Solution-Grown Monocrystalline Hybrid Perovskite Films for Hole-Transporter-Free Solar Cells

Ultrafast Response and Broad Detection Range of a Ternary Cation Perovskite Single-Crystal Thin Film Photodetector for Imaging

FA-MA-Cs ternary cation perovskite exhibits excellent optoelectronic properties and high stabilities against humidity and light soaking and thus has aroused extensive attention in polycrystalline thin film solar cells. Compared with polycrystalline counterparts, FA-MA-Cs ternary cation perovskite single-crystal thin films (SCTFs) have lower defects, better carrier transport capacity, and stability because of lacking grain boundary defects. However, the immature growth technology of SCTFs restricts digging out its optoelectronic potential. Here, we proposed an improved space-confined method to grow large area FA0.9 MA0.05Cs0.05PbI2.7Br0.3 SCTFs using a tunable heating area to control the nucleation and growth process. Its area reaches 64 mm2 with a thickness of 26 μm. The SCTF exhibits high crystallinity, low defect density, long carrier lifetime, and high moisture resistance stability. Besides, a photosensitive chip based on a planar metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector demonstrates linear response to the three primary colors, with a photosensitive range that is 1.5 times that of protocol 3 wide color gamut. Under high-frequency light sources, the on/off ratio reaches 3.9 × 103, and the response time can be as low as 400 ns. Such ultrafast response speed and broad photosensitive range are successfully achieved for imaging applications.

The Perovskite Optoelectronic Devices - A Look at the Future

The perovskite materials are broadly incorporated into optoelectronic devices due to a number of advantages. Their rapid technological progress is related to the relatively simple fabrication process, low production cost and high efficiency. Significant improvement is made in the light emitting, detection performance and device design especially operating in the visible and near-infrared regions. This review presents the status and possible future development of the perovskite devices such as solar cells, photodetectors, and light-emitting diodes. The fundamental properties of perovskite materials related to their effective device applications are summarized. Since the development of the perovskite technology is mainly driven by the revolutionary evolution of the semiconductor perovskite solar cell as a robust candidate for next-generation solar energy harvesting, this topic is considered first. The device engineering of various perovskite photodetector structures, including perovskite quantum dot photodetectors, is then discussed in detail. Their performance is compared with the current commercial photodetectors available on the global market together with their challenges. Finally, the considerable progress in the fabrication of the perovskite light-emitting diodes with external quantum efficiency exceeding 20% is presented. The paper is completed in an attempt to determine the development of perovskite optoelectronic devices in the future.

Limitations and Progresses in Carbon-Based Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

Inorganic cesium lead halide perovskites (CsPbIxBr3-x, 0≤x≤3) are promising alternatives with great thermal stability. Additionally, the choice of moisture-resistive and dopant-free carbon as the electrode material can simultaneously solve the problems of stability and cost. Therefore, carbon electrode-based inorganic PSCs (C-IPSCs) represent a promising candidate for commercialization, yet both the efficiencies and stability of related devices demand further progress. This article reviews the recent advancement of C-IPSCs and then unravels the distinctive merits and limitations in this field. Subsequently, our perspective on various modification strategies is analyzed on a methodological level. Finally, this article outlooks the promising research contents and the remaining unresolved issues in this field. We believe that understanding and analyzing the related problems in this field are instructive to stimulate the future development of C-IPSCs.

Metal-Halide Perovskite Submicrometer-Thick Films for Ultra-Stable Self-Powered Direct X-Ray Detectors

Metal-halide perovskites are revolutionizing the world of X-ray detectors, due to the development of sensitive, fast, and cost-effective devices. Self-powered operation, ensuring portability and low power consumption, has also been recently demonstrated in both bulk materials and thin films. However, the signal stability and repeatability under continuous X-ray exposure has only been tested up to a few hours, often reporting degradation of the detection performance. Here it is shown that self-powered direct X-ray detectors, fabricated starting from a FAPbBr3 submicrometer-thick film deposition onto a mesoporous TiO2 scaffold, can withstand a 26-day uninterrupted X-ray exposure with negligible signal loss, demonstrating ultra-high operational stability and excellent repeatability. No structural modification is observed after irradiation with a total ionizing dose of almost 200 Gy, revealing an unexpectedly high radiation hardness for a metal-halide perovskite thin film. In addition, trap-assisted photoconductive gain enabled the device to achieve a record bulk sensitivity of 7.28 C Gy-1 cm-3 at 0 V, an unprecedented value in the field of thin-film-based photoconductors and photodiodes for "hard" X-rays. Finally, prototypal validation under the X-ray beam produced by a medical linear accelerator for cancer treatment is also introduced.

Halide Perovskites and Their Derivatives for Efficient, High-Resolution Direct Radiation Detection: Design Strategies and Applications

The past decade has witnessed a rapid rise in the performance of optoelectronic devices based on lead-halide perovskites (LHPs). The large mobility-lifetime products and defect tolerance of these materials, essential for optoelectronics, also make them well-suited for radiation detectors, especially given the heavy elements present, which is essential for strong X-ray and γ-ray attenuation. Over the past decade, LHP thick films, wafers, and single crystals have given rise to direct radiation detectors that have outperformed incumbent technologies in terms of sensitivity (reported values up to 3.5 × 106 µC Gyair -1 cm-2 ), limit of detection (directly measured values down to 1.5 nGyair s-1 ), along with competitive energy and imaging resolution at room temperature. At the same time, lead-free perovskite-inspired materials (e.g., methylammonium bismuth iodide), which have underperformed in solar cells, have recently matched and, in some areas (e.g., in polarization stability), surpassed the performance of LHP detectors. These advances open up opportunities to achieve devices for safer medical imaging, as well as more effective non-invasive analysis for security, nuclear safety, or product inspection applications. Herein, the principles behind the rapid rises in performance of LHP and perovskite-inspired material detectors, and how their properties and performance link with critical applications in non-invasive diagnostics are discussed. The key strategies to engineer the performance of these materials, and the important challenges to overcome to commercialize these new technologies are also discussed.

Interface-Tension-Assisted Temperature-Gradient Crystallization of High-Quality MAPbBr3 Perovskite Single Crystals with Low Defect Densities

Comprehensive understanding and precise manipulation of the crystallization process for organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials are crucial for advancing perovskite single-crystal optoelectronic technology. In this study, we theoretically and experimentally investigated the influence of interface tension on the synthesis of perovskite single crystals. On the basis of the understanding of the nucleation and growth mechanisms, we developed a polydimethylsiloxane-assisted temperature-gradient growth technique to prepare high-quality MAPbBr3 single crystals. Using this technique, we harvested some high-quality MAPbBr3 single crystals, with the narrowest reported full width at half-maximum (0.00806°) of X-ray diffraction rocking curve, the longest carrier lifetime of 1002 ns, and an ultralow trap-state density of 4.25 × 109 cm-3. Furthermore, the X-ray detector fabricated using our MAPbBr3 single crystal exhibited a high sensitivity of 7275 μC Gy1- cm2 and a low minimum detection limit of 0.67 μGy s-1. This paper presents a novel method to control the crystallization and growth processes of high-quality perovskite single crystals.

Enhanced Higher Harmonic Generation in Modified MAPbBr3-xClx Single Crystal by Additive Engineering

Mixed-halide perovskite materials (MHSCs) hold significant interest in photonics applications owing to their inherent advantages, including tunable bandgap properties, remarkable defect tolerance characteristics, and facile processability. These attributes position MHSCs as up-and-coming materials for various applications. However, the commercialization of these materials is severely affected by external factors, such as humidity and oxygen. The current work studies change in higher harmonics generation (HHG) in MAPbBr3-xClx single crystals (MHSC) with changing nitrogen-based additives. These additives act as a passivating layer and improve the nanolevel crystallinity. The additive engineering strategy impacts morphological and optical properties, depending on the additive's interaction.

Scanning Photocurrent Microscopy in Single Crystal Multidimensional Hybrid Lead Bromide Perovskites

We investigated solution-grown single crystals of multidimensional 2D-3D hybrid lead bromide perovskites using spatially resolved photocurrent and photoluminescence. Scanning photocurrent microscopy (SPCM) measurements where the electrodes consisted of a dip probe contact and a back contact. The crystals revealed significant differences between 3D and multidimensional 2D-3D perovskites under biased detection, not only in terms of photocarrier decay length values but also in the spatial dynamics across the crystal. In general, the photocurrent maps indicate that the closer the border proximity, the shorter the effective decay length, thus suggesting a determinant role of the border recombination centers in monocrystalline samples. In this case, multidimensional 2D-3D perovskites exhibited a simple fitting model consisting of a single exponential, while 3D perovskites demonstrated two distinct charge carrier migration dynamics within the crystal: fast and slow. Although the first one matches that of the 2D-3D perovskite, the long decay of the 3D sample exhibits a value two orders of magnitude larger. This difference could be attributed to the presence of interlayer screening and a larger exciton binding energy of the multidimensional 2D-3D perovskites with respect to their 3D counterparts.

Perovskite single-crystal thin films: preparation, surface engineering, and application

Perovskite single-crystal thin films (SCTFs) have emerged as a significant research hotspot in the field of optoelectronic devices owing to their low defect state density, long carrier diffusion length, and high environmental stability. However, the large-area and high-throughput preparation of perovskite SCTFs is limited by significant challenges in terms of reducing surface defects and manufacturing high-performance devices. This review focuses on the advances in the development of perovskite SCTFs with a large area, controlled thickness, and high quality. First, we provide an in-depth analysis of the mechanism and key factors that affect the nucleation and crystallization process and then classify the methods of preparing perovskite SCTFs. Second, the research progress on surface engineering for perovskite SCTFs is introduced. Third, we summarize the applications of perovskite SCTFs in photovoltaics, photodetectors, light-emitting devices, artificial synapse and field-effect transistor. Finally, the development opportunities and challenges in commercializing perovskite SCTFs are discussed.

Improving the Performance and High-Field Stability of FAPbBr3 Single Crystals in X-Ray Detection with Chenodeoxycholic Acid Additive

Organometal halide perovskite single crystals are one of the most promising radiation detection materials due to their unique advantages of high absorption coefficient, long carrier diffusion length, and low defect density. However, the severe ion migration in perovskites deteriorates the X-ray detection performance under longtime and high-field operating conditions. This work reports an effective additive of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), which can suppress the ion migration and improve the performance and the operational stability of FAPbBr₃ single crystals (SCs) in X-ray detection significantl. The CDCA molecules in precursors effectively suppress the decomposition of FA ions, resulting in a better crystal orientation and stoichiometry. The trace amounts of CDCA residues in FAPbBr₃ SCs improve the thermal stability and effectively suppress the ion migration. The resulting detector shows an impressive X-ray sensitivity up to 21 386.88 µC Gy_air ^-1 cm^-2 under -500 V and a detection limit of 15.23 nGy_air s^-1 . The response current of the detector at 225 V cm^-1 field is barely changed under the 7200 s irradiation with a dose rate of 1.949 mGy_air s^-1 . This work provides insights for the additive selection and improving the operational stability of perovskite single crystals for commercial applications.

Growth of Hybrid Perovskite Crystals from CH3NH3PbI3-xClx Solutions Subjected to Constant Solvent Evaporation Rates

In this work, we subjected hybrid lead-mixed halide perovskite (CH₃NH₃PbI_3-xCl_x) precursor inks to different solvent evaporation rates in order to facilitate the nucleation and growth of perovskite crystals. By controlling the temperature of perovskite solutions placed within open-air rings in precise volumes, we established control over the rate of solvent evaporation and, thus, over both the growth rate and the shape of perovskite crystals. Direct utilization of diluted lead-mixed halide perovskites solutions allowed us to control the nucleation and to favor the growth of only a low number of perovskite crystals. Such crystals exhibited a clear sixfold symmetry. While crystals formed at a lower range of temperatures (40-60 °C) exhibited a more compact dendritic shape, the crystals grown at a higher temperature range (80-110 °C) displayed a fractal dendritic morphology.

Stability of perovskite solar cells: issues and prospects

Even though power conversion efficiency has already reached 25.8%, poor stability is one of the major challenges hindering the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Several initiatives, such as structural modification and fabrication techniques by numerous ways, have been employed by researchers around the world to achieve the desired level of stability. The goal of this review is to address the recent improvements in PSCs in terms of structural modification and fabrication procedures. Perovskite films are used to provide a broad range of stability and to lose up to 20% of their initial performance. A thorough comprehension of the effect of the fabrication process on the device's stability is considered to be crucial in order to provide the foundation for future attempts. We summarize several commonly used fabrication techniques - spin coating, doctor blade, sequential deposition, hybrid chemical vapor, and alternating layer-by-layer. The evolution of device structure from regular to inverted, HTL free, and ETL including the changes in material utilization from organic to inorganic, as well as the perovskite material are presented in a systematic manner. We also aimed to gain insight into the functioning stability of PSCs, as well as practical information on how to increase their operational longevity through sensible device fabrication and materials processing, to promote PSC commercialization at the end.

Synthetic approaches for perovskite thin films and single-crystals

Halide perovskites are compelling candidates for the next generation of photovoltaic technologies owing to an unprecedented increase in power conversion efficiency and their low cost, facile fabrication and outstanding semiconductor properties.

Inorganic Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots: A Versatile Nanomaterial Platform for Electronic Applications

Metal halide perovskites have generated significant attention in recent years because of their extraordinary physical properties and photovoltaic performance. Among these, inorganic perovskite quantum dots (QDs) stand out for their prominent merits, such as quantum confinement effects, high photoluminescence quantum yield, and defect-tolerant structures. Additionally, ligand engineering and an all-inorganic composition lead to a robust platform for ambient-stable QD devices. This review presents the state-of-the-art research progress on inorganic perovskite QDs, emphasizing their electronic applications. In detail, the physical properties of inorganic perovskite QDs will be introduced first, followed by a discussion of synthesis methods and growth control. Afterwards, the emerging applications of inorganic perovskite QDs in electronics, including transistors and memories, will be presented. Finally, this review will provide an outlook on potential strategies for advancing inorganic perovskite QD technologies.

Chemical approaches for electronic doping in photovoltaic materials beyond crystalline silicon

Electronic doping is applied to tailor the electrical and optoelectronic properties of semiconductors, which have been widely adopted in information and clean energy technologies, like integrated circuit fabrication and PVs. Though this concept has prevailed in conventional PVs, it has achieved limited success in the new-generation PV materials, particularly in halide perovskites, owing to their soft lattice nature and self-compensation by intrinsic defects. In this review, we summarize the evolution of the theoretical understanding and strategies of electronic doping from Si-based photovoltaics to thin-film technologies, e.g., GaAs, CdTe and Cu(In,Ga)Se₂, and also cover the emerging PVs including halide perovskites and organic solar cells. We focus on the chemical approaches to electronic doping, emphasizing various chemical interactions/bonding throughout materials synthesis/modification to device fabrication/operation. Furthermore, we propose new classifications and models of electronic doping based on the physical and chemical properties of dopants, in the context of solid-state chemistry, which inspires further development of optoelectronics based on perovskites and other hybrid materials. Finally, we outline the effects of electronic doping in semiconducting materials and highlight the challenges that need to be overcome for reliable and controllable doping.

Ultrafast Response of Centimeter Scale Thin CsPbBr3 Single Crystal Film Photodetector for Optical Communication

The photodetector (PD) is the key component to realize efficient optoelectronic conversion signal in the visible light communication (VLC) system. The response speed directly determines the bandwidth of the whole system. Metal halide perovskite is a neotype of low-cost solution processing semiconductor, with strong optical absorption, low trap density, and high carrier mobility, thus has been widely explored in photoelectric detection applications. However, previously reported perovskite polycrystalline photodetectors exhibit limited response speed due to the existence of grain boundaries. Here, an improved confined space method is developed through adjusting the heating area to control nucleation, resulting in centimeter scale fully inorganic perovskite CsPbBr₃ thin single crystal films (SCFs) (<40 µm). The smooth surface and high crystallinity of CsPbBr₃ SCFs render admirable exciton lifetime. The planar metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector using CsPbBr₃ SCF as the photosensitive layer demonstrates a limit response time of 200/300 ns and a VLC within 100-500 kHz frequency for both 365 nm and white light, which is superior to previously reported CsPbBr₃ polycrystalline film and single crystal photodetectors.

Advances in Flexible Organic Photodetectors: Materials and Applications

Future electronics will need to be mechanically flexible and stretchable in order to enable the development of lightweight and conformal applications. In contrast, photodetectors, an integral component of electronic devices, remain rigid, which prevents their integration into everyday life applications. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to overcome the limitations of conventional rigid photodetectors, particularly their low mechanical deformability. One of the most promising routes toward facilitating the fabrication of flexible photodetectors is to replace conventional optoelectronic materials with nanomaterials or organic materials that are intrinsically flexible. Compared with other functional materials, organic polymers and molecules have attracted more attention for photodetection applications due to their excellent photodetection performance, cost-effective solution-fabrication capability, flexible design, and adaptable manufacturing processes. This article comprehensively discusses recent advances in flexible organic photodetectors in terms of optoelectronic, mechanical properties, and hybridization with other material classes. Furthermore, flexible organic photodetector applications in health-monitoring sensors, X-ray detection, and imager devices have been surveyed.

Two-photon absorption in halide perovskites and their applications

Active research on halide perovskites has given us a deep understanding of this family of materials and their potential for applications in advanced optoelectronic devices. One of the prominent outcomes is the use of perovskite materials for nonlinear optical applications. Two-photon absorption in perovskites, in particular their nanostructures, has been extensively studied and shows huge promise for many applications. However, we are still far from a thorough understanding of two-photon absorption in halide perovskites from a micro to macro perspective. Here we summarize different techniques for studying the two-photon absorption in nonlinear optical materials. We discuss the in-depth photophysics in two-photon absorption in halide perovskites. A comprehensive summary about the factors which influence two-photon absorption provides the direction to improve the two-photon absorption properties of halide perovskites. A summary of the recent applications of two-photon absorption in halide perovskites provides inspirations for engineers to utilize halide perovskites in two-photon absorption device development. This review will help readers to have a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the research field of two-photon absorption of halide perovskites from microscopic mechanisms to applications. The article can serve as a manual and give inspiration for future researchers.

Surface-Passivated Single-Crystal Micro-Plates for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) prepared with single crystals (SCs) ideally exhibit higher power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) because they possess a lower density of structural imperfection and superior charge transport. However, the density of the surface defects on the SCs is still very high, thereby inevitably affecting the device performance. Herein, perovskite single-crystal micro-plates were grown on a hole-transporting material, poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl) amine], through a space-limited inverse temperature crystallization method. The surfaces of the as-prepared SCs were passivated using trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) during the device fabrication to alleviate the impact of surface defects. The PCE values are averagely improved from 11.90 ± 0.30% to 14.76 ± 0.65% after the surface passivation; the champion device even exhibits a PCE of 15.65%. The results from photoluminescence and hole-only devices reveal that TOPO treatments effectively reduce the number of surface defects on the single crystals, thereby improving the photovoltaic performance. The surface passivation also inhibits the hysteresis behavior due to the lower defect density. Finally, the TOPO treatment also improves the stability of the single-crystal PeSCs, presumably due to the hydrophobic long alkyl chains. Thus, this work provides an effective approach to achieving high efficiencies of single-crystal PeSCs.

Halide perovskite single crystals: growth, characterization, and stability for optoelectronic applications

Recently, metal halide perovskite materials have received significant attention as promising candidates for optoelectronic applications with tremendous achievements, owing to their outstanding optoelectronic properties and facile solution-processed fabrication. However, the existence of a large number of grain boundaries in perovskite polycrystalline thin films causes ion migration, surface defects, and instability, which are detrimental to device applications. Compared with their polycrystalline counterparts, perovskite single crystals have been explored to realize stable and excellent properties such as a long diffusion length and low trap density. The development of growth techniques and physicochemical characterizations led to the widespread implementation of perovskite single-crystal structures in optoelectronic applications. In this review, recent progress in the growth techniques of perovskite single crystals, including advanced crystallization methods, is summarized. Additionally, their optoelectronic characterizations are elucidated along with a detailed analysis of their optical properties, carrier transport mechanisms, defect densities, surface morphologies, and stability issues. Furthermore, the promising applications of perovskite single crystals in solar cells, photodetectors, light-emitting diodes, lasers, and flexible devices are discussed. The development of suitable growth and characterization techniques contributes to the fundamental investigation of these materials and aids in the construction of highly efficient optoelectronic devices based on halide perovskite single crystals.

Autonomous Reconstitution of Fractured Hybrid Perovskite Single Crystals

The outstanding performance and facile processability turn hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites into one of the most sought-after classes of semiconducting materials for optoelectronics. Yet, their translation into real-world applications necessitates that challenges with their chemical stability and poor mechanical robustness are first addressed. Here, centimeter-size single crystals of methylammoniumlead(II) iodide (MAPbI₃ ) are reported to be capable of autonomous self-healing under minimal compression at ambient temperature. When crystals are halved and the fragments are brought in contact, they can readily self-repair as a result of a liquid-like behavior of their lattice at the contact surface, which leads to a remarkable healing with an efficiency of up to 82%. The successful reconstitution of the broken single crystals is reflected in recuperation of their optoelectronic properties. Testing of the healed crystals as photodetectors shows an impressive 74% recovery of the generated photocurrent relative to pristine crystals. This self-healing capability of MAPbI₃ single crystals is an efficient strategy to overcome the poor mechanical properties and low wear resistance of these materials, and paves the way for durable and stable optoelectronic devices based on single crystals of hybrid perovskites.

In Situ Growth Mechanism for High-Quality Hybrid Perovskite Single-Crystal Thin Films with High Area to Thickness Ratio: Looking for the Sweet Spot

The development of in situ growth methods for the fabrication of high-quality perovskite single-crystal thin films (SCTFs) directly on hole-transport layers (HTLs) to boost the performance of optoelectronic devices is critically important. However, the fabrication of large-area high-quality SCTFs with thin thickness still remains a significant challenge due to the elusive growth mechanism of this process. In this work, the influence of three key factors on in situ growth of high-quality large-size MAPbBr₃ SCTFs on HTLs is investigated. An optimal "sweet spot" is determined: low interface energy between the precursor solution and substrate, a slow heating rate, and a moderate precursor solution concentration. As a result, the as-obtained perovskite SCTFs with a thickness of 540 nm achieve a record area to thickness ratio of 1.94 × 10⁴  mm, a record X-ray diffraction peak full width at half maximum of 0.017°, and an ultralong carrier lifetime of 1552 ns. These characteristics enable the as-obtained perovskite SCTFs to exhibit a record carrier mobility of 141 cm² V^-1 s^-1 and good long-term structural stability over 360 days.

Electrode Engineering in Halide Perovskite Electronics: Plenty of Room at the Interfaces

Contact engineering is a prerequisite for achieving desirable functionality and performance of semiconductor electronics, which is particularly critical for organic-inorganic hybrid halide perovskites due to their ionic nature and highly reactive interfaces. Although the interfaces between perovskites and charge-transporting layers have attracted lots of attention due to the photovoltaic and light-emitting diode applications, achieving reliable perovskite/electrode contacts for electronic devices, such as transistors and memories, remains as a bottleneck. Herein, a critical review on the elusive nature of perovskite/electrode interfaces with a focus on the interfacial electrochemistry effects is presented. The basic guidelines of electrode selection are given for establishing non-polarized interfaces and optimal energy level alignment for perovskite materials. Furthermore, state-of-the-art strategies on interface-related electrode engineering are reviewed and discussed, which aim at achieving ohmic transport and eliminating hysteresis in perovskite devices. The role and multiple functionalities of self-assembled monolayers that offer a unique approach toward improving perovskite/electrode contacts are also discussed. The insights on electrode engineering pave the way to advancing stable and reliable perovskite devices in diverse electronic applications.

High-Luminance Microsized CH3NH3PbBr3 Single-Crystal-Based Light-Emitting Diodes via a Facile Liquid-Insulator Bridging Route

Micro-/nanosized organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite single crystals (SCs) with appropriate thickness and high crystallinity are promising candidates for high-performance electroluminescent (EL) devices. However, their small lateral size poses a great challenge for efficient device construction and performance optimization, causing perovskite SC-based light-emitting diodes (PSC-LEDs) to demonstrate poor EL performance. Here, we develop a facile liquid-insulator bridging (LIB) strategy to fabricate high-luminance PSC-LEDs based on single-crystalline CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ microflakes. By introducing a blade-coated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) insulating layer to effectively overcome the problems of leakage current and possible short circuits between electrodes, we achieve the reliable fabrication of PSC-LEDs. The LIB method also allows us to systematically boost the device performance through crystal growth regulation and device architecture optimization. Consequently, we realize the best CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ microflake-based PSC-LED with an ultrahigh luminance of 136100 cd m^-2 and a half-lifetime of 88.2 min at an initial luminance of ∼1100 cd m^-2, which is among the highest for organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite LEDs reported to date. Moreover, we observe the strong polarized edge emission of the microflake-based PSC-LEDs with a high degree of polarization up to 0.69. Our work offers a viable approach for the development of high-performance perovskite SC-based EL devices.

Spray deposited polycrystalline MAPbBr3 thick films for hole-transport-material free solar cells

A spray deposition procedure for the fabrication of polycrystalline MAPbBr₃ thick films (20-100 μm) is developed and highly efficient (>5.5% under AM1.5 sunlight) hole-transport-material free perovskite solar cells are successfully made with 40 μm thick MAPbBr₃ films.

High-Performance Planar-Type Photodetector Based on Hot-Pressed CsPbBr3 Wafer

Considering the disadvantages of the common methods for CsPbBr₃ single crystal growth including the high cost of the melt method and the low shape controllability of the solution method, a facile hot-pressed (HP) approach has been introduced to prepare CsPbBr₃ wafers. The effects of HP temperature on the phase purity of HP-CsPbBr₃ wafers and the performance of the corresponding photodetectors have been investigated. The HP temperature for preparing phase-pure, shape-regular, and dense CsPbBr₃ wafers has been optimized to be 150 °C, and the HP-CsPbBr₃ wafer based planar-type photodetectors exhibit an ultrasensitive weak light photoresponse. Under the illumination of a 530 nm LED with a light power density of 1.1 μW cm^-2, the responsivity, external quantum efficiency, and detectivity of the devices reach 19.79 A W^-1, 4634%, and 2.14 × 10¹³ Jones, respectively, and a fast response speed with a rise time of 40.5 μs and a fall time of 10.0 μs has been achieved.

Structural evolution of organic-inorganic hybrid crystals for high colour-rendering white LEDs

Luminescent crystals with high efficiency have huge potential in applications for white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Herein, organic-inorganic hybrid crystals doped with Mn⁴⁺, [N(CH₃)₄]₂XF₆:Mn⁴⁺ (X = Si, Ge, and Ti), were grown under mild conditions. Their crystal structural evolution was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction at different temperatures. These crystals exhibit intense red emission with a high external quantum efficiency (73.0% for [N(CH₃)₄]₂TiF₆:Mn⁴⁺) and good thermal stability. The warm white LEDs were fabricated by combining these red-emitting phosphors with a YAG:Ce³⁺ ceramic chip. As-grown crystals can significantly optimize the performances of white LEDs (colour rendering index up to 95). Hence, this work provides a new strategy to explore Mn⁴⁺-activated organic-inorganic hybrid materials for white LEDs.

A Universal Cosolvent Evaporation Strategy Enables Direct Printing of Perovskite Single Crystals for Optoelectronic Device Applications

Solution-processed metal halide perovskite (MHP) single crystals (SCs) are in high demand for a growing number of printed electronic applications due to their superior optoelectronic properties compared to polycrystalline thin films. There is an urgent need to make SC fabrication facile, scalable, and compatible with the printed electronic manufacturing infrastructure. Here, a universal cosolvent evaporation (CSE) strategy is presented by which perovskite SCs and arrays are produced directly on substrates via printing and coating methods within minutes at room temperature from drying droplets. The CSE strategy successfully guides the supersaturation via controlled drying of droplets to suppress all crystallization pathways but one, and is shown to produce SCs of a wide variety of 3D, 2D, and mixed-cation/halide perovskites with consistency. This approach works with commonly used precursors and solvents, making it universal. Importantly, the SC consumes the precursor in the droplet, which enables the large-scale fabrication of SC arrays with minimal residue. Direct on-chip fabrication of 3D and 2D perovskite photodetector devices with outstanding performance is demonstrated. The approach shows that any MHP SC can now be manufactured on substrates using precision printing and scalable, high-throughput coating methods.

Growing MASnI3perovskite single-crystal films by inverse temperature crystallization

Perovskite single-crystal films are promising candidates for high-performance perovskite optoelectronic devices due to their optoelectrical properties. However, there are few reports of single-crystal films of tin based perovskites. Here, for the first time, we realize the controllable growth and preparation of lead-free tin perovskite MASnI₃single crystals via inverse temperature crystallization (ITC) strategy with γ-butyrolactone (GBL) as solvent. The solubility characteristics of MASnI₃in GBL are clarified by quantitative analytical method. Highly repeatability experiments are further demonstrated using this unique solubility and ITC properties. Sequentially, using space limiting method, tin perovskite MASnI₃single-crystal thin films are fabricated with micron-scale thickness, which is highly desired for efficient tin perovskite solar cells. Our MASnI₃single-crystal thin films show typical single-crystalline features including strongly optical absorbance with sharp absorption edges, pure-phase x-ray diffraction patterns, and absence of Sn(IV) x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We believe that our findings will further broaden the application prospects of tin perovskite MASnI₃single crystals and cause a new upsurge in exploring the field of lead-free perovskite single-crystal growth.

Improving the Conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS Layers in Photovoltaic Cells Based on Organometallic Halide Perovskites

Among conductive polymers, PEDOT films find the widest application in electronics. For photovoltaic applications, studies of their optical properties, stability, and electrical conductivity are of greatest interest. However, the PEDOT:PSS transport layers, when used in photovoltaic cells, have a high electrical resistance, which prevents solar cells from increasing their efficiency. One of the promising ways to improve their electrical properties is the use of composite materials based on them, in which the conductivity can be increased by introducing various additives. In this work, conductive polymer films PEDOT:PSS (poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate acid) doped with a number of amines (Pentylamine, Octylamine, Diethylamine, Aniline with carbon nanotubes) were obtained and studied. It is shown that, depending on the concentration of dopants, the electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS films can be significantly improved. In this case, the light transmission of the films practically does not change. The process of improving the conductivity by treating the surface of the finished film with amines, followed by heat treatment, was studied. It is assumed that the improvement in conductivity is the result of the self-assembly of monolayers of organic molecules on the surface of the PEDOT:PSS film leading to its p-doping due to intermolecular interaction.

Further Advancement of Perovskite Single Crystals

Halide perovskite (HP) single crystals (SCs) are garnering extensive attention as active materials to substitute polycrystalline counterparts in solar cells, photodiodes, and photodetectors, etc. Nevertheless, the large thickness and defect-rich surface results in severe carrier recombination and becomes the major bottleneck for augmented performance. In this perspective, we are looking forward to explaining in detail why the SCs hardly unleash their engrossing potential and introduce two parallel paths for further advancement. First is the modification of thick SCs by reducing the prepared thickness or surface passivation. Second is the large thickness that is conducive to the sufficient absorption of high-energy rays with strong penetrating ability and is beneficial to the thermoelectric effect due to the ultralow thermal conductivity of HPs. These applications provide a roundabout strategy to exploit freestanding SCs with a large thickness. Herein, direct modification and application of thick SCs are systematically introduced, expecting to give rise to the prosperity of HP SCs.

Monocrystalline Methylammonium Lead Halide Perovskite Materials for Photovoltaics

Lead halide perovskite solar cells have been gaining more and more interest. In only a decade, huge research efforts from interdisciplinary communities enabled enormous scientific advances that rapidly led to energy conversion efficiency near that of record silicon solar cells, at an unprecedented pace. However, while for most materials the best solar cells were achieved with single crystals (SC), for perovskite the best cells have been so far achieved with polycrystalline (PC) thin films, despite the optoelectronic properties of perovskite SC are undoubtedly superior. Here, by taking as example monocrystalline methylammonium lead halide, the authors elaborate the literature from material synthesis and characterization to device fabrication and testing, to provide with plausible explanations for the relatively low efficiency, despite the superior optoelectronics performance. In particular, the authors focus on how solar cell performance is affected by anisotropy, crystal orientation, surface termination, interfaces, and device architecture. It is argued that, to unleash the full potential of monocrystalline perovskite, a holistic approach is needed in the design of next-generation device architecture. This would unquestionably lead to power conversion efficiency higher than those of PC perovskites and silicon solar cells, with tremendous impact on the swift deployment of renewable energy on a large scale.

Supersaturation-Controlled Growth of Monolithically Integrated Lead-Free Halide Perovskite Single-Crystalline Thin Film for High-Sensitivity Photodetectors

Monolithical integration of the promising optoelectronic material with mature and inexpensive silicon circuitry contributes to simplifying device geometry, enhancing performance, and expanding new functionalities. Herein, a lead-free halide perovskite Cs₃ Bi₂ I₉ single-crystalline thin film (SCTF), with thickness ranging from 900 nm to 4.1 µm and aspect ratio up to 1666, is directly integrated on various substrates including Si wafer, through a facile and low-temperature solution-processing method. The growth kinetics of the lead-free halide perovskite SCTF are elucidated by in situ observation, and the solution supersaturation is controlled to reduce the inverse-temperature crystallization nucleation density and elongate the evaporation growth. The excellent lattice match and band alignment between Si(111) and Cs₃ Bi₂ I₉ (001) facets promote photogenerated charge dissociation and extraction, resulting in boosting the photoelectric sensitivity by 10-200 times compared with photodetectors based on other substrates. More importantly, this silicon-compatible perovskite SCTF photodetector exhibits a high switching ratio of 3000 and a fast response of 1.5 µs, which are higher than most reported state-of-the-art lead-free halide perovskite photodetectors. This work not only gives an in-depth understanding of the perovskite precursor solution chemistry, but also demonstrates the great potential of monolithical integration of lead-free halide perovskite SCTF with a silicon wafer for high-performance photodetectors.

High-Performance Perovskite Betavoltaics Employing High-Crystallinity MAPbBr3 Films

Long-life and self-powered betavoltaic batteries are extremely attractive for many fields that require a long-term power supply, such as space exploration, polar exploration, and implantable medical technology. Organic lead halide perovskites are great potential candidate materials for betavoltaic batteries due to the large attenuation coefficient and the long carrier diffusion length, which guarantee the scale match between the penetration depth of β particles and the carrier diffusion length. However, the performance of perovskite betavoltaics is limited by the fabrication process of the thick and high-crystallinity perovskite film. In this work, we demonstrated high-performance perovskite betavoltaic cells using thick, high-quality, and wide-band-gap MAPbBr₃ polycrystalline films. The solvent annealing method was adopted to improve the crystallinity and eliminate the pinholes in the MAPbBr₃ film. The optimal MAPbBr₃ betavoltaic cell achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.35% and a maximum output power of 1.203 μW under radiation of electrons of 15 keV with an equivalent activity of 253 mCi. These results are a nearly 50% improvement from previous reports. Effects of the MAPbBr₃ perovskite layer thickness on the device performance were also discussed. The mechanisms of film-growth processes and device physics could provide insights for the research community of perovskites and betavoltaics.

High speed growth of MAPbBr3 single crystals via low-temperature inverting solubility: enhancement of mobility and trap density for photodetector applications

There has been growing interest in organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites as a promising candidate for optoelectronic applications due to their superior physical properties. Despite this, most of the reported perovskite devices based on polycrystalline thin films suffer immensely from poor stability and high trap density owing to grain boundaries limiting their performance. Perovskite single crystal structures have been recently explored to construct stable devices and reduce the trap density compared to their thin-film counterparts. We present a novel method of growing sizable CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ single crystals based on the high solubility characteristic of hybrid perovskites at low temperatures within inverse temperature crystallization. We compared both the crystallinity of perovskite single crystal structures and optoelectronic charge transport of single crystal photodetectors as a function of dissolution temperature. The performance of the photodetector fabricated with our large-scaled single crystal with high quality demonstrated low trap density, high mobility, and high photoresponse.

Revealing Charge Carrier Mobility and Defect Densities in Metal Halide Perovskites via Space-Charge-Limited Current Measurements

Space-charge-limited current (SCLC) measurements have been widely used to study the charge carrier mobility and trap density in semiconductors. However, their applicability to metal halide perovskites is not straightforward, due to the mixed ionic and electronic nature of these materials. Here, we discuss the pitfalls of SCLC for perovskite semiconductors, and especially the effect of mobile ions. We show, using drift-diffusion (DD) simulations, that the ions strongly affect the measurement and that the usual analysis and interpretation of SCLC need to be refined. We highlight that the trap density and mobility cannot be directly quantified using classical methods. We discuss the advantages of pulsed SCLC for obtaining reliable data with minimal influence of the ionic motion. We then show that fitting the pulsed SCLC with DD modeling is a reliable method for extracting mobility, trap, and ion densities simultaneously. As a proof of concept, we obtain a trap density of 1.3 × 10¹³ cm^-3, an ion density of 1.1 × 10¹³ cm^-3, and a mobility of 13 cm² V^-1 s^-1 for a MAPbBr₃ single crystal.

Surface passivated halide perovskite single-crystal for efficient photoelectrochemical synthesis of dimethoxydihydrofuran

Halide perovskite single-crystals have recently been widely highlighted to possess high light harvesting capability and superior charge transport behaviour, which further enable their attractive performance in photovoltaics. However, their application in photoelectrochemical cells has not yet been reported. Here, a methylammonium lead bromide MAPbBr₃ single-crystal thin film is reported as a photoanode with potential application in photoelectrochemical organic synthesis, 2,5-dimethoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran. Depositing an ultrathin Al₂O₃ layer is found to effectively passivate perovskite surface defects. Thus, the nearly 5-fold increase in photoelectrochemical performance with the saturated current being increased from 1.2 to 5.5 mA cm⁻² is mainly attributed to suppressed trap-assisted recombination for MAPbBr₃ single-crystal thin film/Al₂O₃. In addition, Ti³⁺-species-rich titanium deposition has been introduced not only as a protective film but also as a catalytic layer to further advance performance and stability. As an encouraging result, the photoelectrochemical performance and stability of MAPbBr₃ single-crystal thin film/Al₂O₃/Ti-based photoanode have been significantly improved for 6 h continuous dimethoxydihydrofuran evolution test with a high Faraday efficiency of 93%.

Perovskite single-crystal thin films inherit the advantages of low trap-states, well-defined thickness and remarkable stability. Now, researchers successfully employed MAPbBr₃ single-crystal thin film as photoanode in the photoelectrochemical production of organic 2,5-dimethoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran.

Low-Dimensional Metal Halide Perovskite Photodetectors

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have been a hot research topic due to their facile synthesis, excellent optical and optoelectronic properties, and record-breaking efficiency of corresponding optoelectronic devices. Nowadays, the development of miniaturized high-performance photodetectors (PDs) has been fueling the demand for novel photoactive materials, among which low-dimensional MHPs have attracted burgeoning research interest. In this report, the synthesis, properties, photodetection performance, and stability of low-dimensional MHPs, including 0D, 1D, 2D layered and nonlayered nanostructures, as well as their heterostructures are reviewed. Recent advances in the synthesis approaches of low-dimensional MHPs are summarized and the key concepts for understanding the optical and optoelectronic properties related to the PD applications of low-dimensional MHPs are introduced. More importantly, recent progress in novel PDs based on low-dimensional MHPs is presented, and strategies for improving the performance and stability of perovskite PDs are highlighted. By discussing recent advances, strategies, and existing challenges, this progress report provides perspectives on low-dimensional MHP-based PDs in the future.

Recent Progress in Growth of Single-Crystal Perovskites for Photovoltaic Applications

The growth of high-quality single-crystal (SC) perovskite films is a great strategy for the fabrication of defect-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with photovoltaic parameters close to the theoretical limit, which resulted in high efficiency and superior stability of the device. Plenty of growth methods for perovskite SCs are available to achieve a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) surpassing 21% for SC-based PSCs. However, there is still a lot of room to further push the efficiency by considering new crystal growth techniques, interface engineering, passivation approaches, and additive engineering. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the growth of SC-based perovskite films for the fabrication of high-efficiency and stable PSCs. We describe the impact of SC growth of perovskite films and their quality on the device performance and stability, compared with the commonly used polycrystalline perovskite films. In the last section, the challenges and potential of SCs in PSCs are also covered for future development.

Substance and shadow of formamidinium lead triiodide based solar cells

The current decade has witnessed a surge of progress in the investigation of methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskites for solar cell fabrication due to their intriguing electro-optical properties, despite the intrinsic degradation of the material that has restricted its commercialisation. As a promising alternative, solar cells based on its formamidinium analogue, FAPbI3, are currently being actively pursued for having demonstrated a certified efficiency of 24.4%, while the room-temperature conversion to a non-perovskite δ-phase impedes its further commercialisation, and strategies have been adopted to overcome this phase instability. An in-depth and real-time understanding of microstructural relationships with optoelectronic properties and their underlying mechanisms using operando in situ spectroscopic techniques is paramount. Thus, the design and development of a new process, data driven methodology, characterization and evaluation protocols for perovskite absorber layers and the fabricated devices is a judicious research direction. Here, in this perspective, we shed light on the compositional, surface engineering and crystallization kinetics manipulations for FAPbI3, followed by a proposition for unified testing protocols, for scalling of devices from the lab to the market.

Flexible Ultrathin Single-Crystalline Perovskite Photodetector

Flexible optoelectronic devices attract considerable attention due to their prominent role in creating novel wearable apparatus for bionics, robotics, health care, and so forth. Although bulk single-crystalline perovskite-based materials are well-recognized for the high photoelectric conversion efficiency than the polycrystalline ones, their stiff and brittle nature unfortunately prohibits their application for flexible devices. Here, we introduce ultrathin single-crystalline perovskite film as the active layer and demonstrate a high-performance flexible photodetector with prevailing bending reliability. With a much-reduced thickness of 20 nm, the photodetector made of this ultrathin film can achieve a significantly increased responsivity as 5600A/W, 2 orders of magnitude higher than that of recently reported flexible perovskite photodetectors. The demonstrated 0.2 MHz 3 dB bandwidth further paves the way for high-speed photodetection. Notably, all its optoelectronic characteristics resume after being bent over thousands of times. These results manifest the great potential of single-crystalline perovskite ultrathin films for developing wearable and flexible optoelectronic devices.

Effects of ITO Substrate Hydrophobicity on Crystallization and Properties of MAPbBr3 Single-Crystal Thin Films

Fabricating perovskite single-crystal thin films (SCTFs) in controllable manner is the major challenge for the promising potential applications in optoelectronic devices. Although modifying the substrate surface is frequently used to realize the controlled growth of perovskite SCTFs, it is still unclear how the substrate condition affects the crystallization process. In this work, we systemically investigated the effects of the surface hydrophobicity of indium tin oxide substrates on the crystallization process of MAPbBr3 SCTFs prepared by the space-confined method. Comprehensive characterizations show that the surface morphology and crystallinity of SCTFs are improved, and the defect density is reduced when increasing the substrate hydrophobicity. The best MAPbBr3 thin film obtained has a full width at half-height of the rocking curve of the (001) crystal plane of 0.044°. The mechanism of the substrate hydrophobicity on the crystal growth is also discussed. These results will provide guidance to the controllable growth of high-quality SCTFs for perovskite SCTF devices.

Thickness-Controlled Wafer-Scale Single-Crystalline MAPbBr3 Films Epitaxially Grown on CsPbBr3 Substrates by the Droplet-Evaporated Crystallization Method

The perovskite single-crystalline thin films, which are free of grain boundaries, would be highly desirable in boosting device performance due to their high carrier mobility, low trap density, and large carrier diffusion length. Herein, a facile room-temperature approach to epitaxially grow MAPbBr₃ single-crystalline films on CsPbBr₃ substrates by the droplet-evaporated crystallization method is reported. A large-area continuous MAPbBr₃ single-crystal film about 15 × 15 mm² in size has been heteroepitaxially grown on CsPbBr₃ substrates. The surface morphology, composition, and single crystallinity were characterized by a scanning electron microscope, an energy-dispersive spectrometer, an electron probe microanalyzer, and high-resolution X-ray diffractions, respectively. The thickness of the films could be adjusted from 1 to 18 μm by varying the concentration of the solution from 10 to 50 wt %. The epitaxial relationship of MAPbBr₃ (010)∥CsPbBr₃ (010), MAPbBr₃ [101]∥CsPbBr₃ [200] was authenticated using XRD, pole figure, and TEM. The low defect density of 4.6 × 10¹¹ cm^-3 and high carrier mobility of 261.94 cm² V^-1 s^-1 of the MAPbBr₃ film measured by the SCLC method are comparable to those of bulk single crystals. An on/off ratio of ∼113 was achieved according to current-voltage curves. Our research demonstrates the first large-area single-crystal heterojunction of a hybrid perovskite with an all-inorganic perovskite, which may show unique properties in optoelectronic applications.

Halide perovskite nanocrystal arrays: Multiplexed synthesis and size-dependent emission

Halide perovskites have exceptional optoelectronic properties, but a poor understanding of the relationship between crystal dimensions, composition, and properties limits their use in integrated devices. We report a new multiplexed cantilever-free scanning probe method for synthesizing compositionally diverse and size-controlled halide perovskite nanocrystals spanning square centimeter areas. Single-particle photoluminescence studies reveal multiple independent emission modes due to defect-defined band edges with relative intensities that depend on crystal size at a fixed composition. Smaller particles, but ones with dimensions that exceed the quantum confinement regime, exhibit blue-shifted emission due to reabsorption of higher-energy modes. Six different halide perovskites have been synthesized, including a layered Ruddlesden-Popper phase, and the method has been used to prepare functional solar cells based on single nanocrystals. The ability to pattern arrays of multicolor light-emitting nanocrystals opens avenues toward the development of optoelectronic devices, including optical displays.

Halide Perovskite Single Crystals: Optoelectronic Applications and Strategical Approaches

Halide perovskite is one of the most promising semiconducting materials in a variety of fields such as solar cells, photodetectors, and light-emitting diodes. Lead halide perovskite single crystals featuring long diffusion length, high carrier mobility, large light absorption coefficient and low defect density, have been attracting increasing attention. Fundamental study of the intrinsic nature keeps revealing the superior optoelectrical properties of perovskite single crystals over their polycrystalline thin film counterparts, but to date, the device performance lags behind. The best power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single crystal-based solar cells is 21.9%, falling behind that of polycrystalline thin film solar cells (25.2%). The oversized thickness, defective surfaces, and difficulties in depositing functional layers, hinder the application of halide perovskite single crystals in optoelectronic devices. Efforts have been made to synthesize large-area single crystalline thin films directly on conductive substrates and apply defect engineering approaches to improve the surface properties. This review starts from a comprehensive introduction of the optoelectrical properties of perovskite single crystals. Then, the synthesis methods for high-quality bulk crystals and single-crystalline thin films are introduced and compared, followed by a systematic review of their optoelectronic applications including solar cells, photodetectors, and X-ray detectors. The challenges and strategical approaches for high-performance applications are summarized at the end with a brief outlook on future work.

Growth of centimeter-scale perovskite single-crystalline thin film via surface engineering

Modern electronic and photonic devices rely on single-crystalline thin film semiconductors for high performance and reproducibility. The emerging halide perovskites have extraordinary electronic and photonic properties and can be synthesized via low cost solution-based methods. They have been used in a variety of devices with performance approaching or over the devices based on conventional materials. However, their solution based growth method is intrinsically challenge to grow large scale single-crystalline thin film due to the random nucleation and isotropous growth of the crystal. Here, we report the growth of centimeter-scale perovskite single-crystalline thin films by controlling the nucleation density and growth rate of the crystal under a spatially confined growth condition. The hydrophobic treatment on substrates inhibits nucleation and accelerates the growth of single-crystalline thin film, providing enough space for initial nucleus growing up quickly without touching each other. Single-crystalline perovskite thin-film with an aspect ratio of 1000 (1 cm in side length, 10 μm in thickness) has been successfully grown. The low trap density and the high mobility of the as-grown thin film show a high crystallinity. The photodetector based on the perovskite thin film has achieved a gain ~ 104, benefitting from the short transit time of the carries due to the high mobility and thin thickness of the active layer. Our work opens up a new route to grow large scale perovskite single-crystalline thin films, providing a platform to develop high- performance devices.

Reversible Decomposition of Single-Crystal Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Nanorods

Perovskite solar cells offer remarkable performance, but further advances will require deeper understanding and control of the materials and processing. Here, we fabricate the first single crystal nanorods of intermediate phase (MAI-PbI₂-DMSO), allowing us to directly observe the phase evolution while annealing in situ in a high-vacuum transmission electron microscope, which lets up separate thermal effects from other environmental conditions such as oxygen and moisture. We attain the first full determination of the crystal structures and orientations of the intermediate phase, evolving perovskite, precipitating PbI₂, and e-beam induced PbI₂ during phase conversion and decomposition. Surprisingly, the perovskite decomposition to PbI₂ is reversible upon cooling, critical for long-term device endurance due to the formation of MAI-rich MAPbI₃ and PbI₂ upon heating. Quantitative measurements with a thermodynamic model suggest the decomposition is entropically driven. The single crystal MAPbI₃ nanorods obtained via thermal cycling exhibit excellent mobility and trap density, with full reversibility up to 100 °C (above the maximum temperature for solar cell operation) under high vacuum, offering unique potential for high-performance flexible solar cells.