2, which is comparable to that of lead-based PeLEDs. These results suggest that perovskite MQWs can provide a promising platform for achieving high-performance lead-free PeLEDs.

High-performance carbon-based perovskite solar cells through the dual role of PC61BM

TOF-SIMS indicates that PC₆₁BM passivates the interface of the perovskite/TiO₂ film layer and it also functions as an additive.

Antioxidant Grain Passivation for Air-Stable Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cells

Tin-based perovskites with excellent optoelectronic properties and suitable band gaps are promising candidates for the preparation of efficient lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, it is challenging to prepare highly stable and efficient tin-based PSCs because Sn²⁺ in perovskites can be easily oxidized to Sn⁴⁺ upon air exposure. Here we report the fabrication of air-stable FASnI₃ solar cells by introducing hydroxybenzene sulfonic acid or its salt as an antioxidant additive into the perovskite precursor solution along with excess SnCl₂ . The interaction between the sulfonate group and the Sn²⁺ ion enables the in situ encapsulation of the perovskite grains with a SnCl₂ -additive complex layer, which results in greatly enhanced oxidation stability of the perovskite film. The corresponding PSCs are able to maintain 80 % of the efficiency over 500 h upon air exposure without encapsulation, which is over ten times longer than the best result reported previously. Our results suggest a possible strategy for the future design of efficient and stable tin-based PSCs.

Lead-free hybrid perovskites for photovoltaics

This review covers the state-of-the-art in organo-inorganic lead-free hybrid perovskites (HPs) and applications of these exciting materials as light harvesters in photovoltaic systems. Special emphasis is placed on the influence of the spatial organization of HP materials both on the micro- and nanometer scale on the performance and stability of perovskite-based solar light converters. This review also discusses HP materials produced by isovalent lead(II) substitution with Sn2+ and other metal(II) ions, perovskite materials formed on the basis of M3+ cations (Sb3+, Bi3+) as well as on combinations of M+/M3+ ions aliovalent to 2Pb2+ (Ag+/Bi3+, Ag+/Sb3+, etc.). The survey is concluded with an outlook highlighting the most promising strategies for future progress of photovoltaic systems based on lead-free perovskite compounds.

Perovskite solar cells: must lead be replaced - and can it be done?

Perovskite solar cells have recently drawn significant attention for photovoltaic applications with a certified power conversion efficiency of more than 22%. Unfortunately, the toxicity of the dissolvable lead content in these materials presents a critical concern for future commercial development. This review outlines some criteria for the possible replacement of lead by less toxic elements, and highlights current research progress in the application of low-lead halide perovskites as optically active materials in solar cells. These criteria are discussed with the aim of developing a better understanding of the physio-chemical properties of perovskites and of realizing similar photovoltaic performance in perovskite materials either with or without lead. Some open questions and future development prospects are outlined for further advancing perovskite solar cells toward both low toxicity and high efficiency.

Pb-Sn-Cu Ternary Organometallic Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

Exploiting organic/inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with reduced Pb content is very important for developing environment-friendly photovoltaics. Utilizing of Pb-Sn alloying perovskite is considered as an efficient route to reduce the risk of ecosystem pollution. However, the trade-off between device performance and Sn substitution ratio due to the instability of Sn²⁺ is a current dilemma. Here, for the first time, the highly efficient Pb-Sn-Cu ternary PSCs are reported by partial replacing of PbI₂ with SnI₂ and CuBr₂ . Sn²⁺ substitution results in a redshift of the absorption onset, whereas worsens the film quality. Interestingly, Cu²⁺ introduction can passivate the trap sites at the crystal boundaries of Pb-Sn perovskites effectively. Consequently, a power conversion efficiency as high as 21.08% in inverted planar Pb-Sn-Cu ternary PSCs is approached. The finding opens a new route toward the fabrication of high efficiency Pb-Sn alloying perovskite solar cells by Cu²⁺ passivation.

Unraveling the Chemical Nature of the 3D "Hollow" Hybrid Halide Perovskites

The newly introduced class of 3D halide perovskites, termed "hollow" perovskites, has been recently demonstrated as light absorbing semiconductor materials for fabricating lead-free perovskite solar cells with enhanced efficiency and superior stability. Hollow perovskites derive from three-dimensional (3D) AMX₃ perovskites ( A = methylammonium (MA), formamidinium (FA); M = Sn, Pb; X = Cl, Br, I), where small molecules such as ethylenediammonium cations ( en) can be incorporated as the dication without altering the structure dimensionality. We present in this work the inherent structural properties of the hollow perovskites and expand this class of materials to the Pb-based analogues. Through a combination of physical and spectroscopic methods (XRD, gas pycnometry, ¹H NMR, TGA, SEM/EDX), we have assigned the general formula (A)_{1- x}( en) _x(M)_{1-0.7 x}(X)_{3-0.4 x} to the hollow perovskites. The incorporation of en in the 3D perovskite structure leads to massive M and X vacancies in the 3D [ MX₃] framework, thus the term hollow. The resulting materials are semiconductors with significantly blue-shifted direct band gaps from 1.25 to 1.51 eV for Sn-based perovskites and from 1.53 to 2.1 eV for the Pb-based analogues. The increased structural disorder and hollow nature were validated by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis as well as pair distribution function (PDF) analysis. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations support the experimental trends and suggest that the observed widening of the band gap is attributed to the massive M and X vacancies, which create a less connected 3D hollow structure. The resulting materials have superior air stability, where in the case of Sn-based hollow perovskites it exceeds two orders of temporal magnitude compared to the conventional full perovskites of MASnI₃ and FASnI₃. The hollow perovskite compounds pose as a new platform of promising light absorbers that can be utilized in single junction or tandem solar cells.

A lead-free two-dimensional perovskite for a high-performance flexible photoconductor and a light-stimulated synaptic device

Organo-lead halide perovskites have emerged as promising materials for high-performance photodetectors. However, the toxicity of lead cations in these materials limits their further applications. Here, a flexible photoconductor is developed based on lead-free two-dimensional (2D) perovskite (PEA)2SnI4via a one-step solution processing method. The flexible transparent electrodes are patterned from rGO/(PEDOT:PSS) hybrid films. The stability and reproducibility of the devices are significantly improved on adding 30 mol% SnF2 to the perovskite. The flexible photoconductors show a photoresponsivity of 16 A W-1 and a detectivity of 1.92 × 1011 Jones under 470 nm illumination, which are higher than those of most of the similar devices. Besides, the devices possess much better mechanical flexibility and durability than the flexible devices with an Au electrode. Finally, this flexible photoconductor is applied as a light-stimulated synaptic device and can mimic the short-term plasticity of biological synapses. This is the first study to report that lead-free 2D perovskite can be used in flexible photoconductors and synaptic devices.

Hindered Formation of Photoinactive δ-FAPbI3 Phase and Hysteresis-Free Mixed-Cation Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells with Enhanced Efficiency via Potassium Incorporation

Organic-inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskite solar cells have demonstrated competitive power conversion efficiency over 22%; nevertheless, critical issues such as unsatisfactory device stability, serious current-voltage hysteresis, and formation of photo nonactive perovskite phases are obstacles for commercialization of this photovoltaics technology. Herein we report a facial yet effective method to hinder formation of photoinactive δ-FAPbI₃ and hysteresis behavior in planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells based on K _x(MA_0.17FA_0.83)_{1- x}PbI_2.5Br_0.5 (0≤ x ≤ 0.1) through incorporation of potassium ions (K⁺). X-ray diffraction patterns demonstrate formation of photoinactive δ-FAPbI₃ was almost completely suppressed after K⁺ incorporation. Density functional theory calculation shows K⁺ prefers to enter the interstitial sites of perovskite lattice, leading to chemical environmental change in the crystal structure. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy has revealed that K⁺ incorporation leads to enhanced carrier lifetime by 50%, which is also confirmed by reduced trap-assisted recombination of the perovskite solar cells containing K⁺ in photovoltage decay. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy illustrates that K⁺ incorporation results in a significant rise of conduction band minimum of the perovskite material by 130 meV, leading to a more favorable energy alignment with electron transporting material. At the optimal content of 3% K⁺ (molar ratio, relative to the total monovalent cations), nearly hysteresis-free, enhanced power conversion efficiencies from 15.72% to 17.23% were obtained in this solar cell.

Lead-Free Hybrid Perovskite Absorbers for Viable Application: Can We Eat the Cake and Have It too?

Many years since the booming of research on perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the hybrid perovskite materials developed for photovoltaic application form three main categories since 2009: (i) high-performance unstable lead-containing perovskites, (ii) low-performance lead-free perovskites, and (iii) moderate performance and stable lead-containing perovskites. The search for alternative materials to replace lead leads to the second group of perovskite materials. To date, a number of these compounds have been synthesized and applied in photovoltaic devices. Here, lead-free hybrid light absorbers used in PV devices are focused and their recent developments in related solar cell applications are reviewed comprehensively. In the first part, group 14 metals (Sn and Ge)-based perovskites are introduced with more emphasis on the optimization of Sn-based PSCs. Then concerns on halide hybrids of group 15 metals (Bi and Sb) are raised, which are mainly perovskite derivatives. At the same time, transition metal Cu-based perovskites are also referred. In the end, an outlook is given on the design strategy of lead-free halide hybrid absorbers for photovoltaic applications. It is believed that this timely review can represent our unique view of the field and shed some light on the direction of development of such promising materials.

Realizing Efficient Lead-Free Formamidinium Tin Triiodide Perovskite Solar Cells via a Sequential Deposition Route

Recently, the evolved intermediate phase based on iodoplumbate anions that mediates perovskite crystallization has been embodied as the Lewis acid-base adduct formed by metal halides (serve as Lewis acid) and polar aprotic solvents (serve as Lewis base). Based on this principle, it is proposed to constitute efficient Lewis acid-base adduct in the SnI₂ deposition step to modulate its volume expansion and fast reaction with methylammonium iodide (MAI)/formamidinium iodide (FAI) (FAI is studied hereafter). Herein, trimethylamine (TMA) is employed as the additional Lewis base in the tin halide solution to form SnY₂ -TMA complexes (Y = I^- , F^- ) in the first-step deposition, followed by intercalating with FAI to convert into FASnI. It is shown that TMA can facilitate homogeneous film formation of a SnI₂ (+SnF₂ ) layer by effectively forming intermediate SnY₂ -TMA complexes. Meanwhile, its relatively larger size and weaker affinity with SnI₂ than FA+ ions will facilitate the intramolecular exchange with FA+ ions, thereby enabling the formation of dense and compact FASnI₃ film with large crystalline domain (>1 µm). As a result, high power conversion efficiencies of 4.34% and 7.09% with decent stability are successfully accomplished in both conventional and inverted perovskite solar cells, respectively.

Long-lived hot-carrier light emission and large blue shift in formamidinium tin triiodide perovskites

A long-lived hot carrier population is critical in order to develop working hot carrier photovoltaic devices with efficiencies exceeding the Shockley-Queisser limit. Here, we report photoluminescence from hot-carriers with unexpectedly long lifetime (a few ns) in formamidinium tin triiodide. An unusual large blue shift of the time-integrated photoluminescence with increasing excitation power (150 meV at 24 K and 75 meV at 293 K) is displayed. On the basis of the analysis of energy-resolved and time-resolved photoluminescence, we posit that these phenomena are associated with slow hot carrier relaxation and state-filling of band edge states. These observations are both important for our understanding of lead-free hybrid perovskites and for an eventual future development of efficient lead-free perovskite photovoltaics.

Enhanced performance of tin halide perovskite solar cell by addition of lead thiocyanate

Organic–inorganic hybrid halide perovskites have attracted great attention as a new type of photovoltaic materials. However, lead (Pb) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) would cause environmental pollution in future large-scale applications. Therefore, it is imperative to find environmentally-friendly metals to replace lead. Although tin (Sn) halide perovskites can be regarded as a valid alternative to lead perovskites, their poor stability and lower conversion efficiency hinder the substitution of Sn for Pb. In this work, highly uniform and pinhole-free perovskite films were prepared by the introduction of a small amount of lead thiocyanate in precursor solutions. The CH₃NH₃SnI₃ (MASnI₃) films with Pb additive show an absorption edge of 950 nm. Besides, lead ions can depress the LUMO energy level of Sn-based perovskite materials, which is a benefit to an increase in the opencircuit voltages of PSCs. Consequently, the enhanced performance was achieved in the PSCs based on MASnI₃ with a fill factor of 66%, open circuit voltage of 0.54 V and maximum power conversion efficiency of 6.03%.

The MASnI₃-based PSCs with an efficiency of 6.02% was fabricated by incorporating 20 mol% of Pb(SCN)₂.

Recent Advances in Synthesis and Properties of Hybrid Halide Perovskites for Photovoltaics

The progress made by the scientific community in emerging photovoltaic technologies over the past two decades has been outstanding. Numerous methods have been developed for the preparation of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells. The power conversion efficiency has been up to 14% by a one-step vacuum deposition technique. A serious concern is the toxicity of the materials. In this review, several methods aimed at resolving these problems to some extent have been compiled, including eco-friendly synthesis. Further efficiency enhancements are expected following optimization, and a better fundamental understanding of the internal electron charge transfer, electron-hole diffusion to the corresponding layers, flexibility, and stability-dependent bandgaps is reported. This paper explores the green synthesis of organic-inorganic perovskites for industrialization. Concerning the above facts, a simple low-cost model called "dispersed photovoltaic cells" is presented.

A computational approach to interface engineering of lead-free CH3NH3SnI3 highly-efficient perovskite solar cells

Interface engineering in lead-free CH₃NH₃SnI₃ perovskite solar cells (PSCs) provides a viable path to realization of environmentally benign, low-cost, and high-efficiency PSCs.

Dopant-Free Tetrakis-Triphenylamine Hole Transporting Material for Efficient Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cells

Developing dopant-free hole transporting layers (HTLs) is critical in achieving high-performance and robust state-of-the-art perovskite photovoltaics, especially for the air-sensitive tin-based perovskite systems. The commonly used HTLs require hygroscopic dopants and additives for optimal performance, which adds extra cost to manufacturing and limits long-term device stability. Here we demonstrate the use of a novel tetrakis-triphenylamine (TPE) small molecule prepared by a facile synthetic route as a superior dopant-free HTL for lead-free tin-based perovskite solar cells. The best-performing tin iodide perovskite cells employing the novel mixed-cation ethylenediammonium/formamidinium with the dopant-free TPE HTL achieve a power conversion efficiency as high as 7.23%, ascribed to the HTL's suitable band alignment and excellent hole extraction/collection properties. This efficiency is one of the highest reported so far for tin halide perovskite systems, highlighting potential application of TPE HTL material in low-cost high-performance tin-based perovskite solar cells.

Mixed-Organic-Cation Tin Iodide for Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells with an Efficiency of 8.12

In this work, a fully tin-based, mixed-organic-cation perovskite absorber (FA) _x (MA)_1-x SnI₃ (FA = NH₂CH = NH₂⁺, MA = CH₃NH₃⁺) for lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with inverted structure is presented. By optimizing the ratio of FA and MA cations, a maximum power conversion efficiency of 8.12% is achieved for the (FA)_0.75(MA)_0.25SnI₃-based device along with a high open-circuit voltage of 0.61 V, which originates from improved perovskite film morphology and inhibits recombination process in the device. The cation-mixing approach proves to be a facile method for the efficiency enhancement of tin-based PSCs.

Solvent-Coordinated Tin Halide Complexes as Purified Precursors for Tin-Based Perovskites

A series of solvent-coordinated tin halide complexes were prepared as impurity-free precursors for tin halide perovskites, and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Using these precursors, the tin halide perovskites, MASnI₃ and FASnI₃, were prepared, and their electronic structures and photophysical properties were examined under inert conditions by means of photoelectron yield spectroscopy as well as absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. Their valence bands (MASnI₃: -5.02 eV; FASnI₃: -5.16 eV) are significantly higher than those of MAPbI₃ or the typical hole-transporting materials 2,2',7,7'-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamino)-9,9'-spirobifluorene and poly(bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine). These results suggest that to develop the solar cells using these tin halide perovskites with efficient hole-collection properties, hole-transporting materials should be chosen that have the highest occupied molecular orbital levels higher than -5.0 eV.

Efficient Lead-Free Solar Cells Based on Hollow {en}MASnI3 Perovskites

Tin-based perovskites have very comparable electronic properties to lead-based perovskites and are regarded as possible lower toxicity alternates for solar cell applications. However, the efficiency of tin-based perovskite solar cells is still low and they exhibit poor air stability. Here, we report lead-free tin-based solar cells with greatly enhanced performance and stability using so-called "hollow" ethylenediammonium and methylammonium tin iodide ({en}MASnI₃) perovskite as absorbers. Our results show that en can improve the film morphology and most importantly can serve as a new cation to be incorporated into the 3D MASnI₃ lattice. When the cation of en becomes part of the 3D structure, a high density of SnI₂ vacancies is created resulting in larger band gap, larger unit cell volume, lower trap-state density, and much longer carrier lifetime compared to classical MASnI₃. The best-performing {en}MASnI₃ solar cell has achieved a high efficiency of 6.63% with an open circuit voltage of 428.67 mV, a short-circuit current density of 24.28 mA cm^-2, and a fill factor of 63.72%. Moreover, the {en}MASnI₃ device shows much better air stability than the neat MASnI₃ device. Comparable performance is also achieved for cesium tin iodide solar cells with en loading, demonstrating the broad scope of this approach.

Paintable Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells with Engineered Perovskite/Carbon Interface Using Carbon Nanotubes Dripping Method

Paintable carbon electrode-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are of particular interest due to their material and fabrication process costs, as well as their moisture stability. However, printing the carbon paste on the perovskite layer limits the quality of the interface between the perovskite layer and carbon electrode. Herein, an attempt to enhance the performance of the paintable carbon-based PSCs is made using a modified solvent dripping method that involves dripping of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which is dispersed in chlorobenzene solution. This method allows CNTs to penetrate into both the perovskite film and carbon electrode, facilitating fast hole transport between the two layers. Furthermore, this method is results in increased open circuit voltage (V_oc ) and fill factor (FF), providing better contact at the perovskite/carbon interfaces. The best devices made with CNT dripping show 13.57% power conversion efficiency and hysteresis-free performance.

Formation of Stable Tin Perovskites Co-crystallized with Three Halides for Carbon-Based Mesoscopic Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells

We synthesized and characterized methylammonium (MA) mixed tri-halide tin perovskites (MASnIBr_2-x Cl_x ) for carbon-based mesoscopic solar cells free of lead and hole-transporting layers. Varied SnCl₂ /SnBr₂ ratios yielded tin perovskites with three halides (I, Br, and Cl) co-crystallized inside the tin-perovskite. When the SnCl₂ proportion was ≥50 % (x≥1), phase separation occurred to give MASnI_3-y Br_y and MASnCl_3-z Br_z in the stoichiometric proportions of their precursors, confirmed by XRD. A device with MASnIBr_1.8 Cl_0.2 (SnCl₂ =10 %) showed the best photovoltaic performance: J_SC =14.0 mA cm^-2 , V_OC =380 mV, FF=0.573, and PCE=3.1 %, and long-term stability. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) show superior charge recombination and dielectric relaxation properties for the MASnIBr_1.8 Cl_0.2 cell. Transient PL decays showed the intrinsic problem of tin-based perovskites with average lifetimes less than 100 ps.

Progress on Perovskite Materials and Solar Cells with Mixed Cations and Halide Anions

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite materials (e.g., MAPbI₃, FAPbI₃, etc.; where MA = CH₃NH₃⁺, FA = CH(NH₂)₂⁺) have been studied intensively for photovoltaic applications. Major concerns for the commercialization of perovskite photovoltaic technology to take off include lead toxicity, long-term stability, hysteresis, and optimal bandgap. Therefore, there is still need for further exploration of alternative candidates. Elemental composition engineering of MAPbI₃ and FAPbI₃ has been proposed to address the above concerns. Among the best six certified power conversion efficiencies reported by National Renewable Energy Laboratory on perovskite-based solar cells, five are based on mixed perovskites (e.g., MAPbI_1-xBr_x, FA_0.85MA_0.15PbI_2.55Br_0.45, Cs_0.1FA_0.75MA_0.15PbI_2.49Br_0.51). In this paper, we review the recent progress on the synthesis and fundamental aspects of mixed cation and halide perovskites correlating with device performance, long-term stability, and hysteresis. In the outlook, we outline the future research directions based on the reported results as well as related topics that warrant further investigation.

Low-Temperature Soft-Cover Deposition of Uniform Large-Scale Perovskite Films for High-Performance Solar Cells

Large-scale high-quality perovskite thin films are crucial to produce high-performance perovskite solar cells. However, for perovskite films fabricated by solvent-rich processes, film uniformity can be prevented by convection during thermal evaporation of the solvent. Here, a scalable low-temperature soft-cover deposition (LT-SCD) method is presented, where the thermal convection-induced defects in perovskite films are eliminated through a strategy of surface tension relaxation. Compact, homogeneous, and convection-induced-defects-free perovskite films are obtained on an area of 12 cm² , which enables a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.5% on a solar cell with an area of 5 cm² . This is the highest efficiency at this large cell area. A PCE of 15.3% is also obtained on a flexible perovskite solar cell deposited on the polyethylene terephthalate substrate owing to the advantage of presented low-temperature processing. Hence, the present LT-SCD technology provides a new non-spin-coating route to the deposition of large-area uniform perovskite films for both rigid and flexible perovskite devices.

Enhanced photovoltaic performance and stability with a new type of hollow 3D perovskite {en}FASnI3

Perovskite solar cells have revolutionized the fabrication of solution-processable solar cells. The presence of lead in the devices makes this technology less attractive, and alternative metals in perovskites are being researched as suitable alternatives. We demonstrate a new type of tin-based perovskite absorber that incorporates both ethylenediammonium (en) and formamidinium (FA), forming new materials of the type {en}FASnI3. The three-dimensional ASnI3 structure is stable only with methylammonium, FA, and Cs cations, and the bandgap can be tuned with solid solutions, such as ASnI3-x Br x . We show that en can serve as a new A cation capable of achieving marked increases in the bandgap without the need for solid solutions. The en introduces a new bandgap tuning mechanism that arises from massive Schottky style defects. In addition, incorporation of the en cation in the structure markedly increases the air stability and improves the photoelectric properties of the tin-based perovskite absorbers. Our best-performing {en}FASnI3 solar cell has the highest efficiency of 7.14%, which is achieved for a lead-free perovskite cell, and retains 96% of its initial efficiency after aging over 1000 hours with encapsulation. Our results introduce a new approach for improving the performance and stability of tin-based, lead-free perovskite solar cells.

Multichannel Interdiffusion Driven FASnI3 Film Formation Using Aqueous Hybrid Salt/Polymer Solutions toward Flexible Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells

Tin (Sn)-based perovskites are increasingly attractive because they offer lead-free alternatives in perovskite solar cells. However, depositing high-quality Sn-based perovskite films is still a challenge, particularly for low-temperature planar heterojunction (PHJ) devices. Here, a "multichannel interdiffusion" protocol is demonstrated by annealing stacked layers of aqueous solution deposited formamidinium iodide (FAI)/polymer layer followed with an evaporated SnI₂ layer to create uniform FASnI₃ films. In this protocol, tiny FAI crystals, significantly inhibited by the introduced polymer, can offer multiple interdiffusion pathways for complete reaction with SnI₂ . What is more, water, rather than traditional aprotic organic solvents, is used to dissolve the precursors. The best-performing FASnI₃ PHJ solar cell assembled by this protocol exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.98%. In addition, a flexible FASnI₃ -based flexible solar cell assembled on a polyethylene naphthalate-indium tin oxide flexible substrate with a PCE of 3.12% is demonstrated. This novel interdiffusion process can help to further boost the performance of lead-free Sn-based perovskites.

Lead-Free Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskites for Photovoltaic Applications: Recent Advances and Perspectives

Organic-inorganic hybrid halide perovskites (e.g., MAPbI₃ ) have recently emerged as novel active materials for photovoltaic applications with power conversion efficiency over 22%. Conventional perovskite solar cells (PSCs); however, suffer the issue that lead is toxic to the environment and organisms for a long time and is hard to excrete from the body. Therefore, it is imperative to find environmentally-friendly metal ions to replace lead for the further development of PSCs. Previous work has demonstrated that Sn, Ge, Cu, Bi, and Sb ions could be used as alternative ions in perovskite configurations to form a new environmentally-friendly lead-free perovskite structure. Here, we review recent progress on lead-free PSCs in terms of the theoretical insight and experimental explorations of the crystal structure of lead-free perovskite, thin film deposition, and device performance. We also discuss the importance of obtaining further understanding of the fundamental properties of lead-free hybrid perovskites, especially those related to photophysics.

Dismantling the "Red Wall" of Colloidal Perovskites: Highly Luminescent Formamidinium and Formamidinium-Cesium Lead Iodide Nanocrystals

Colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) of APbX₃-type lead halide perovskites [A = Cs⁺, CH₃NH₃⁺ (methylammonium or MA⁺) or CH(NH₂)₂⁺ (formamidinium or FA⁺); X = Cl^-, Br^-, I^-] have recently emerged as highly versatile photonic sources for applications ranging from simple photoluminescence down-conversion (e.g., for display backlighting) to light-emitting diodes. From the perspective of spectral coverage, a formidable challenge facing the use of these materials is how to obtain stable emissions in the red and infrared spectral regions covered by the iodide-based compositions. So far, red-emissive CsPbI₃ NCs have been shown to suffer from a delayed phase transformation into a nonluminescent, wide-band-gap 1D polymorph, and MAPbI₃ exhibits very limited chemical durability. In this work, we report a facile colloidal synthesis method for obtaining FAPbI₃ and FA-doped CsPbI₃ NCs that are uniform in size (10-15 nm) and nearly cubic in shape and exhibit drastically higher robustness than their MA- or Cs-only cousins with similar sizes and morphologies. Detailed structural analysis indicated that the FAPbI₃ NCs had a cubic crystal structure, while the FA_0.1Cs_0.9PbI₃ NCs had a 3D orthorhombic structure that was isostructural to the structure of CsPbBr₃ NCs. Bright photoluminescence (PL) with high quantum yield (QY > 70%) spanning red (690 nm, FA_0.1Cs_0.9PbI₃ NCs) and near-infrared (near-IR, ca. 780 nm, FAPbI₃ NCs) regions was sustained for several months or more in both the colloidal state and in films. The peak PL wavelengths can be fine-tuned by using postsynthetic cation- and anion-exchange reactions. Amplified spontaneous emissions with low thresholds of 28 and 7.5 μJ cm^-2 were obtained from the films deposited from FA_0.1Cs_0.9PbI₃ and FAPbI₃ NCs, respectively. Furthermore, light-emitting diodes with a high external quantum efficiency of 2.3% were obtained by using FAPbI₃ NCs.

Dismantling the "Red Wall" of Colloidal Perovskites: Highly Luminescent Formamidinium and Formamidinium-Cesium Lead Iodide Nanocrystals

Colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) of APbX₃-type lead halide perovskites [A = Cs⁺, CH₃NH₃⁺ (methylammonium or MA⁺) or CH(NH₂)₂⁺ (formamidinium or FA⁺); X = Cl^-, Br^-, I^-] have recently emerged as highly versatile photonic sources for applications ranging from simple photoluminescence down-conversion (e.g., for display backlighting) to light-emitting diodes. From the perspective of spectral coverage, a formidable challenge facing the use of these materials is how to obtain stable emissions in the red and infrared spectral regions covered by the iodide-based compositions. So far, red-emissive CsPbI₃ NCs have been shown to suffer from a delayed phase transformation into a nonluminescent, wide-band-gap 1D polymorph, and MAPbI₃ exhibits very limited chemical durability. In this work, we report a facile colloidal synthesis method for obtaining FAPbI₃ and FA-doped CsPbI₃ NCs that are uniform in size (10-15 nm) and nearly cubic in shape and exhibit drastically higher robustness than their MA- or Cs-only cousins with similar sizes and morphologies. Detailed structural analysis indicated that the FAPbI₃ NCs had a cubic crystal structure, while the FA_0.1Cs_0.9PbI₃ NCs had a 3D orthorhombic structure that was isostructural to the structure of CsPbBr₃ NCs. Bright photoluminescence (PL) with high quantum yield (QY > 70%) spanning red (690 nm, FA_0.1Cs_0.9PbI₃ NCs) and near-infrared (near-IR, ca. 780 nm, FAPbI₃ NCs) regions was sustained for several months or more in both the colloidal state and in films. The peak PL wavelengths can be fine-tuned by using postsynthetic cation- and anion-exchange reactions. Amplified spontaneous emissions with low thresholds of 28 and 7.5 μJ cm^-2 were obtained from the films deposited from FA_0.1Cs_0.9PbI₃ and FAPbI₃ NCs, respectively. Furthermore, light-emitting diodes with a high external quantum efficiency of 2.3% were obtained by using FAPbI₃ NCs.

Morphology Analysis and Optimization: Crucial Factor Determining the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells

This review presents an overall discussion on the morphology analysis and optimization for perovskite (PVSK) solar cells. Surface morphology and energy alignment have been proven to play a dominant role in determining the device performance. The effect of the key parameters such as solution condition and preparation atmosphere on the crystallization of PVSK, the characterization of surface morphology and interface distribution in the perovskite layer is discussed in detail. Furthermore, the analysis of interface energy level alignment by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy is presented to reveals the correlation between morphology and charge generation and collection within the perovskite layer, and its influence on the device performance. The techniques including architecture modification, solvent annealing, etc. were reviewed as an efficient approach to improve the morphology of PVSK. It is expected that further progress will be achieved with more efforts devoted to the insight of the mechanism of surface engineering in the field of PVSK solar cells.

Progress on lead-free metal halide perovskites for photovoltaic applications: a review

ABSTRACT

Metal halide perovskites have revolutionized the field of solution-processable photovoltaics. Within just a few years, the power conversion efficiencies of perovskite-based solar cells have been improved significantly to over 20%, which makes them now already comparably efficient to silicon-based photovoltaics. This breakthrough in solution-based photovoltaics, however, has the drawback that these high efficiencies can only be obtained with lead-based perovskites and this will arguably be a substantial hurdle for various applications of perovskite-based photovoltaics and their acceptance in society, even though the amounts of lead in the solar cells are low. This fact opened up a new research field on lead-free metal halide perovskites, which is currently remarkably vivid. We took this as incentive to review this emerging research field and discuss possible alternative elements to replace lead in metal halide perovskites and the properties of the corresponding perovskite materials based on recent theoretical and experimental studies. Up to now, tin-based perovskites turned out to be most promising in terms of power conversion efficiency; however, also the toxicity of these tin-based perovskites is argued. In the focus of the research community are other elements as well including germanium, copper, antimony, or bismuth, and the corresponding perovskite compounds are already showing promising properties.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Substrate-dependent electronic structure and film formation of MAPbI3 perovskites

We present investigations on the interface formation between the hybrid perovskite MAPbI₃ and various substrates, covering a wide range of work functions. The perovskite films are incrementally evaporated in situ while the electronic structure is evaluated using photoelectron spectroscopy. Our results show that there is an induction period in the growth of the perovskite during which volatile compounds are formed, catalyzed by the substrate. The duration of the induction period depends strongly on the nature of the substrate material, and it can take up to 20–30 nm of formal precursor deposition before the surface is passivated and the perovskite film starts forming. The stoichiometry of the 2–3 nm thin passivation layer deviates from the expected perovskite stoichiometry, being rich in decomposition products of the organic cation. During the regular growth of the perovskite, our measurements show a deviation from the commonly assumed flat band condition, i.e., dipole formation and band bending dominate the interface. Overall, the nature of the substrate not only changes the energetic alignment of the perovskite, it can introduce gap states and influence the film formation and morphology. The possible impact on device performance is discussed.

Importance of Reducing Vapor Atmosphere in the Fabrication of Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cells

Tin-based halide perovskite materials have been successfully employed in lead-free perovskite solar cells, but the tendency of these materials to form leakage pathways from p-type defect states, mainly Sn⁴⁺ and Sn vacancies, causes poor device reproducibility and limits the overall power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Here, we present an effective process that involves a reducing vapor atmosphere during the preparation of Sn-based halide perovskite solar cells to solve this problem, using MASnI₃, CsSnI₃, and CsSnBr₃ as the representative absorbers. This process enables the fabrication of remarkably improved solar cells with PCEs of 3.89%, 1.83%, and 3.04% for MASnI₃, CsSnI₃, and CsSnBr₃, respectively. The reducing vapor atmosphere process results in more than 20% reduction of Sn⁴⁺/Sn²⁺ ratios, which leads to greatly suppressed carrier recombination, to a level comparable to their lead-based counterparts. These results mark an important step toward a deeper understanding of the intrinsic Sn-based halide perovskite materials, paving the way to the realization of low-cost and lead-free Sn-based halide perovskite solar cells.

Combining theory and experiment in the design of a lead-free ((CH3NH3)2AgBiI6) double perovskite

A lead-free double perovskite, (CH₃NH₃)₂AgBiI₆, which is rather stable, was investigated using a combination of experiment and density functional theory.

Lead-Free Inverted Planar Formamidinium Tin Triiodide Perovskite Solar Cells Achieving Power Conversion Efficiencies up to 6.22

Efficient lead (Pb)-free inverted planar formamidinium tin triiodide (FASnI₃ ) perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) are demonstrated. Our FASnI₃ PVSCs achieved average power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 5.41% ± 0.46% and a maximum PCE of 6.22% under forward voltage scan. The PVSCs exhibit small photocurrent-voltage hysteresis and high reproducibility. The champion cell shows a steady-state efficiency of ≈6.00% for over 100 s.

A Two-Step Absorber Deposition Approach To Overcome Shunt Losses in Thin-Film Solar Cells: Using Tin Sulfide as a Proof-of-Concept Material System

As novel absorber materials are developed and screened for their photovoltaic (PV) properties, the challenge remains to reproducibly test promising candidates for high-performing PV devices. Many early-stage devices are prone to device shunting due to pinholes in the absorber layer, producing "false-negative" results. Here, we demonstrate a device engineering solution toward a robust device architecture, using a two-step absorber deposition approach. We use tin sulfide (SnS) as a test absorber material. The SnS bulk is processed at high temperature (400 °C) to stimulate grain growth, followed by a much thinner, low-temperature (200 °C) absorber deposition. At a lower process temperature, the thin absorber overlayer contains significantly smaller, densely packed grains, which are likely to provide a continuous coating and fill pinholes in the underlying absorber bulk. We compare this two-step approach to the more standard approach of using a semi-insulating buffer layer directly on top of the annealed absorber bulk, and we demonstrate a more than 3.5× superior shunt resistance Rsh with smaller standard error σRsh. Electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) measurements indicate a lower density of pinholes in the SnS absorber bulk when using the two-step absorber deposition approach. We correlate those findings to improvements in the device performance and device performance reproducibility.