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Guo Z, Yuan M, Chen G, Liu F, Lu R, Yin W. Understanding Defects in Perovskite Solar Cells through Computation: Current Knowledge and Future Challenge. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305799. [PMID: 38502872 PMCID: PMC11132074 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Lead halide perovskites with superior optoelectrical properties are emerging as a class of excellent materials for applications in solar cells and light-emitting devices. However, perovskite films often exhibit abundant intrinsic defects, which can limit the efficiency of perovskite-based optoelectronic devices by acting as carrier recombination centers. Thus, an understanding of defect chemistry in lead halide perovskites assumes a prominent role in further advancing the exploitation of perovskites, which, to a large extent, is performed by relying on first-principles calculations. However, the complex defect structure, strong anharmonicity, and soft lattice of lead halide perovskites pose challenges to defect studies. In this perspective, on the basis of briefly reviewing the current knowledge concerning computational studies on defects, this work concentrates on addressing the unsolved problems and proposing possible research directions in future. This perspective particularly emphasizes the indispensability of developing advanced approaches for deeply understanding the nature of defects and conducting data-driven defect research for designing reasonable strategies to further improve the performance of perovskite applications. Finally, this work highlights that theoretical studies should pay more attention to establishing close and clear links with experimental investigations to provide useful insights to the scientific and industrial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhendong Guo
- Department of Applied PhysicsNanjing University of Science and TechnologyNanjing210094China
- College of EnergySoochow Institute for Energy and Materials InnovationS (SIEMIS) and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Carbon Materials and Wearable Energy TechnologiesSoochow UniversitySuzhou215006China
| | - Man Yuan
- Department of Applied PhysicsNanjing University of Science and TechnologyNanjing210094China
| | - Gaoyuan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Heat Fluid Flow Technology and Energy ApplicationSchool of Physical Science and TechnologySuzhou University of Science and TechnologySuzhou215009China
- College of EnergySoochow Institute for Energy and Materials InnovationS (SIEMIS)Soochow UniversitySuzhou215006China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Applied PhysicsNanjing University of Science and TechnologyNanjing210094China
| | - Ruifeng Lu
- Department of Applied PhysicsNanjing University of Science and TechnologyNanjing210094China
| | - Wan‐Jian Yin
- College of EnergySoochow Institute for Energy and Materials InnovationS (SIEMIS) and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Carbon Materials and Wearable Energy TechnologiesSoochow UniversitySuzhou215006China
- Light Industry Institute of Electrochemical Power SourcesSoochow UniversitySuzhou215006China
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Zhang G, Wei Q, Liu G, Li Q, Lu J, Ghasemi M, Wang J, Yang Y, Jia B, Wen X. Regulating Surface Defects to Achieve More Positive Light Soaking Effect in Perovskite Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:14263-14274. [PMID: 38441548 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The dynamic defect tolerance under light soaking is a crucial aspect of halide perovskites. However, the underlying physics of light soaking remains elusive and is subject to debate, exhibiting both positive and negative effects. In this investigation, we demonstrated that surface defects in perovskite films significantly impact the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells, closely correlated with light soaking behaviors. Removing the top surface layer through adhesive tape, the surface defect density noticeably decreases, leading to enhanced photoluminescence (PL) efficiency, prolonged carrier lifetime, and higher conductivity. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solar cells improves from 17.70% to 20.5%. Furthermore, we confirmed a positive correlation between surface defects and the light soaking effect. Perovskite films with low surface defects surprisingly exhibit a 3-fold increase in PL intensity and an 85% increase in carrier lifetime under 500 s of continuous illumination at an intensity of 100 mW/cm2. Beyond the conventional strategy of suppressing defect trapping, we propose increasing the capability of dynamic defect tolerance as an effective strategy to enhance the optoelectronic properties and performance of perovskite solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guijun Zhang
- International Joint Research Center for Optoelectronic and Energy Materials, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China
| | - Qianwen Wei
- International Joint Research Center for Optoelectronic and Energy Materials, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China
| | - Guangsheng Liu
- International Joint Research Center for Optoelectronic and Energy Materials, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China
| | - Qi Li
- Centre for Translational Atomaterials, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Junlin Lu
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Mehri Ghasemi
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Juan Wang
- International Joint Research Center for Optoelectronic and Energy Materials, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China
| | - Yu Yang
- International Joint Research Center for Optoelectronic and Energy Materials, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan 650091, China
| | - Baohua Jia
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Xiaoming Wen
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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Wang J, Yin WJ. Revisiting the Iodine Vacancy Surface Defects to Rationalize Passivation Strategies in Perovskite Solar Cells. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:6694-6700. [PMID: 35848571 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Current knowledge on the nature of surface iodine vacancies (VI), which are important for the photovoltaic performance and stability of perovskite solar cells, is debatable. We investigated VI on a stable MAI-terminated CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) surface. First-principles calculations indicated the sensitivity of the atomic structure of surface VI to the charge states and locations on the surface layer. VI in the outermost layer are benign; however, those near the surface can be detrimental. Illumination can promote the diffusion of VI from the outermost layer into the bulk, making them detrimental. There are two mechanisms for the surface passivation of VI: (i) passivation in the second layer to eliminate deep-state VI and (ii) passivation in the outermost layer to inhibit VI diffusion upon illumination (working condition of solar cells). This work rationalizes contradictory reports on the surface properties of halide perovskites and proposes insights into their surface passivation to fabricate high-performing solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- College of Energy, Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials InnovationS (SIEMIS), and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Carbon Materials and Wearable Energy Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Wan-Jian Yin
- College of Energy, Soochow Institute for Energy and Materials InnovationS (SIEMIS), and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory for Advanced Carbon Materials and Wearable Energy Technologies, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Light Industry Institute of Electrochemical Power Sources, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
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Alkhalifah G, Marshall AD, Rudayni F, Wanigasekara S, Wu JZ, Chan WL. Defect-Polaron and Enormous Light-Induced Fermi-Level Shift at Halide Perovskite Surface. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:6711-6720. [PMID: 35849072 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Halide perovskites intrinsically contain a large amount of point defects. The interaction of these defects with photocarriers, photons, and lattice distortion remains a complex and unresolved issue. We found that for halide perovskite films with excess halide vacancies, the Fermi level can be shifted by as much as 0.7 eV upon light illumination. These defects can trap photocarriers for hours after the light illumination is turned off. The enormous light-induced Fermi level shift and the prolonged electron trapping are explained by the capturing of photocarriers by halide vacancies at the surface of the perovskite film. The formation of this defect-photocarrier complex can result in lattice deformation and an energy shift in the defect state. The whole process is akin to polaron formation at a defect site. Our data also suggest that these trapped carriers increase the electrical polarizability of the lattice, presumably by enhancing the defect migration rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghadah Alkhalifah
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
- Department of Physics, College of Science, King Faisal University (KFU), Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Angelo D Marshall
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Fatimah Rudayni
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
- Department of Physics, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shanika Wanigasekara
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Judy Z Wu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
| | - Wai-Lun Chan
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, United States
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Finkenauer BP, Ma K, Dou L. Degradation and Self-Healing in Perovskite Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:24073-24088. [PMID: 35588005 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c01925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Organic-inorganic halide perovskites are well-known for their unique self-healing ability. In the presence of strong external stimuli, such as light, temperature, and moisture, high-energy defects are created which can be healed by removing the perovskite from the degradation source. This self-healing ability has been showcased in devices with recoverable performance and day-and-night cycling operation to dramatically extend the device lifetime and even mechanical durability. However, to date, the mechanistic details and theory around this captivating trait are sparse and convoluted by the complex nature of perovskites. With a clear understanding of the intrinsic self-healing property, perovskite solar cells with extended lifetimes and durability can be designed to realize the large-scale commercialization of perovskite solar cells. Here, we spotlight the relevant degradation and self-healing literature and then propose design strategies to help conceptualize future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake P Finkenauer
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ke Ma
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Letian Dou
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
- Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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