Hybrid halide perovskite solar cell precursors: colloidal chemistry and coordination engineering behind device processing for high efficiency

Perovskite precursor solution chemistry: from fundamentals to photovoltaic applications

The perovskite precursor solution chemistry is of paramount importance for well-controlled nucleation/crystal growth in solution-processed perovskite solar cells.

Controlled crystal facet of MAPbI3 perovskite for highly efficient and stable solar cell via nucleation modulation

The crystallization of MAPbI3 perovskite films was purposefully engineered to investigate the governing factors which determine their morphological properties and moisture stability. By modulating nucleation, we obtained a single layer perovskite film with controlled crystal facet orientation and grain size. The lack of perovskite nucleation sites during crystallization allowed us to tailor the resulting crystallization phase. Theoretical calculations indicated that the nucleation sites for perovskite growth are related to the electron density around the oxygen atom (C[double bond, length as m-dash]O and S[double bond, length as m-dash]O) in a Lewis base. A single layer of micrometer-sized and (110)-oriented perovskite crystals was achieved in the optimized MAPbI3 films via suppressing the formation of nucleation sites. We fabricated inverted perovskite solar cells with the structure of glass/ITO/PEDOT:PSS/MAPbI3/PC61BM/Al which exhibited a high power conversion efficiency of 17.5% and a high fill factor over 83%. In addition, a study of the moisture stability indicated that the (110) facet orientation of the perovskite grains plays a more important role in film degradation than grain size.

Efficient Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes: Effect of Composition, Morphology, and Transport Layers

Organic-inorganic metal halide perovskites are emerging as novel materials for light-emitting applications due to their high color purity, band gap tunability, straightforward synthesis, and inexpensive precursors. In this work, we improve the performance of three-dimensional perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) by tuning the emissive layer composition and thickness and by using small-molecule transport layers. Additionally, we correlate PeLED efficiencies to the perovskite structure and morphology. The results show that the PeLEDs containing perovskites with an excess of methylammonium bromide (MABr) to lead bromide (PbBr₂) in a 2:1 ratio and a layer thickness of 80 nm have the highest performance. The optimized device exhibits a peak luminance of 17 600 cd/m² and an external quantum efficiency of 3.9%. Structural and morphological studies reveal a reduction in crystallite size and surface roughness with decreasing perovskite layer thickness and increasing ratio of MABr to PbBr₂. Balanced charge injection, spatial charge confinement, and reduction in nonradiative sites can explain the enhanced performance by virtue of favorable morphology and transport layer choice.

Diboron-Assisted Interfacial Defect Control Strategy for Highly Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Metal halide perovskite films are endowed with the nature of ions and polycrystallinity. Formamidinium iodide (FAI)-based perovskite films, which include large cations (FA) incorporated into the crystal lattice, are most likely to induce local defects due to the presence of the unreacted FAI species. Here, a diboron-assisted strategy is demonstrated to control the defects induced by the unreacted FAI both inside the grain boundaries and at the surface regions. The diboron compound (C₁₂ H₁₀ B₂ O₄ ) can selectively react with unreacted FAI, leading to reduced defect densities. Nonradiative recombination between a perovskite film and a hole-extraction layer is mitigated considerably after the introduction of the proposed approach and charge-carrier extraction is improved as well. A champion power conversion efficiency of 21.11% is therefore obtained with a stabilized power output of 20.83% at the maximum power point for planar perovskite solar cells. The optimized device also delivers negligible hysteresis effect under various scanning conditions. This approach paves a new way for mitigating defects and improving device performance.

General Nondestructive Passivation by 4-Fluoroaniline for Perovskite Solar Cells with Improved Performance and Stability

Hybrid perovskite thin films are prone to producing surface vacancies during the film formation, which degrade the stability and photovoltaic performance. Passivation via post-treatment can heal these defects, but present methods are slightly destructive to the bulk of 3D perovskite due to the solvent effect, which hinders fabrication reproducibility. Herein, nondestructive surface/interface passivation using 4-fluoroaniline (FAL) is established. FAL is not only an effective antisolvent candidate for surface modification, but also a large dipole molecule (2.84 Debye) with directional field for charge separation. Density functional theory calculation reveals that the nondestructive properties are attributed to both the conjugated amine in aromatic ring and the para-fluoro-substituent. A hot vapor assisted colloidal process is employed for the post-treatment. The molecular passivation yields an ultrathin protection layer with a hydrophobic fluoro-substituent tail and thus enhances the stability and optoelectronic properties. FAL post-treated perovskite solar cell (PSC) delivers a 20.48% power conversion efficiency under ambient conditions. Micro-photoluminescence reveals that passivation activates the dark defective state at the surface and interface, delivering the impact picture of boundary on the local carriers. This work demonstrates a generic nondestructive chemical approach for improving the performance and stability of PSCs.

HPbI3 as a Bifunctional Additive for Morphology Control and Grain Boundary Passivation toward Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

One of the key aspects contributing to the rapid development of perovskite solar cells is to prepare high-quality perovskite films via morphology control and interface engineering. Here, we demonstrate that the additive HPbI₃ works effectively on both morphology control and grain boundary passivation of CH₃NH₃PbI_{3- x}Cl _x thin films. By inducing HPbI₃ to the crystal transformation process, high-quality perovskite films consisting of micro-sized grains with boundaries passivated by PbI₂ can be readily produced. The perovskite film obtained with HPbI₃ as the additive achieves a much longer carrier lifetime compared to the pristine perovskite film without the additive. Under the optimal HPbI₃ amount (5.0%), the average power conversion efficiency of the planar-heterojunction solar cells is increased by ∼24% to 17.42% from 14.09% for the device without the additive, and the champion efficiency reaches 18.59%. The devices without any encapsulation show impressive shelf stability, retaining more than 85% of the initial efficiency after being stored in ambient environment for over 40 days.

Long-Term Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells under Different Growth Conditions: A Defect-Controlled Water Diffusion Mechanism

Understanding the water-infiltration process is crucial for improving the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Although many attempts have been made in this regard, the role of growth condition in PSC synthesis, which has been observed experimentally to be essential for the stability of PSCs, remains elusive. Using first-principles tools, we demonstrate that the growth condition strongly controls the water-infiltration process of PSCs by dictating the formation of point defects on PSC surfaces. The resulting point defects are found to alter both the rate and the pathways of the water-infiltration process substantially. Our work builds a new scenario for understanding the relation between the PSC decomposition mechanism and its preparation methods; it not only sheds new insights for decrypting experimental phenomenon, but also provides important guidance for future preparation of PSCs with improved water resistance.

Toward Perovskite Solar Cell Commercialization: A Perspective and Research Roadmap Based on Interfacial Engineering

High-efficiency and low-cost perovskite solar cells (PVKSCs) are an ideal candidate for addressing the scalability challenge of solar-based renewable energy. The dynamically evolving research field of PVKSCs has made immense progress in solving inherent challenges and capitalizing on their unique structure-property-processing-performance traits. This review offers a unique outlook on the paths toward commercialization of PVKSCs from the interfacial engineering perspective, relevant to both specialists and nonspecialists in the field through a brief introduction of the background of the field, current state-of-the-art evolution, and future research prospects. The multifaceted role of interfaces in facilitating PVKSC development is explained. Beneficial impacts of diverse charge-transporting materials and interfacial modifications are summarized. In addition, the role of interfaces in improving efficiency and stability for all emerging areas of PVKSC design are also evaluated. The authors' integral contributions in this area are highlighted on all fronts. Finally, future research opportunities for interfacial material development and applications along with scalability-durability-sustainability considerations pivotal for facilitating laboratory to industry translation are presented.

The synergistic effect of non-stoichiometry and Sb-doping on air-stable α-CsPbI3 for efficient carbon-based perovskite solar cells

α-CsPbI3 with the most suitable band gap for all-inorganic perovskite solar cell (PSC) application faces an issue of phase instability at low temperature in an air atmosphere. Herein, through stoichiometric investigation, α-CsPbI3 is successfully obtained with excess CsI at 110 °C in an air atmosphere. By doping α-CsPbI3 with Sb, phase stability is further enhanced and the film morphology is also improved. Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) based on CsPb0.96Sb0.04I3 achieve a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.18%, a record value for α-CsPbI3-based PSCs without hole transport materials. Significantly, the CsPb0.96Sb0.04I3 C-PSCs retain 93% of the initial PCE after 37 days of storage in an air atmosphere. Therefore, the synergistic effect of non-stoichiometry and Sb-doping presents a promising strategy to design all-inorganic lead halide PSCs with high performance and stability.

Chelate-Pb Intermediate Engineering for High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells

Crystallization quality and grain size are key factors in fabricating high-performance planar-type perovskite photovoltaics. Herein, we used 1,8-octanedithiol as an effective additive in the [HC(NH₂)₂]_0.95Cs_0.05PbI₃ (FA_0.95Cs_0.05PbI₃) solution to improve the FA_0.95Cs_0.05PbI₃ film quality via solution processing. 1,8-Octanedithiol would coordinate with lead to form the chelate-Pb compound, leading to smaller Gibbs free energy during the perovskite crystallization process, facilitating formation of high-quality perovskite films with larger grains, smoother surfaces, lower electron trap densities, and longer carrier lifetimes compared to the nonadditive ones. As a result, the champion efficiency for devices with 3% 1,8-octanedithiol-doped FA_0.95Cs_0.05PbI₃ is raised to 19.36% from 18.39% of a device without the additive. The new technique is a promising way to fabricate perovskite photovoltaics with high performance.

Methodologies toward Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

A perovskite solar cell (PSC) employing an organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite light harvester, seeded in 2009 with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.8% and grown in 2011 with PCE of 6.5% in dye-sensitized solar cell structure, has received great attention since the breakthrough reports ≈10% efficient solid-state PCSs demonstrating 500 h stability. Developments of device layout and high-quality perovskite film eventually lead to a PCE over 22%. As of October 31, 2017, the highest PCE of 22.7% is listed in an efficiency chart provided by NREL. In this Review, the methodologies to obtain highly efficient PSCs are described in detail. In order to achieve a PCE of over 20% reproducibly, key technologies are disclosed from the viewpoint of precursor solution chemistry, processing for defect-free perovskite films, and passivation of grain boundaries. Understanding chemical species in precursor solution, crystal growth kinetics, light-matter interaction, and controlling defects is expected to give important insights into not only reproducible production of high PCE over 20% but also further enhancement of the PCE of PCSs.

Perovskite seeding growth of formamidinium-lead-iodide-based perovskites for efficient and stable solar cells

Formamidinium-lead-iodide (FAPbI₃)-based perovskites with bandgap below 1.55 eV are of interest for photovoltaics in view of their close-to-ideal bandgap. Record-performance FAPbI₃-based solar cells have relied on fabrication via the sequential-deposition method; however, these devices exhibit unstable output under illumination due to the difficulty of incorporating cesium cations (stabilizer) in sequentially deposited films. Here we devise a perovskite seeding method that efficiently incorporates cesium and beneficially modulates perovskite crystallization. First, perovskite seed crystals are embedded in the PbI₂ film. The perovskite seeds serve as cesium sources and act as nuclei to facilitate crystallization during the formation of perovskite. Perovskite films with perovskite seeding growth exhibit a lowered trap density, and the resulting planar solar cells achieve stabilized efficiency of 21.5% with a high open-circuit voltage of 1.13 V and a fill factor that exceeds 80%. The Cs-containing FAPbI₃-based devices show a striking improvement in operational stability and retain 60% of their initial efficiency after 140 h operation under one sun illumination.

Formamidinium-lead-iodide-based perovskites have a preferred bandgap below 1.55 eV for solar cell applications but suffer from operational instability. Here, Zhao et al. improve the film quality using cesium-containing seeded growth to show high stabilized efficiency and more than 100 h lifetime under simulated sunlight.

Investigation of Hole-Transporting Poly(triarylamine) on Aggregation and Charge Transport for Hysteresisless Scalable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Organometallic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have unique photovoltaic properties for use in next-generation solar energy harvesting systems. The highest efficiency of PSCs reached 22.1% on a laboratory scale of <0.1 cm² device area. Thus, scaling up is the next step toward commercialization, but the difficulty in controlling the quality of large-area perovskite thin films remains a fundamental challenge. It has also been frequently reported that the J- V hysteresis is intensified in PSCs with areas larger than 1 cm². In this study, we have fabricated a large-area perovskite layer using PbICl films, providing an intrinsic porous layer and enhancing the uniformity of the perovskite layer at areas larger than 1 cm². Furthermore, we have investigated the polymeric properties of the prevalent hole-transporting material poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) with its photovoltaic performance. Two types of PTAAs, poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4-dimethylphenyl)amine] and poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine], were compared. A series of PTAAs with different molecular weights ( M_w) and polydispersity indices were studied, as the molecular weight of the PTAA is a key factor in determining the electrical properties and photovoltaic performance of the system. The fabricated PSCs with an aperture area of 1 cm² based on a high-molecular-weight PTAA achieved a power conversion efficiency of 16.47% with negligible hysteresis and excellent reproducibility.

Growth of Compact CH3NH3PbI3 Thin Films Governed by the Crystallization in PbI2 Matrix for Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

As a convenient preparation technique, a two-step method, which is normally done by spin-coating CH₃NH₃I onto PbI₂ film followed by a thermal annealing, is generally used to prepare solution-processed CH₃NH₃PbI₃ films for planar perovskite solar cells. Here, we prepare the compact CH₃NH₃PbI₃ thin films by the two-step method at a low temperature (<80 °C) and investigate the effects of PbI₂ crystallization on the structure-property correlation in the CH₃NH₃PbI₃ films. It is found that the importance of the crystallization in PbI₂ matrix lies in governing the transition from the (001) plane of trigonal PbI₂ to the (002) plane of tetragonal CH₃NH₃PbI₃ in the rapid reaction process for atoms to coordinate into perovskite during spin-coating, which actually determines the morphology and the type of vacancy defects in resulting perovskite; a better crystallized PbI₂ film has a much stronger ability to react with CH₃NH₃I solution and produces larger CH₃NH₃PbI₃ grains with a higher crystallinity. The CH₃NH₃PbI₃/TiO₂ planar solar cell derived from a better crystallized PbI₂ film exhibits significantly improved performance and stability as the result of the higher crystallinity inside the perovskite film. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the crystalline PbI₂ film matrix subjected to the annealing after a slow heating process prior to contacting CH₃NH₃I solution is more effective for CH₃NH₃PbI₃ formation than that with a direct annealing history. The results in this paper provide a guide for preparing high-quality CH₃NH₃PbI₃ thin films for efficient perovskite solar cells and CH₃NH₃PbI₃ interfacial films over the layers susceptible to temperature.

A general approach for nanoparticle composite transport materials toward efficient perovskite solar cells

The design of electron transport layers (ETLs) is crucial to the performance of optoelectronic devices. A composite ETL was constructed to overcome the poor carrier extraction issue in perovskite solar cells, resulting in a maximum PCE of 19.14% with reduced hysteresis. A similar enhancement phenomenon was observed in both devices based on TiO₂ and SnO₂ ETLs.

Polarization-Dependent Optoelectronic Performances in Hybrid Halide Perovskite MAPbX3 (X = Br, Cl) Single-Crystal Photodetectors

Hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites (HOIPs) have received significant attention because of their impressive performances in the fields of solar cells and photoelectric detection. In the past five years, great efforts have been made to improve the crystallinity, reduce grain boundaries, and enhance the stabilities of perovskite films. Compared with films, HOIP single crystals possess fewer grain boundaries and stronger optoelectronic properties and can be applied in optoelectronic devices. As the most popular HOIP member, single crystals of MAPbX₃ (X = Br, Cl) are deemed as important candidates for ultraviolet-visible photodetectors, in which the crystal structure anisotropy largely affects the detection performance. In this study, high-quality cubic single crystals of MAPbBr₃ and MAPbCl₃ were successfully grown from solutions. Taking advantages of their smooth (100) facets, planar metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors were fabricated using Au interdigitated electrodes. The optoelectronic performances under nonpolarized and linearly polarized lights were explored. The optoelectronic performances were dependent on linearly polarized lights. Interestingly, both responsivity and external quantum efficiency were greatly enhanced under the excitation with linearly polarized lights. Moreover, the polarization-related optical absorptions and the electron densities within the (100) plane could be used to interpret different optoelectronic performances of single crystals of MAPbX₃ (X = Br, Cl) under various linearly polarized lights.

Structural effects on optoelectronic properties of halide perovskites

This review gives a perspective on different synthetic methodologies for the preparation of halide perovskites and highlights the structural effects on their optoelectronic properties.

Understanding effects of precursor solution aging in triple cation lead perovskite

The solution process is the most widely used method to prepare perovskite absorbers for high performance solar cells due to its ease for fabrication and low capital cost. However, an insufficient level of reproducibility of the solution process is often a concern. Complex precursor solution chemistry is likely one of the main reasons for the reproducibility issue. Here we report the effects of triple cation lead mixed-halide perovskite precursor solution aging on the quality of the resulting films and the device performance. Our study revealed that precursor solution aging has a great influence on the colloidal size distribution of the solution, which then affects the phase purity of the films and device performance. We determined the optimum aging hours that led to the best device efficiency along with the highest reproducibility. Dynamic light scattering revealed the formation of micron-sized colloidal intermediates in the solution when aged longer than the optimum hours and further analysis along with X-ray diffraction measurements suggested there were two chemical origins of the large aggregates, FA-based and Cs-based complexes.

The solution process is the most widely used method to prepare perovskite absorbers for high performance solar cells due to its ease for fabrication and low capital cost.

Room-Temperature and Solution-Processable Cu-Doped Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles for Efficient Hole-Transport Layers of Flexible Large-Area Perovskite Solar Cells

Flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using plastic substrates have become one of the most attractive points in the field of thin-film solar cells. Low-temperature and solution-processable nanoparticles (NPs) enable the fabrication of semiconductor thin films in a simple and low-cost approach to function as charge-selective layers in flexible PSCs. Here, we synthesized phase-pure p-type Cu-doped NiO_x NPs with good electrical properties, which can be processed to smooth, pinhole-free, and efficient hole transport layers (HTLs) with large-area uniformity over a wide range of film thickness using a room-temperature solution-processing technique. Such a high-quality inorganic HTL allows for the fabrication of flexible PSCs with an active area >1 cm², which have a power conversion efficiency over 15.01% without hysteresis. Moreover, the Cu/NiO_x NP-based flexible devices also demonstrate excellent air stability and mechanical stability compared to their counterpart fabricated on the pristine NiO_x films. This work will contribute to the evolution of upscaling flexible PSCs with a simple fabrication process and high device performances.

The Effect of Methylammonium Iodide on the Supersaturation and Interfacial Energy of the Crystallization of Methylammonium Lead Triiodide Single Crystals

It is very important to study the crystallization of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites because their thin films are usually prepared from solution. The investigation on the growth of perovskite films is however limited by their polycrystallinity. In this work, methylammonium lead triiodide single crystals grown from solutions with different methylammonium iodide (MAI):lead iodide (PbI₂ ) ratios were investigated. We observed a V-shaped dependence of the crystallization onset temperature on the MAI:PbI₂ ratio. This is attributed to the MAI effects on the supersaturation of precursors and the interfacial energy of the crystal growth. At low MAI:PbI₂ ratio (<1.7), more MAI leads to the supersaturation of the precursors at lower temperature. At high MAI:PbI₂ ratio, the crystal growing plans change from (100)-plane dominated to (001)-plane dominated. The latter have higher interfacial energy than the former, leading to a higher crystallization onset temperature.

Versatile Device Architectures for High-Performing Light-Soaking-Free Inverted Polymer Solar Cells

Metal oxide charge transport layers have been widely employed to prepare inverted polymer solar cells with high efficiency and long lifetime. However, the intrinsic defects in the metal oxide layers, especially those prepared from low-temperature routes, overshadow the high efficiency that can be achieved and also introduce "light-soaking" issues to these devices. In this work, we have employed polyethyleneimine (PEI) and poly(9,9-bis(6'-(N,N-diethylamino)propyl)-fluorene-alt-9,9-bis-(3-ethyl(oxetane-3-ethyloxy)-hexyl)-fluorene] (PFN-OX) to modify our low-temperature-processed TiO₂ electron transport layer (ETL) and demonstrated that the light-soaking issue can be effectively eliminated by PEI modifications because of the formation of abundant dipole moments, whereas PFN-OX was ineffective as a result of deficient dipole moments at the interface. Excitingly, PEI modifications enable versatile device architectures to obtain light-soaking-free, inverted PTB7-Th:PC₇₁BM solar cells with efficiencies of over 10%, by adding PEI either in the bulk or as an adjacent layer below or above the TiO₂ ETL.

Boron-Doped Graphite for High Work Function Carbon Electrode in Printable Hole-Conductor-Free Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells

Work function of carbon electrodes is critical in obtaining high open-circuit voltage as well as high device performance for carbon-based perovskite solar cells. Herein, we propose a novel strategy to upshift work function of carbon electrode by incorporating boron atom into graphite lattice and employ it in printable hole-conductor-free mesoscopic perovskite solar cells. The high-work-function boron-doped carbon electrode facilitates hole extraction from perovskite as verified by photoluminescence. Meanwhile, the carbon electrode is endowed with an improved conductivity because of a higher graphitization carbon of boron-doped graphite. These advantages of the boron-doped carbon electrode result in a low charge transfer resistance at carbon/perovskite interface and an extended carrier recombination lifetime. Together with the merit of both high work function and conductivity, the power conversion efficiency of hole-conductor-free mesoscopic perovskite solar cells is increased from 12.4% for the pristine graphite electrode-based cells to 13.6% for the boron-doped graphite electrode-based cells with an enhanced open-circuit voltage and fill factor.

Efficient Sky-Blue Perovskite Light-Emitting Devices Based on Ethylammonium Bromide Induced Layered Perovskites

Low-dimensional organometallic halide perovskites are actively studied for the light-emitting applications due to their properties such as solution processability, high luminescence quantum yield, large exciton binding energy, and tunable band gap. Introduction of large-group ammonium halides not only serves as a convenient and versatile method to obtain layered perovskites but also allows the exploitation of the energy-funneling process to achieve a high-efficiency light emission. Herein, we investigate the influence of the addition of ethylammonium bromide on the morphology, crystallite structure, and optical properties of the resultant perovskite materials and report that the phase transition from bulk to layered perovskite occurs in the presence of excess ethylammonium bromide. On the basis of this strategy, we report green perovskite light-emitting devices with the maximum external quantum efficiency of ca. 3% and power efficiency of 9.3 lm/W. Notably, blue layered perovskite light-emitting devices with the Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage coordinates of (0.16, 0.23) exhibit the maximum external quantum efficiency of 2.6% and power efficiency of 1 lm/W at 100 cd/m², representing a large improvement over the previously reported analogous devices.

A Strategy to Produce High Efficiency, High Stability Perovskite Solar Cells Using Functionalized Ionic Liquid-Dopants

Functionalized imidazolium iodide salts (ionic liquids) modified with CH₂ CHCH₂ , CH₂ CCH, or CH₂ CN groups are applied as dopants in the synthesis of CH₃ NH₃ PbI₃ -type perovskites together with a fumigation step. Notably, a solar cell device prepared from the perovskite film doped with the salt containing the CH₂ CHCH₂ side-chain has a power conversion efficiency of 19.21%, which is the highest efficiency reported for perovskite solar cells involving a fumigation step. However, doping with the imidazolium salts with the CH₂ CCH and CH₂ CN groups result in perovskite layers that lead to solar cell devices with similar or lower power conversion efficiencies than the dopant-free cell.

Direct Laser Writing of δ- to α-Phase Transformation in Formamidinium Lead Iodide

Organolead halide perovskites are increasingly considered for applications well beyond photovoltaics, for example, as the active regions within photonic devices. Herein, we report the direct laser writing (DLW: 458 nm cw-laser) of the formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI₃) yellow δ-phase into its high-temperature luminescent black α-phase, a remarkably easy and scalable approach that takes advantage of the material's susceptibility to transition under ambient conditions. Through the DLW of α-FAPbI₃ tracks on δ-FAPbI₃ single-crystal surfaces, the controlled and rapid microfabrication of highly luminescent structures exhibiting long-term phase stability is detailed, offering an avenue toward the prototyping of complex perovskite-based optical devices. The dynamics and kinetics of laser-induced δ- to α-phase transformations are investigated in situ by Raman microprobe analysis, as a function of irradiation power, time, temperature, and atmospheric conditions, revealing an interesting connection between oxygen intercalation at the surface and the δ- to α-phase transformation dynamics, an insight that will find application within the wider context of FAPbI₃ thermal phase relations.

Crystallization Kinetics and Morphology Control of Formamidinium-Cesium Mixed-Cation Lead Mixed-Halide Perovskite via Tunability of the Colloidal Precursor Solution

The meteoric rise of the field of perovskite solar cells has been fueled by the ease with which a wide range of high-quality materials can be fabricated via simple solution processing methods. However, to date, little effort has been devoted to understanding the precursor solutions, and the role of additives such as hydrohalic acids upon film crystallization and final optoelectronic quality. Here, a direct link between the colloids concentration present in the [HC(NH₂ )₂ ]_0.83 Cs_0.17 Pb(Br_0.2 I_0.8 )₃ precursor solution and the nucleation and growth stages of the thin film formation is established. Using dynamic light scattering analysis, the dissolution of colloids over a time span triggered by the addition of hydrohalic acids is monitored. These colloids appear to provide nucleation sites for the perovskite crystallization, which critically impacts morphology, crystal quality, and optoelectronic properties. Via 2D X-ray diffraction, highly ordered and textured crystals for films prepared from solutions with lower colloidal concentrations are observed. This increase in material quality allows for a reduction in microstrain along with a twofold increase in charge-carrier mobilities leading to values exceeding 20 cm² V^-1 s^-1 . Using a solution with an optimized colloidal concentration, devices that reach current-voltage measured power conversion efficiency of 18.8% and stabilized efficiency of 17.9% are fabricated.

Composite Perovskites of Cesium Lead Bromide for Optimized Photoluminescence

The halide perovskite CsPbBr₃ has shown its promise for green light-emitting diodes. The optimal conditions of photoluminescence and the underlying photophysics, however, remain controversial. To address the inconsistency seen in the previous reports and to offer high-quality luminescent materials that can be readily integrated into functional devices with layered architecture, we created thin films of CsPbBr₃/Cs₄PbBr₆ composites based on a dual-source vapor-deposition method. With the capability of tuning the material composition in a broad range, CsPbBr₃ is identified as the only light emitter in the composites. Interestingly, the presence of the photoluminescence-inactive Cs₄PbBr₆ can significantly enhance the light emitting efficiency of the composites. The unique negative thermal quenching observed near the liquid nitrogen temperature indicates that a type of shallow state generated at the CsPbBr₃/Cs₄PbBr₆ interfaces is responsible for the enhancement of photoluminescence.

A PbI2-xClx seed layer for obtaining efficient planar-heterojunction perovskite solar cells via an interdiffusion process

Despite the previous reports on the fabrication of CH₃NH₃PbI_3-xCl_x films via sequential deposition, the positioning and formation of PbI₂ in MAPbI_3-xCl_x perovskite films made from the seed layer containing PbI₂ and PbCl₂ in different ratios have not yet been addressed. In this study, the PbI₂ content in a perovskite absorber layer is controlled by changing the PbCl₂ ratio in a PbI_2-xCl_x seed layer. The addition of PbCl₂ in the seed layer facilitates PbI₂ generation and affects the morphology of the perovskite film. By integrating a perovskite absorber via the PbI_2-xCl_x seed-layer into a solar cell, we investigated the effects of the correlation between the chlorine and PbI₂ contents on the device performance through intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy and intensity-modulated photovoltage spectroscopy. Elemental depth profiling analyses confirm that not only was the formed PbI₂ preferentially located near the metal-oxide layer, but residual chlorine was adsorbed at the TiO₂ layer. Our findings demonstrate that the geometric features of the formed PbI₂ affected the perovskite solar cells according to the chlorine content, likely because of the elemental gradient induced by annealing. The PbI_2-xCl_x-derived planar-heterojunction perovskite solar cells exhibited maximum power-conversion efficiencies of 17.56% at reverse scan and 17.21% at forward scan, suppressed current density-voltage hysteresis, and good performance distributions.

In Situ Observation of Crystallization of Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite from Microdroplets

It is of great importance to investigate the crystallization of organometallic perovskite from solution for enhancing performance of perovskite solar cells. Here, this study develops a facile method for in situ observation of crystallization and growth of the methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃ ) perovskite from microdroplets ejected by an alternating viscous and inertial force jetting method. It is found that there are two crystallization modes when MAPbI₃ grows from the CH₃ NH₃ I (MAI)/PbI₂ /N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution: needle precursors and granular perovskites. Generally, needle Lewis adduct of MAPbI₃ ·DMF tends to nucleate and grow from the solution due to low solubility of PbI₂ . The growth of MAPbI₃ ·DMF depends on both the concentration of MAI and temperature. It tends to form large perovskite domains on substrates at high temperature. The MAPbI₃ ·DMF coverts to nanocrystalline perovskite due to lattice shrinkage when DMF molecules escape from the Lewis adduct. Granular perovskite can also directly nucleate from the solution at high concentration of MAI due to compositional segregation.

In situ dynamic observations of perovskite crystallisation and microstructure evolution intermediated from [PbI6]4- cage nanoparticles

Hybrid lead halide perovskites have emerged as high-performance photovoltaic materials with their extraordinary optoelectronic properties. In particular, the remarkable device efficiency is strongly influenced by the perovskite crystallinity and the film morphology. Here, we investigate the perovskites crystallisation kinetics and growth mechanism in real time from liquid precursor continually to the final uniform film. We utilize some advanced in situ characterisation techniques including synchrotron-based grazing incident X-ray diffraction to observe crystal structure and chemical transition of perovskites. The nano-assemble model from perovskite intermediated [PbI₆]⁴⁻ cage nanoparticles to bulk polycrystals is proposed to understand perovskites formation at a molecular- or nano-level. A crystallisation-depletion mechanism is developed to elucidate the periodic crystallisation and the kinetically trapped morphology at a mesoscopic level. Based on these in situ dynamics studies, the whole process of the perovskites formation and transformation from the molecular to the microstructure over relevant temperature and time scales is successfully demonstrated.

The photovoltaic performances of perovskite materials are strongly influenced by their crystallinity and film morphology. Here, the authors investigate the formation and morphology evolution mechanisms of lead halide perovskites and reveal that bulk polycrystals grow from intermediate [PbI6]⁴⁻ cage nanoparticles.

Poly(4-Vinylpyridine)-Based Interfacial Passivation to Enhance Voltage and Moisture Stability of Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

It is well known that the surface trap states and electronic disorders in the solution-processed CH₃ NH₃ PbI₃ perovskite film affect the solar cell performance significantly and moisture sensitivity of photoactive perovskite material limits its practical applications. Herein, we show the surface modification of a perovskite film with a solution-processable hydrophobic polymer (poly(4-vinylpyridine), PVP), which passivates the undercoordinated lead (Pb) atoms (on the surface of perovskite) by its pyridine Lewis base side chains and thereby eliminates surface-trap states and non-radiative recombination. Moreover, it acts as an electron barrier between the perovskite and hole-transport layer (HTL) to reduce interfacial charge recombination, which led to improvement in open-circuit voltage (V_oc ) by 120 to 160 mV whereas the standard cell fabricated in same conditions showed V_oc as low as 0.9 V owing to dominating interfacial recombination processes. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) increased by 3 to 5 % in the polymer-modified devices (PCE=15 %) with V_oc more than 1.05 V and hysteresis-less J-V curves. Advantageously, hydrophobicity of the polymer chain was found to protect the perovskite surface from moisture and improved stability of the non-encapsulated cells, which retained their device performance up to 30 days of exposure to open atmosphere (50 % humidity).

Controlled Crystal Grain Growth in Mixed Cation-Halide Perovskite by Evaporated Solvent Vapor Recycling Method for High Efficiency Solar Cells

We developed a new and simple solvent vapor-assisted thermal annealing (VA) procedure which can reduce grain boundaries in a perovskite film for fabricating highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). By recycling of solvent molecules evaporated from an as-prepared perovskite film as a VA vapor source, named the pot-roast VA (PR-VA) method, finely controlled and reproducible device fabrication was achieved for formamidinium (FA) and methylammonium (MA) mixed cation-halide perovskite (FAPbI₃)_0.85(MAPbBr₃)_0.15. The mixed perovskite was crystallized on a low-temperature prepared brookite TiO₂ mesoporous scaffold. When exposed to very dilute solvent vapor, small grains in the perovskite film gradually unified into large grains, resulting in grain boundaries which were highly reduced and improvement of photovoltaic performance in PSC. PR-VA-treated large grain perovskite absorbers exhibited stable photocurrent-voltage performance with high fill factor and suppressed hysteresis, achieving the best conversion efficiency of 18.5% for a 5 × 5 mm² device and 15.2% for a 1.0 × 1.0 cm² device.

Chemical Reduction of Intrinsic Defects in Thicker Heterojunction Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Minimization of defects in absorber materials is essential for hybrid perovskite solar cells, especially when constructing thick polycrystalline layers in a planar configuration. Here, a simple methylamine solution-based additive is reported to improve film quality with nearly an order of magnitude reduction in intrinsic defect concentration. In the resultant film, an increase in carrier lifetime as a result of a decrease in shallow electronic disorder is observed. This superior crystalline film quality is further evidenced via a doubled spin relaxation time as compared with other reports. Bearing sufficient carrier diffusion length, a thick absorber layer (≈650 nm) is implemented in planar devices to achieve a champion power conversion efficiency of 20.02% with a stabilized output efficiency of 19.01% under one sun illumination. This work demonstrates a simple approach to improve hybrid perovskite film quality by substantial reduction of intrinsic defects for wide applications in optoelectronics.

Perovskite-Erbium Silicate Nanosheet Hybrid Waveguide Photodetectors at the Near-Infrared Telecommunication Band

Methylammonium lead halide perovskites have attracted enormous attentions due to their superior optical and electronic properties. However, the photodetection at near-infrared telecommunication wavelengths is hardly achievable because of their wide bandgaps. Here, this study demonstrates, for the first time, novel perovskite-erbium silicate nanosheet hybrid photodetectors with remarkable spectral response at ≈1.54 µm. Under the near-infrared light illumination, the erbium silicate nanosheets can give strong upconversion luminescence, which will be well confined in their cavities and then be efficiently coupled into and simultaneously excite the adjacent perovskite to realize photodetection. These devices own prominent responsivity and external quantum efficiency as high as previously reported microscale silicon-based subbandgap photodetectors. More importantly, the photoresponse speed (≈900 µs) is faster by five orders than the ever reported hot electron silicon-based photodetectors at telecommunication wavelengths. The realization of perovskite-based telecommunication band photodetectors will open new chances for applications in advanced integrated photonics devices and systems.

CsI Pre-Intercalation in the Inorganic Framework for Efficient and Stable FA1-x Csx PbI3 (Cl) Perovskite Solar Cells

Engineering the chemical composition of organic and inorganic hybrid perovskite materials is one of the most feasible methods to boost the efficiency of perovskite solar cells with improved device stability. Among the diverse hybrid perovskite family of ABX₃ , formamidinium (FA)-based mixed perovskite (e.g., FA_1-x Cs_x PbI₃ ) possesses optimum bandgaps, superior optoelectronic property, as well as thermal- and photostability, which is proven to be the most promising candidate for advanced solar cell. Here, FA_0.9 Cs_0.1 PbI₃ (Cl) is implemented as the light-harvesting layer in planar devices, whereas a low temperature, two-step solution deposition method is employed for the first time in this materials system. This paper comprehensively exploits the role of Cs⁺ in the FA_0.9 Cs_0.1 PbI₃ (Cl) perovskite that affects the precursor chemistry, film nucleation and grain growth, and defect property via pre-intercalation of CsI in the inorganic framework. In addition, the resultant FA_0.9 Cs_0.1 PbI₃ (Cl) films are demonstrated to exhibit an improved optoelectronic property with an elevated device power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.6%, as well as a stable phase with substantial enhancement in humidity and thermal stability, as compared to that of FAPbI₃ (Cl). The present method is able to be further extended to a more complicated (FA,MA,Cs)PbX₃ material system by delivering a PCE of 19.8%.

Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells without Hole Transport Materials: The Front Runner to the Market?

Organometal trihalide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered recent interest in the scientific community. In the past few years, they have achieved power conversion efficiencies comparable to traditional commercial solar cells (e.g., crystalline Si, CuInGaSe and CdTe) due to their low-cost of production via solution-processed fabrication techniques. However, the stability of PSCs must be addressed before their commercialization is viable. Among various kinds of PSCs, carbon-based PSCs without hole transport materials (C-PSCs) seem to be the most promising for addressing the stability issue because carbon materials are stable, inert to ion migration (which originates from perovskite and metal electrodes), and inherently water-resistant. Despite the significant development of C-PSCs since they were first reported in 2013, some pending issues still need to be addressed to increase their commercial competitiveness. Herein, recent developments in C-PSCs, including (1) device structure and working principles, (2) categorical progress of and comparison between meso C-PSCs, embedment C-PSCs and paintable PSCs, are reviewed. Promising research directions are then suggested (e.g., materials, interfaces, structure, stability measurement and scaling-up of production) to further improve and promote the commercialization of C-PSCs.

Effect of the Microstructure of the Functional Layers on the Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells

The efficiencies of the hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells have been rapidly approaching the benchmarks held by the leading thin-film photovoltaic technologies. Arguably, one of the most important factors leading to this rapid advancement is the ability to manipulate the microstructure of the perovskite layer and the adjacent functional layers within the device. Here, an analysis of the nucleation and growth models relevant to the formation of perovskite films is provided, along with the effect of the perovskite microstructure (grain sizes and voids) on device performance. In addition, the effect of a compact or mesoporous electron-transport-layer (ETL) microstructure on the perovskite film formation and the optical/photoelectric properties at the ETL/perovskite interface are overviewed. Insight into the formation of the functional layers within a perovskite solar cell is provided, and potential avenues for further development of the perovskite microstructure are identified.

Ultra-high open-circuit voltage of perovskite solar cells induced by nucleation thermodynamics on rough substrates

To obtain high performance CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite solar cells, it is highly important to realise a high open-circuit voltage. Calculation results based on a modified diode model have indicated that a low bare ratio ϕ of the perovskite film is the most important factor determining the open-circuit voltage, where ϕ is defined as the ratio of the projection of the uncovered area of the perovskite film to the apparent area of the total substrate surface. To realise a low ϕ, we investigate the nucleation behaviour of crystals on rough substrates. The analysis results predict that, when CH₃NH₃PbI₃ is deposited on conventional transparent conductive oxide substrates such as fluorine-doped tin oxide, preferential heterogeneous nucleation will occur on the concave regions of the substrate; then, depending on the subsequent growth step, full coverage of the perovskite film at both the macroscopic and microscopic scales is realised. As a result, an ultra-high open-circuit voltage, i.e., 1.20 V, can be achieved in devices using the full coverage CH₃NH₃PbI₃ film. The thermodynamics theory of precipitation nucleation should shed light on solution engineering of thin films.