Beyond the Phase Segregation: Probing the Irreversible Phase Reconstruction of Mixed-Halide Perovskites

Inhibiting the Appearance of Green Emission in Mixed Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals for Pure Red Emission

Mixed halide perovskites exhibit promising optoelectronic properties for next-generation light-emitting diodes due to their tunable emission wavelength that covers the entire visible light spectrum. However, these materials suffer from severe phase segregation under continuous illumination, making long-term stability for pure red emission a significant challenge. In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of the role of halide oxidation in unbalanced ion migration (I/Br) within CsPbI2Br nanocrystals and thin films. We also introduce a new approach using cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) to encapsulate CsPbI2Br perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs), effectively suppressing ion migration by increasing the corresponding activation energy. Compared with that of unencapsulated samples, we observe a substantial reduction in phase separation under intense illumination in PNCs with a COC coating. Our findings show that COC enhances phase stability by passivating uncoordinated surface defects (Pb2+ and I-), increasing the formation energy of halide vacancies, improving the charge carrier lifetime, and reducing the nonradiative recombination density.

Stabilization of photoactive phases for perovskite photovoltaics

Interest in photovoltaics (PVs) based on Earth-abundant halide perovskites has increased markedly in recent years owing to the remarkable properties of these materials and their suitability for energy-efficient and scalable solution processing. Formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI₃)-rich perovskite absorbers have emerged as the frontrunners for commercialization, but commercial success is reliant on the stability meeting the highest industrial standards and the photoactive FAPbI₃ phase suffers from instabilities that lead to degradation - an effect that is accelerated under working conditions. Here, we critically assess the current understanding of these phase instabilities and summarize the approaches for stabilizing the desired phases, covering aspects from fundamental research to device engineering. We subsequently analyse the remaining challenges for state-of-the-art perovskite PVs and demonstrate the opportunities to enhance phase stability with ongoing materials discovery and in operando analysis. Finally, we propose future directions towards upscaling perovskite modules, multijunction PVs and other potential applications.

Temperature-Dependent Reversal of Phase Segregation in Mixed-Halide Perovskites

Understanding the mechanism of light-induced halide segregation in mixed-halide perovskites is essential for their application in multijunction solar cells. Here, photoluminescence spectroscopy is used to uncover how both increases in temperature and light intensity can counteract the halide segregation process. It is observed that, with increasing temperature, halide segregation in CH₃ NH₃ Pb(Br_0.4 I_0.6 )₃ first accelerates toward ≈290 K, before slowing down again toward higher temperatures. Such reversal is attributed to the trade-off between the temperature activation of segregation, for example through enhanced ionic migration, and its inhibition by entropic factors. High light intensities meanwhile can also reverse halide segregation; however, this is found to be only a transient process that abates on the time scale of minutes. Overall, these observations pave the way for a more complete model of halide segregation and aid the development of highly efficient and stable perovskite multijunction and concentrator photovoltaics.

Radical polymeric p-doping and grain modulation for stable, efficient perovskite solar modules

High-quality perovskite light harvesters and robust organic hole extraction layers are essential for achieving high-performing perovskite solar cells (PSCs). We introduce a phosphonic acid-functionalized fullerene derivative in mixed-cation perovskites as a grain boundary modulator to consolidate the crystal structure, which enhances the tolerance of the film against illumination, heat, and moisture. We also developed a redox-active radical polymer, poly(oxoammonium salt), that can effectively p-dope the hole-transporting material by hole injection and that also mitigates lithium ion diffusion. Power conversion efficiencies of 23.5% for 1-square-centimeter mixed-cation-anion PSCs and 21.4% for 17.1-square-centimeter minimodules were achieved. The PSCs retained 95.5% of their initial efficiencies after 3265 hours at maximum power point tracking under continuous 1-sun illumination at 70° ± 5°C.

Modeling and Balancing the Solvent Evaporation of Thermal Annealing Process for Metal Halide Perovskites and Solar Cells

Triple-mesoscopic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted intensive attention due to the high stability, simple fabrication process, and low material cost. In this structure, the perovskite layer is hosted by a triple-mesoscopic scaffold of TiO₂ /ZrO₂ /carbon, and thus the crystal quality is sensitive to the thermal annealing process. Typically, the annealing process is conducted in a petri dish, for which the solvent evaporation of the perovskite precursor is slowed down, but not controllable and designable. To control the solvent evaporation, annealing chambers are first designed with different shape and vapor releasing channels. Then, physical simulations are performed by a finite element method, and it is found out that the chamber with a crowned top and releasing channels on the bottom sides can realize homogeneous distribution of the solvent vapor. To verify the simulation results, chambers are fabricated by 3D printing technique, for which the printing deviation can be as low as 100 µm. By balancing the solvent evaporation and release, the optimal solvent evaporation is achieved of the perovskite precursor in the triple-mesoscopic scaffold. This work offers a method to obtain homogeneous distribution of solvent vapor, and provides a new insight into understanding the influence of solvent evaporation during the thermal annealing process for PSCs.