Photoinduced Giant Dielectric Constant in Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

Energetics and dynamics in organic-inorganic halide perovskite photovoltaics and light emitters

The rapid transcendence of organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells to above the 20% efficiency mark has captivated the broad photovoltaic community. As the efficiency race continues unabated, it is essential that fundamental studies keep pace with these developments. Further gains in device efficiencies are expected to be increasingly arduous and harder to come by. The key to driving the perovskite solar cell efficiencies towards their Shockley-Queisser limit is through a clear understanding of the interfacial energetics and dynamics between perovskites and other functional materials in nanostructured- and heterojunction-type devices. In this review, we focus on the current progress in basic characterization studies to elucidate the interfacial energetics (energy-level alignment and band bending) and dynamical processes (from the ultrafast to the ultraslow) in organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite photovoltaics and light emitters. Major findings from these studies will be distilled. Open questions and scientific challenges will also be highlighted.

Interfacial Electron Transfer Barrier at Compact TiO2 /CH3 NH3 PbI3 Heterojunction

Low-temperature solution-processed CH3 NH3 PbI3 interfaced with TiO2 has recently been demonstrated as a highly successful type-II light harvesting heterojunction with ≈20% efficiency. Therefore, an efficient ultrafast photoexcited electron transfer from CH3 NH3 PbI3 to TiO2 is expected. However, by probing the photoexcited charge carrier dynamics in CH3 NH3 PbI3 /quartz, CH3 NH3 PbI3 /TiO2 (compact), and CH3 NH3 PbI3 /PCBM in a comparative study, an electron transfer potential barrier between CH3 NH3 PbI3 and the compact TiO2 (prepared with the spray pyrolysis method) formed by surface states is uncovered. Consequently, the CH3 NH3 PbI3 photoluminescence intensity and lifetime is enhanced when interfaced to compact TiO2 . The electron accumulation within CH3 NH3 PbI3 needed to overcome this interfacial potential barrier results in the undesirable large current-voltage hysteresis observed for CH3 NH3 PbI3 /TiO2 planar heterojunctions. The findings in this study indicate that careful surface engineering to reduce this potential barrier is key to pushing perovskite solar cell efficiencies toward the theoretical limit.

Elucidating the role of disorder and free-carrier recombination kinetics in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films

Apart from broadband absorption of solar radiation, the performance of photovoltaic devices is governed by the density and mobility of photogenerated charge carriers. The latter parameters indicate how many free carriers move away from their origin, and how fast, before loss mechanisms such as carrier recombination occur. However, only lower bounds of these parameters are usually obtained. Here we independently determine both density and mobility of charge carriers in a perovskite film by the use of time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy. Our data reveal the modification of the free carrier response by strong backscattering expected from these heavily disordered perovskite films. The results for different phases and different temperatures show a change of kinetics from two-body recombination at room temperature to three-body recombination at low temperatures. Our results suggest that perovskite-based solar cells can perform well even at low temperatures as long as the three-body recombination has not become predominant.

In solar cells, the density and the mobility of charge carriers govern the device performance. Here the authors determine these quantities independently in perovskite films by time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy to study the influence of disorder and crystal structure as a function of temperature.

Light-Induced Increase of Electron Diffusion Length in a p-n Junction Type CH3NH3PbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cell

High band gap, high open-circuit voltage solar cells with methylammonium lead tribromide (MAPbBr3) perovskite absorbers are of interest for spectral splitting and photoelectrochemical applications, because of their good performance and ease of processing. The physical origin of high performance in these and similar perovskite-based devices remains only partially understood. Using cross-sectional electron-beam-induced current (EBIC) measurements, we find an increase in carrier diffusion length in MAPbBr3(Cl)-based solar cells upon low intensity (a few percent of 1 sun intensity) blue laser illumination. Comparing dark and illuminated conditions, the minority carrier (electron) diffusion length increases about 3.5 times from Ln = 100 ± 50 nm to 360 ± 22 nm. The EBIC cross section profile indicates a p-n structure between the n-FTO/TiO2 and p-perovskite, rather than the p-i-n structure, reported for the iodide derivative. On the basis of the variation in space-charge region width with varying bias, measured by EBIC and capacitance-voltage measurements, we estimate the net-doping concentration in MAPbBr3(Cl) to be 3-6 × 10(17) cm(-3).

Lead iodide perovskite light-emitting field-effect transistor

Despite the widespread use of solution-processable hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites in photovoltaic and light-emitting applications, determination of their intrinsic charge transport parameters has been elusive due to the variability of film preparation and history-dependent device performance. Here we show that screening effects associated to ionic transport can be effectively eliminated by lowering the operating temperature of methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (CH₃NH₃PbI₃) field-effect transistors. Field-effect carrier mobility is found to increase by almost two orders of magnitude below 200 K, consistent with phonon scattering-limited transport. Under balanced ambipolar carrier injection, gate-dependent electroluminescence is also observed from the transistor channel, with spectra revealing the tetragonal to orthorhombic phase transition. This demonstration of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ light-emitting field-effect transistors provides intrinsic transport parameters to guide materials and solar cell optimization, and will drive the development of new electro-optic device concepts, such as gated light-emitting diodes and lasers operating at room temperature.

Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites have shown great potential for use in optoelectronic applications. Here, the authors create solution-processed lead iodide perovskite light-emitting field-effect transistors and demonstrate both ambipolar behaviour and gate-assisted electroluminescence.

Domain Walls Conductivity in Hybrid Organometallic Perovskites and Their Essential Role in CH3NH3PbI3 Solar Cell High Performance

The past several years has witnessed a surge of interest in organometallic trihalide perovskites, which are at the heart of the new generation of solid-state solar cells. Here, we calculated the static conductivity of charged domain walls in n- and p- doped organometallic uniaxial ferroelectric semiconductor perovskite CH₃NH₃PbI₃ using the Landau-Ginzburg-Devonshire (LGD) theory. We find that due to the charge carrier accumulation, the static conductivity may drastically increase at the domain wall by 3 – 4 orders of magnitude in comparison with conductivity through the bulk of the material. Also, a two-dimensional degenerated gas of highly mobile charge carriers could be formed at the wall. The high values of conductivity at domain walls and interfaces explain high efficiency in organometallic solution-processed perovskite films which contains lots of different point and extended defects. These results could suggest new routes to enhance the performance of this promising class of novel photovoltaic materials.

Distinct exciton dissociation behavior of organolead trihalide perovskite and excitonic semiconductors studied in the same system

The nonexcitonic character for organometal trihalide perovskites is demonstrated by examining the field-dependent exciton dissociation behavior. It is found that photogenerated excitons can be effectively dissociated into free charges inside perovskite without the assistance of charge extraction layer or external field, which is a stark contrast to the charge-separation behavior in excitonic materials in the same photovoltaic operation system.

An Explanation of the Photoinduced Giant Dielectric Constant of Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

A photoinduced giant dielectric constant of ~10(6) has been found in impedance spectroscopy measurements of lead halide perovskite solar cells. We report similar effects in measurements of a porous lead zirconate titanate (PZT) sample saturated with water. The principal effect of the illumination of the solar cell and of the introduction of water into the pore volume of the PZT sample is a significant increase in conductivity and dielectric loss. This is shown to exhibit low frequency power law dispersion. Application of the Kramers-Kronig relationships show the large measured values of permittivity to be related to the power law changes in conductivity and dielectric loss. The power law dispersions in the electrical responses are consistent with an electrical network model of microstructure. It is concluded that the high apparent values of permittivity are features of the microstructural networks and not fundamental effects in the two perovskite materials.

Ferroelectric Polarization in CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite

We report on ferroelectric polarization behavior in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite in the dark and under illumination. Perovskite crystals with three different sizes of 700, 400, and 100 nm were prepared for piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) measurements. PFM results confirmed the formation of spontaneous polarization in CH3NH3PbI3 in the absence of electric field, where the size dependency to polarization was not significant. Whereas the photoinduced stimulation was not significant without an external electric field, the stimulated polarization by poling was further enhanced under illumination. The retention of ferroelectric polarization was also observed after removal of the electric field, in which larger crystals showed longer retention behavior compared to the smaller sized one. Additionally, we suggest the effect of perovskite crystal size (morphology) on charge collection at the interface of the ferroelectric material even though insignificant size dependency in electric polarization was observed.

Capacitive Dark Currents, Hysteresis, and Electrode Polarization in Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

Despite spectacular advances in conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cell many aspects of its operating modes are still poorly understood. Capacitance constitutes a key parameter to explore which mechanisms control particular functioning and undesired effects as current hysteresis. Analyzing capacitive responses allows addressing not only the nature of charge distribution in the device but also the kinetics of the charging processes and how they alter the solar cell current. Two main polarization processes are identified. Dielectric properties of the microscopic dipolar units through the orthorhombic-to-tetragonal phase transition account for the measured intermediate frequency capacitance. Electrode polarization caused by interfacial effects, presumably related to kinetically slow ions piled up in the vicinity of the outer interfaces, consistently explain the reported excess capacitance values at low frequencies. In addition, current-voltage curves and capacitive responses of perovskite-based solar cells are connected. The observed hysteretic effect in the dark current originates from the slow capacitive mechanisms.

Polarization Switching and Light-Enhanced Piezoelectricity in Lead Halide Perovskites

We investigate the ferroelectric properties of photovoltaic methylammonium lead halide CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite using piezoelectric force microscopy (PFM) and macroscopic polarization methods. The electric polarization is clearly observed by amplitude and phase hysteresis loops. However, the polarization loop decreases as the frequency is lowered, persisting for a short time only, in the one second regime, indicating that CH3NH3PbI3 does not exhibit permanent polarization at room temperature. This result is confirmed by macroscopic polarization measurement based on a standard capacitive method. We have observed a strong increase of piezoelectric response under illumination, consistent with the previously reported giant photoinduced dielectric constant at low frequencies. We speculate that an intrinsic charge transfer photoinduced dipole in the perovskite cage may lie at the origin of this effect.

Interfacial control toward efficient and low-voltage perovskite light-emitting diodes

High-performance perovskite light-emitting diodes are achieved by an interfacial engineering approach, leading to the most efficient near-infrared devices produced using solution-processed emitters and efficient green devices at high brightness conditions.

Low noise, IR-blind organohalide perovskite photodiodes for visible light detection and imaging

Solution-processed organohalide perov-skite photodiodes that have performance metrics matching silicon, but are infrared-blind are reported. The perovskite photodiodes operate in the visible band, have low dark current and noise, high specific detectivity, large linear dynamic range, and fast temporal response. Their properties make them promising candidates for imaging applications.

A facile, solvent vapor-fumigation-induced, self-repair recrystallization of CH3NH3PbI3 films for high-performance perovskite solar cells

A high-quality CH3NH3PbI3 film is crucial in the manufacture of a high-performance perovskite solar cell. Here, a recrystallization process via facile fumigation with DMF vapor has been successfully introduced to self-repair of CH3NH3PbI3 films with poor coverage and low crystallinity prepared by the commonly used one-step spin-coating method. We found that the CH3NH3PbI3 films with dendritic structures can spontaneously transform to the uniform ones with full coverage and high crystallinity by adjusting the cycles of the recrystallization process. The mesostructured perovskite solar cells based on these repaired CH3NH3PbI3 films showed reproducible optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.15% and average PCE of 10.25±0.90%, which are much better than that of devices based on the non-repaired CH3NH3PbI3 films. In addition, the hysteresis phenomenon in the current-voltage test can also be effectively alleviated due to the quality of the films being improved in the optimized devices. Our work proved that the fumigation of solvent vapor can modify metal organic perovskite films such as CH3NH3PbI3. It offers a novel and attractive way to fabricate high-performance perovskite solar cells.

The expanding world of hybrid perovskites: materials properties and emerging applications

Hybrid inorganic–organic perovskites have emerged over the last 5 years as a promising class of materials for optoelectronic applications. Most notably, their solar cells have achieved power conversion efficiencies above 20% in an unprecedented timeframe; however, many fundamental questions still remain about these materials. This Prospective Article reviews the procedures used to deposit hybrid perovskites and describes the resulting crystallographic and morphological structures. It further details the electrical and optical properties of perovskites and then concludes by highlighting a number of potential applications and the materials challenges that must be overcome before they can be realized.

Zr Incorporation into TiO2 Electrodes Reduces Hysteresis and Improves Performance in Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells while Increasing Carrier Lifetimes

We investigate zirconium (Zr) incorporation into the titanium dioxide (TiO2) electron-transporting layer used in organometal halide perovskite photovoltaics. Compared to Zr-free controls, solar cells employing electrodes containing Zr exhibit increased power conversion efficiency (PCE) and decreased hysteresis. We use transient photovoltage and photocurrent extraction to measure carrier lifetimes and densities and observe longer carrier lifetimes and higher charge densities in devices on Zr-containing electrodes at microsecond times as well as longer persistent photovoltages extending from ∼milliseconds to tens of seconds. We characterize the surface stoichiometry and change in work function and reduction potential of the TiO2 upon incorporation of Zr and discuss the charge recombination at the TiO2 interface in the context of these variables. Finally, we show that the combination of Zr-TiO2 electrode modification with device pyridine treatment leads to a cumulative improvement in performance.

Growing perovskite into polymers for easy-processable optoelectronic devices

Here we conceive an innovative nanocomposite to endow hybrid perovskites with the easy processability of polymers, providing a tool to control film quality and material crystallinity. We verify that the employed semiconducting polymer, poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV), controls the self-assembly of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ (MAPbI₃) crystalline domains and favors the deposition of a very smooth and homogenous layer in one straightforward step. This idea offers a new paradigm for the implementation of polymer/perovskite nanocomposites towards versatile optoelectronic devices combined with the feasibility of mass production. As a proof-of-concept we propose the application of such nanocomposite in polymer solar cell architecture, demonstrating a power conversion efficiency up to 3%, to date the highest reported for MEH-PPV. On-purpose designed polymers are expected to suit the nanocomposite properties for the integration in diverse optoelectronic devices via facile processing condition.

Perovskite solar cells: from materials to devices

Perovskite solar cells based on organometal halide light absorbers have been considered a promising photovoltaic technology due to their superb power conversion efficiency (PCE) along with very low material costs. Since the first report on a long-term durable solid-state perovskite solar cell with a PCE of 9.7% in 2012, a PCE as high as 19.3% was demonstrated in 2014, and a certified PCE of 17.9% was shown in 2014. Such a high photovoltaic performance is attributed to optically high absorption characteristics and balanced charge transport properties with long diffusion lengths. Nevertheless, there are lots of puzzles to unravel the basis for such high photovoltaic performances. The working principle of perovskite solar cells has not been well established by far, which is the most important thing for understanding perovksite solar cells. In this review, basic fundamentals of perovskite materials including opto-electronic and dielectric properties are described to give a better understanding and insight into high-performing perovskite solar cells. In addition, various fabrication techniques and device structures are described toward the further improvement of perovskite solar cells.

Effect of Carrier Thermalization Dynamics on Light Emission and Amplification in Organometal Halide Perovskites

The remarkable rise of organometal halide perovskites as solar photovoltaic materials has been followed by promising developments in light-emitting devices, including lasers. Here we present unique insights into the processes leading to photon emission in these materials. We employ ultrafast broadband photoluminescence (PL) and transient absorption spectroscopies to directly link density dependent ultrafast charge dynamics to PL. We find that exceptionally strong PL at the band edge is preceded by thermalization of free charge carriers. Short-lived PL above the band gap is clear evidence of nonexcitonic emission from hot carriers, and ultrafast PL depolarization confirms that uncorrelated charge pairs are precursors to photon emission. Carrier thermalization has a profound effect on amplified stimulated emission at high fluence; the delayed onset of optical gain we resolve within the first 10 ps and the unusual oscillatory behavior are both consequences of the kinetic interplay between carrier thermalization and optical gain.

Emergence of Hysteresis and Transient Ferroelectric Response in Organo-Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

Although there has been rapid progress in the efficiency of perovskite-based solar cells, hysteresis in the current-voltage performance is not yet completely understood. Owing to its complex structure, it is not easy to attribute the hysteretic behavior to any one of different components, such as the bulk of the perovskite or different heterojunction interfaces. Among organo-lead halide perovskites, methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) is known to have a ferroelectric property. The present investigation reveals a strong correlation between transient ferroelectric polarization of CH3NH3PbI3 induced by an external bias in the dark and hysteresis enhancement in photovoltaic characteristics. Our results demonstrate that the reverse bias poling (-0.3 to -1.1 V) of CH3NH3PbI3 photovoltaic layers prior to the photocurrent-voltage measurement generates stronger hysteresis whose extent changes significantly by the cell architecture. The phenomenon is interpreted as the effect of remanent polarization in the perovskite film on the photocurrent, which is most enhanced in planar perovskite structures without mesoporous scaffolds.

Complex Refractive Index Spectra of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Thin Films Determined by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry and Spectrophotometry

The complex refractive index (dielectric function) of planar CH3NH3PbI3 thin films at room temperature is investigated by variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and spectrophotometry. Knowledge of the complex refractive index is essential for designing photonic devices based on CH3NH3PbI3 thin films such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, or lasers. Because the directly measured quantities (reflectance, transmittance, and ellipsometric spectra) are inherently affected by multiple reflections, the complex refractive index has to be determined indirectly by fitting a model dielectric function to the experimental spectra. We model the dielectric function according to the Forouhi-Bloomer formulation with oscillators positioned at 1.597, 2.418, and 3.392 eV and achieve excellent agreement with the experimental spectra. Our results agree well with previously reported data of the absorption coefficient and are consistent with Kramers-Kronig transformations. The real part of the refractive index assumes a value of 2.611 at 633 nm, implying that CH3NH3PbI3-based solar cells are ideally suited for the top cell in monolithic silicon-based tandem solar cells.

Classification of solar cells according to mechanisms of charge separation and charge collection

This paper elaborates a general description of solar cells based on a single absorber material, according to the mechanisms of charge separation and charge collection.

The chemical origin of the p-type and n-type doping effects in the hybrid methylammonium–lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite solar cells

A field-induced and photoinduced self-doping chemistry of the MAPbI₃ perovskite films affecting their photovoltaic performance and stability is proposed.

Organic–inorganic halide perovskite based solar cells – revolutionary progress in photovoltaics

This review outlines the latest progress in perovskite-based solar cells, including device achievements and underlying insights and mechanisms of the perovskite materials.

Modulation of photovoltage in mesoscopic perovskite solar cell by controlled interfacial electron injection

The controlled electron injection by surface modification of mesoporous TiO₂in the mesoscopic perovskite solar cell plays important role in determining open-circuit voltage and performance of perovskite solar cell.

Rotational dynamics of organic cations in the CH3NH3PbI3perovskite

Rotational dynamics of organic cations in the CH₃NH₃PbI₃perovskite are revealed by elastic and quasi-elastic neutron scattering and group theoretical analysis.

Molecular dynamics simulations of organohalide perovskite precursors: solvent effects in the formation of perovskite solar cells

Molecular dynamics simulations towards the formation of perovskite embryonic units for solar cells.

Tunable ferroelectric polarization and its interplay with spin-orbit coupling in tin iodide perovskites

Ferroelectricity is a potentially crucial issue in halide perovskites, breakthrough materials in photovoltaic research. Using density functional theory simulations and symmetry analysis, we show that the lead-free perovskite iodide (FA)SnI3, containing the planar formamidinium cation FA, (NH2CHNH2)(+), is ferroelectric. In fact, the perpendicular arrangement of FA planes, leading to a 'weak' polarization, is energetically more stable than parallel arrangements of FA planes, being either antiferroelectric or 'strong' ferroelectric. Moreover, we show that the 'weak' and 'strong' ferroelectric states with the polar axis along different crystallographic directions are energetically competing. Therefore, at least at low temperatures, an electric field could stabilize different states with the polarization rotated by π/4, resulting in a highly tunable ferroelectricity appealing for multistate logic. Intriguingly, the relatively strong spin-orbit coupling in noncentrosymmetric (FA)SnI3 gives rise to a co-existence of Rashba and Dresselhaus effects and to a spin texture that can be induced, tuned and switched by an electric field controlling the ferroelectric state.

Self-regulation mechanism for charged point defects in hybrid halide perovskites

Hybrid halide perovskites such as methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) exhibit unusually low free-carrier concentrations despite being processed at low-temperatures from solution. We demonstrate, through quantum mechanical calculations, that an origin of this phenomenon is a prevalence of ionic over electronic disorder in stoichiometric materials. Schottky defect formation provides a mechanism to self-regulate the concentration of charge carriers through ionic compensation of charged point defects. The equilibrium charged vacancy concentration is predicted to exceed 0.4% at room temperature. This behavior, which goes against established defect conventions for inorganic semiconductors, has implications for photovoltaic performance.

On the Uniqueness of Ideality Factor and Voltage Exponent of Perovskite-Based Solar Cells

Perovskite-based solar cells have attracted much recent research interest with efficiency approaching 20%. While various combinations of material parameters and processing conditions are attempted for improved performance, there is still a lack of understanding in terms of the basic device physics and functional parameters that control the efficiency. Here we show that perovskite-based solar cells have two universal features: an ideality factor close to two and a space-charge-limited current regime. Through detailed numerical modeling, we identify the mechanisms that lead to these universal features. Our model predictions are supported by experimental results on solar cells fabricated at five different laboratories using different materials and processing conditions. Indeed, this work unravels the fundamental operation principle of perovskite-based solar cells, suggests ways to improve the eventual performance, and serves as a benchmark to which experimental results from various laboratories can be compared.

Incorporation of Cl into sequentially deposited lead halide perovskite films for highly efficient mesoporous solar cells

Organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites have been widely used as absorbers on mesoporous TiO2 films as well as thin films in planar heterojunction solar cells, yielding very high photovoltaic conversion efficiencies. Both the addition of chloride and sequential deposition methods were successfully employed to enhance the photovoltaic performance. Here, both approaches are combined in a sequential method by spincoating PbCl2 + PbI2 on a mesoporous TiO2 film followed by the perovskite transformation. The role of Cl in determining the optical, electrical, structural and morphological properties is correlated with the photovoltaic performance. The highest photovoltaic efficiency of 14.15% with the V(oc), FF and J(sc) being 1.09 V, 0.65 and 19.91 mA cm(-2) respectively was achieved with 10 mol% of PbCl2 addition due to an increase of the film conductivity induced by a better perovskite morphology. This is linked to an improvement of the hysteresis and reproducibility of the solar cells.

Direct Observation of Ferroelectric Domains in Solution-Processed CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Thin Films

A new generation of solid-state photovoltaics is being made possible by the use of organometal-trihalide perovskite materials. While some of these materials are expected to be ferroelectric, almost nothing is known about their ferroelectric properties experimentally. Using piezoforce microscopy (PFM), here we show unambiguously, for the first time, the presence of ferroelectric domains in high-quality β-CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite thin films that have been synthesized using a new solution-processing method. The size of the ferroelectric domains is found to be about the size of the grains (∼100 nm). We also present evidence for the reversible switching of the ferroelectric domains by poling with DC biases. This suggests the importance of further PFM investigations into the local ferroelectric behavior of hybrid perovskites, in particular in situ photoeffects. Such investigations could contribute toward the basic understanding of photovoltaic mechanisms in perovskite-based solar cells, which is essential for the further enhancement of the performance of these promising photovoltaics.

Parameters Affecting I-V Hysteresis of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells: Effects of Perovskite Crystal Size and Mesoporous TiO2 Layer

Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells are studied using a time-dependent current response with stepwise sweeping of the bias voltage. Compared with the crystalline Si solar cell showing time-independent current at a given bias voltage, the perovskite solar cells exhibit time-dependent current response. The current increases with time and becomes steady at forward scan from short-circuit to open-circuit, whereas it is decayed and saturated with time at reverse scan from open-circuit to short-circuit. Time-dependent current response eventually leads to I-V hysteresis depending on the scan direction and the scan rate. Crystal size of CH3NH3PbI3 and the mesoporous TiO2 (mp-TiO2) film are found to influence I-V hysteresis, where the I-V hysteresis is alleviated as crystal size increases and in the presence of mp-TiO2. The capacitance observed at low frequency (0.1 to 1 Hz), associated with dipole polarization, tends to diminish as size of perovskite and mp-TiO2 layer thickness increases, which suggests that the origin of hysteresis correlates to the capacitive characteristic of CH3NH3PbI3 and the degree of hysteresis depends strongly on perovskite crystal size and mesoporous TiO2 layer.

Extremely Slow Photoconductivity Response of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskites Suggesting Structural Changes under Working Conditions

Photoconductivity measurements of CH3NH3PbI3 deposited between two dielectric-protected Au electrodes show extremely slow response. The CH3NH3PbI3, bridging a gap of ∼2000 nm, was subjected to a DC bias and cycles of 5 min illumination and varying dark duration. The approach to steady -state photocurrent lasted tens of seconds with a strong dependence on the dark duration preceding the illumination. On the basis of DFT calculations, we propose that under light + bias the methylammonium ions are freed to rotate and align along the electric field, thus modifying the structure of the inorganic scaffold. While ions alignment is expected to be fast, the adjustment of the inorganic scaffold seems to last seconds as reflected in the extremely slow photoconductivity response. We propose that under working conditions a modified, photostable, perovskite structure is formed, depending on the bias and illumination parameters. Our findings seem to clarify the origin of the well-known hysteresis in perovskite solar cells.

Efficient organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells processed in air

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells based on CH₃NH₃PbI_3−xCl_xand undoped poly(3-hexyl thiophene) as the hole transporting layers fabricated under ambient air conditions by solution processing.