Heterogeneous Charge Carrier Dynamics in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Materials: Nanoscale Lateral and Depth-Dependent Variation of Recombination Rates in Methylammonium Lead Halide Perovskite Thin Films

2D Phase Formation on 3D Perovskite: Insights from Molecular Stiffness

Several studies have demonstrated that low-dimensional structures (e.g., two-dimensional (2D)) associated with three-dimensional (3D) perovskite films enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. Here, we aim to track the formation sites of the 2D phase on top of the 3D perovskite and to establish correlations between molecular stiffness and steric hindrance of the organic cations and their influence on the formation and crystallization of 2D/3D. Using cathodoluminescence combined with a scanning electron microscopy technique, we verified that the formation of the 2D phase occurs preferentially on the grain boundaries of the 3D perovskite. This helps explain some passivation mechanisms conferred by the 2D phase on 3D perovskite films. Furthermore, by employing in situ grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering, we monitored the formation and crystallization of the 2D/3D perovskite using three cations with varying molecular stiffness. In this series of molecules, the formation and crystallization of the 2D phase are found to be dependent on both steric hindrance around the ammonium group and molecular stiffness. Finally, we employed a 2D/3D perovskite heterointerface in a solar cell. The presence of the 2D phase, particularly those formed from flexible cations, resulted in a maximum power conversion efficiency of 21.5%. This study provides insight into critical aspects related to how bulky organic cations' stiffness and steric hindrance influence the formation, crystallization, and distribution of 2D perovskite phases.

Influence of Hole Transport Layers on Buried Interface in Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Phase Segregation

Light-induced phase segregation, particularly when incorporating bromine to widen the bandgap, presents significant challenges to the stability and commercialization of perovskite solar cells. This study explores the influence of hole transport layers, specifically poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine (PTAA) and [4-(3,6-dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (Me-4PACz), on the dynamics of phase segregation. Through detailed characterization of the buried interface, we demonstrate that Me-4PACz enhances perovskite photostability, surpassing the performance of PTAA. Nanoscale analyses using in situ Kelvin probe force microscopy and quantitative nanomechanical mapping techniques elucidate defect distribution at the buried interface during phase segregation, highlighting the critical role of substrate wettability in perovskite growth and interface integrity. The integration of these characterization techniques provides a thorough understanding of the impact of the buried bottom interface on perovskite growth and phase segregation.

The balancing act between high electronic and low ionic transport influenced by perovskite grain boundaries

A better understanding of the materials' fundamental physical processes is necessary to push hybrid perovskite photovoltaic devices towards their theoretical limits. The role of the perovskite grain boundaries is essential to optimise the system thoroughly. The influence of the perovskite grain size and crystal orientation on physical properties and their resulting photovoltaic performance is examined. We develop a novel, straightforward synthesis approach that yields crystals of a similar size but allows the tuning of their orientation to either the (200) or (002) facet alignment parallel to the substrate by manipulating dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and tetrahydrothiophene-1-oxide (THTO) ratios. This decouples crystal orientation from grain size, allowing the study of charge carrier mobility, found to be improved with larger grain sizes, highlighting the importance of minimising crystal disorder to achieve efficient devices. However, devices incorporating crystals with the (200) facet exhibit an s-shape in the current density-voltage curve when standard scan rates are used, which typically signals an energetic interfacial barrier. Using the drift-diffusion simulations, we attribute this to slower-moving ions (mobility of 0.37 × 10-10 cm2 V-1 s-1) in combination with a lower density of mobile ions. This counterintuitive result highlights that reducing ion migration does not necessarily minimise hysteresis.

Vacuum-Processed Propylene Urea Additive: A Novel Approach for Controlling the Growth of CH3NH3PbI3 Crystals in All Vacuum-Processed Perovskite Solar Cells

In this study, we present a novel method for controlling the growth of perovskite crystals in the vacuum thermal evaporation process by utilizing a vacuum-processable additive, propylene urea (PU). By coevaporation of perovskite precursors with PU to form the perovskite layer, PU, acting as a Lewis base additive, retards the direct reaction between the perovskite precursors. This facilitates a larger domain size and reduced defect density. Following the removal of the residual additive, the perovskite layer, exhibiting improved crystallinity, demonstrates reduced charge recombination, as confirmed by a time-resolved microwave conductivity analysis. Consequently, there is a notable enhancement in open-circuit voltage and power conversion efficiency, increasing from 1.05 to 1.15 V and from 17.17 to 18.31%, respectively. The incorporation of a vacuum-processable and removable Lewis base additive into the fabrication of vacuum-processed perovskite solar cells offers new avenues for optimizing these devices.

Defects in lead halide perovskite light-emitting diodes under electric field: from behavior to passivation strategies

Lead halide perovskites (LHPs) are emerging semiconductor materials for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) owing to their unique structure and superior optoelectronic properties. However, defects that initiate degradation of LHPs through external stimuli and prompt internal ion migration at the interfaces remain a significant challenge. The electric field (EF), which is a fundamental driving force in LED operation, complicates the role of these defects in the physical and chemical properties of LHPs. A deeper understanding of EF-induced defect behavior is crucial for optimizing the LED performance. In this review, the origins and characterization of defects are explored, indicating the influence of EF-induced defect dynamics on LED performance and stability. A comprehensive overview of recent defect passivation approaches for LHP bulk films and nanocrystals (NCs) is also provided. Given the ubiquity of EF, a summary of the EF-induced defect behavior can enhance the performance of perovskite LEDs and related optoelectronic devices.

Synthesis, optoelectronic properties, and charge carrier dynamics of colloidal quasi-two-dimensional Cs3Bi2I9 perovskite nanosheets

Non-toxicity and stability make two-dimensional (2D) bismuth halide perovskites better alternatives to lead-based ones for optoelectronic applications and catalysis. In this work, we synthesize sub-micron size colloidal quasi-2D Cs₃Bi₂I₉ perovskite nanosheets and study their generation and relaxation of charge carriers. Steady-state absorption spectroscopy reveals an indirect bandgap of 2.07 eV, which is supported by the band structure calculated using density functional theory. The nanosheets show no detectable photoluminescence at room temperature at near bandgap excitation which is attributed to the indirect bandgap. However, cathodoluminescence spanning a broad range from 500 nm to 750 nm with an asymmetric and Stokes-shifted emission is observed, indicating the phonon- and trap-assisted recombination of charge carriers. We study the ultrafast charge carrier dynamics in Cs₃Bi₂I₉ nanosheets using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. The samples are excited with photon energies higher than their bandgap, and the results are interpreted in terms of hot carrier generation (<1 ps), thermalization with local phonons (∼1 ps), and cooling (>30 ps). Further, a relatively slow relaxation of excitons (≳3 ns) at the band edge suggests the formation of stable polarons which decay nonradiatively by releasing phonons.

Deconvolution of Light-Induced Ion Migration Phenomena by Statistical Analysis of Cathodoluminescence in Lead Halide-Based Perovskites

Studying the compositional instability of mixed ion perovskites under light illumination is important to understand the mechanisms underlying their efficiency and stability. However, current techniques are limited in resolution and are unable to deconvolute minor ion migration phenomena. Here, a method that enables ion migration to be studied allowing different segregation mechanisms to be elucidated is described. Statistical analysis is applied to cathodoluminescence data to generate compositional distribution histograms. Using these histograms, two different ion migration phenomena, horizontal ion migration (HIM) and vertical ion migration (VIM), are identified in different perovskite films. It is found that most passivating agents inhibit HIM, but not VIM. However, VIM can be reduced by deposition of imidazolium iodide on the perovskite surface. This method can be used to study perovskite-based devices efficiency and stability by providing molecular level mechanistic understanding of passivation approaches leading to performance improvement of perovskite solar cells via rational design.

Halide Segregation in Mixed Halide Perovskites: Visualization and Mechanisms

Photoinduced halide segregation in mixed halide perovskites is an intriguing phenomenon and simultaneously a stability issue. In-depth probing this effect and unveiling the underpinning mechanisms are of great interest and significance. This article reviews the progress in visualized investigation of halide segregation, especially light-induced, by means of spatially-resolved imaging techniques. Furthermore, the current understanding of photoinduced phase separation based on several possible mechanisms is summarized and discussed. Finally, the remained open questions and future outlook in this field are outlined.

MOFs based on the application and challenges of perovskite solar cells

In recent years, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted much attention because of their high energy conversion efficiency, low cost, and simple preparation process. Up to now, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar cells has been increased from 3.8% to 25.5%. Metal–organic skeleton-derived metal oxides and their composites (MOFs) are widely considered for application in PSCs due to their low and flat charge/discharge potential plateau, high capacity, and stable cycling performance. By combining MOFs and PSCs, based on the composition materials of perovskite film, electron transport layer, hole transport layer, and interfacial interlayer of PSCs, this article discusses the photovoltaic performance or structure optimization effect of MOFs in each function layer, which is of great significance to improve the photovoltaic performance of the cell. The problems faced by MOFs on perovskite solar cells are summarized, the next research directions are discussed, and the development of this crossover area of MOFs–PSC is foreseen to accelerate the comprehensive research and popularization of MOFs on PSCs.

Using pulsed mode scanning electron microscopy for cathodoluminescence studies on hybrid perovskite films

The use of pulsed mode scanning electron microscopy cathodoluminescence (CL) for both hyperspectral mapping and time-resolved measurements is found to be useful for the study of hybrid perovskite films, a class of ionic semiconductors that have been shown to be beam sensitive. A range of acquisition parameters is analysed, including beam current and beam mode (either continuous or pulsed operation), and their effect on the CL emission is discussed. Under optimized acquisition conditions, using a pulsed electron beam, the heterogeneity of the emission properties of hybrid perovskite films can be resolved via the acquisition of CL hyperspectral maps. These optimized parameters also enable the acquisition of time-resolved CL of polycrystalline films, showing significantly shorter lived charge carriers dynamics compared to the photoluminescence analogue, hinting at additional electron beam-specimen interactions to be further investigated. This work represents a promising step to investigate hybrid perovskite semiconductors at the nanoscale with CL.

Charging-driven coarsening and melting of a colloidal nanoparticle monolayer at an ionic liquid-vacuum interface

We induce and investigate the coarsening and melting dynamics of an initially static nanoparticle colloidal monolayer at an ionic liquid-vacuum interface, driven by a focused, scanning electron beam. Coarsening occurs through grain interface migration and larger-scale motions such as grain rotations, often facilitated by sliding dislocations. The progressive decrease in area fraction that drives melting of the monolayer is explained using an electrowetting model whereby particles at the interface are solvated once their accumulating charge recruits sufficient counterions to subsume the particle. Subject to stochastic particle removal from the monolayer, melting is recapitulated in simulations with a Lennard-Jones potential. This new driving mechanism for colloidal systems, whose dynamical timescales we show can be controlled with the accelerating voltage, opens the possibility to manipulate particle interactions dynamically without need to vary particle intrinsic properties or surface treatments. Furthermore, the decrease in particle size availed by electron imaging presents opportunities to observe force and time scales in a lesser-explored regime intermediate between typical colloidal and molecular systems.

Denatured M13 Bacteriophage-Templated Perovskite Solar Cells Exhibiting High Efficiency

The M13 bacteriophage, a nature-inspired environmentally friendly biomaterial, is used as a perovskite crystal growth template and a grain boundary passivator in perovskite solar cells. The amino groups and carboxyl groups of amino acids on the M13 bacteriophage surface function as Lewis bases, interacting with the perovskite materials. The M13 bacteriophage-added perovskite films show a larger grain size and reduced trap-sites compared with the reference perovskite films. In addition, the existence of the M13 bacteriophage induces light scattering effect, which enhances the light absorption particularly in the long-wavelength region around 825 nm. Both the passivation effect of the M13 bacteriophage coordinating to the perovskite defect sites and the light scattering effect intensify when the M13 virus-added perovskite precursor solution is heated at 90 °C prior to the film formation. Heating the solution denatures the M13 bacteriophage by breaking their inter- and intra-molecular bondings. The denatured M13 bacteriophage-added perovskite solar cells exhibit an efficiency of 20.1% while the reference devices give an efficiency of 17.8%. The great improvement in efficiency comes from all of the three photovoltaic parameters, namely short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and fill factor, which correspond to the perovskite grain size, trap-site passivation, and charge transport, respectively.

Maximizing the external radiative efficiency of hybrid perovskite solar cells

Despite rapid advancements in power conversion efficiency in the last decade, perovskite solar cells still perform below their thermodynamic efficiency limits. Non-radiative recombination, in particular, has limited the external radiative efficiency and open circuit voltage in the highest performing devices. We review the historical progress in enhancing perovskite external radiative efficiency and determine key strategies for reaching high optoelectronic quality. Specifically, we focus on non-radiative recombination within the perovskite layer and highlight novel approaches to reduce energy losses at interfaces and through parasitic absorption. By strategically targeting defects, it is likely that the next set of record-performing devices with ultra-low voltage losses will be achieved.

Atomic fluctuations in electronic materials revealed by dephasing

The microscopic origin and timescale of the fluctuations of the energies of electronic states has a significant impact on the properties of interest of electronic materials, with implication in fields ranging from photovoltaic devices to quantum information processing. Spectroscopic investigations of coherent dynamics provide a direct measurement of electronic fluctuations. Modern multidimensional spectroscopy techniques allow the mapping of coherent processes along multiple time or frequency axes and thus allow unprecedented discrimination between different sources of electronic dephasing. Exploiting modern abilities in coherence mapping in both amplitude and phase, we unravel dissipative processes of electronic coherences in the model system of CdSe quantum dots (QDs). The method allows the assignment of the nature of the observed coherence as vibrational or electronic. The expected coherence maps are obtained for the coherent longitudinal optical (LO) phonon, which serves as an internal standard and confirms the sensitivity of the technique. Fast dephasing is observed between the first two exciton states, despite their shared electron state and common environment. This result is contrary to predictions of the standard effective mass model for these materials, in which the exciton levels are strongly correlated through a common size dependence. In contrast, the experiment is in agreement with ab initio molecular dynamics of a single QD. Electronic dephasing in these materials is thus dominated by the realistic electronic structure arising from fluctuations at the atomic level rather than static size distribution. The analysis of electronic dephasing thereby uniquely enables the study of electronic fluctuations in complex materials.

Boosting Multiple Interfaces by Co-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots for High Efficiency and Durability Perovskite Solar Cells

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs), as the most rapidly developing next-generation thin-film photovoltaic technology, have attracted extensive research interest, yet their efficiency, scalability, and durability remain challenging. α-Fe₂O₃ could be used as an electron transporting layer (ETL) of planar PSCs, which exhibits a much higher humidity and UV light-stability compared to TiO₂-based planar PSCs. However, the photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of the Fe₂O₃-based device was still below 15% because of poor interface contact between α-Fe₂O₃ and perovskite and poor crystal quality of perovskites. In this work, we have engineered the interfaces throughout the entire solar cell via incorporating N, S co-doped graphene quantum dots (NSGQDs). The NSGQDs played remarkable multifunctional roles: (i) facilitated the perovskite crystal growth; (ii) eased charge extraction at both anode and cathode interfaces; and (iii) induced the defect passivation and suppressed the charge recombination. When assembled with a α-Fe₂O₃ ETL, the planar PSCs exhibited a significantly increased efficiency from 14 to 19.2%, with concomitant reductions in hysteresis, which created a new record of the PCE for Fe₂O₃-based PSCs to date. In addition, PSCs with the entire device interfacial engineering showed an obviously improved durability, including prominent humidity, UV light, and thermal stabilities. Our interfacial engineering methodology via graphene quantum dots represents a versatile and effective way for building high efficiency as well as durable PSCs.

Light-Powered Directional Nanofluidic Ion Transport in Kirigami-Made Asymmetric Photonic-Ionic Devices

Nacre-mimetic 2D nanofluidic materials with densely packed sub-nanometer-height lamellar channels find widespread applications in water-, energy-, and environment-related aspects by virtue of their scalable fabrication methods and exceptional transport properties. Recently, light-powered nanofluidic ion transport in synthetic materials gained considerable attention for its remote, noninvasive, and active control of the membrane transport property using the energy of light. Toward practical application, a critical challenge is to overcome the dependence on inhomogeneous or site-specific light illumination. Here, asymmetric photonic-ionic devices based on kirigami-tailored graphene oxide paper are fabricated, and directional nanofluidic ion transport properties therein powered by full-area light illumination are demonstrated. The in-plane asymmetry of the graphene oxide paper is essential to the generation of photoelectric driving force under homogeneous illumination. This light-powered ion transport phenomenon is explained based on a modified carrier diffusion model. In asymmetric nanofluidic structures, enhanced recombination of photoexcited charge carriers at the membrane boundary breaks the electric potential balance in the horizontal direction, and thus drives the ion transport in that direction under symmetric illumination. The kirigami-based strategy provides a facile and scalable way to fabricate paper-like photonic-ionic devices with arbitrary shapes, working as fundamental elements for large-scale light-harvesting nanofluidic circuits.

Spatially Resolved Photogenerated Exciton and Charge Transport in Emerging Semiconductors

We review recent advances in the characterization of electronic forms of energy transport in emerging semiconductors. The approaches described all temporally and spatially resolve the evolution of initially localized populations of photogenerated excitons or charge carriers. We first provide a comprehensive background for describing the physical origin and nature of electronic energy transport both microscopically and from the perspective of the observer. We introduce the new family of far-field, time-resolved optical microscopies developed to directly resolve not only the extent of this transport but also its potentially temporally and spatially dependent rate. We review a representation of examples from the recent literature, including investigation of energy flow in colloidal quantum dot solids, organic semiconductors, organic-inorganic metal halide perovskites, and 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. These examples illustrate how traditional parameters like diffusivity are applicable only within limited spatiotemporal ranges and how the techniques at the core of this review,especially when taken together, are revealing a more complete picture of the spatiotemporal evolution of energy transport in complex semiconductors, even as a function of their structural heterogeneities.

Versatile Defect Passivation Methods for Metal Halide Perovskite Materials and their Application to Light-Emitting Devices

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as promising emitters because of their excellent optoelectronic properties, including high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), wide-range color tunability, and high color purity. However, a fundamental limitation of MHPs is their low exciton binding energy, which results in a low radiative recombination rate and the dependence of PLQY on the excitation intensity. Under the operating conditions of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), the injected current densities are typically lower than the trap density, leading to a low actual PLQY. Moreover, the defects not only initiate the decomposition of MHPs caused by extrinsic factors, but also intrinsically stimulate ion migration across the interface and lead to the corrosion of electrodes due to interaction between those electrodes, even under inert conditions. The passivation of defects has proven to be effective for mitigating the effects of defects in MHPs. Herein, the origins and theoretical calculations of the defect tolerance in MHPs and the impact of defects on both the performance and stability of perovskite LEDs are reviewed. The passivation methods and materials for MHP bulk films and nanocrystals are discussed in detail. Based on the currently reported advances, specific requirements and future research directions for display applications are suggested.

First-Principles Study of Ferroelastic Twins in Halide Perovskites

We present an ab initio simulation of 90° ferroelastic twins that were recently observed in methylammonium lead iodide. There are two inequivalent types of 90° walls that we calculate to act as either electron or hole sinks, which leads us to propose a mechanism for enhancing charge carrier separation in photovoltaic devices. Despite separating nonpolar domains, we show these walls to have a substantial in-plane polarization of ∼6 μC cm^-2, due in part to flexoelectricity. We suggest this in turn could allow for the photoferroic effect and create efficient pathways for photocurrents within the wall.

Luminescent perovskites: recent advances in theory and experiments

This review summarizes previous research on luminescent perovskites, including oxides and halides, with different structural dimensionality. The relationship between the crystal structure, electronic structure and properties is discussed in detail.

Fractional deviations in precursor stoichiometry dictate the properties, performance and stability of perovskite photovoltaic devices

The last five years have witnessed remarkable progress in the field of lead halide perovskite materials and devices. Examining the existing body of literature reveals staggering inconsistencies in the reported results among different research groups with a particularly wide spread in the photovoltaic performance and stability of devices. In this work we demonstrate that fractional, quite possibly unintentional, deviations in the precursor solution stoichiometry can cause significant changes in the properties of the perovskite layer as well as in the performance and stability of perovskite photovoltaic devices. We show that while the absorbance and morphology of the layers remain largely unaffected, the surface composition and energetics, crystallinity, emission efficiency, energetic disorder and storage stability are all very sensitive to the precise stoichiometry of the precursor solution. Our results elucidate the origin of the irreproducibility and inconsistencies of reported results among different groups as well as the wide spread in device performance even within individual studies. Finally, we propose a simple experimental method to identify the exact stoichiometry of the perovskite layer that researchers can employ to confirm their experiments are performed consistently without unintentional variations in precursor stoichiometry.

Probing buried recombination pathways in perovskite structures using 3D photoluminescence tomography

Perovskite solar cells and light-emission devices are yet to achieve their full potential owing in part to microscale inhomogeneities and defects that act as non-radiative loss pathways. These sites have been revealed using local photoluminescence mapping techniques but the short absorption depth of photons with energies above the bandgap means that conventional one-photon excitation primarily probes the surface recombination. Here, we use two-photon time-resolved confocal photoluminescence microscopy to explore the surface and bulk recombination properties of methylammonium lead halide perovskite structures. By acquiring 2D maps at different depths, we form 3D photoluminescence tomography images to visualise the charge carrier recombination kinetics. The technique unveils buried recombination pathways in both thin film and micro-crystal structures that aren't captured in conventional one-photon mapping experiments. Specifically, we reveal that light-induced passivation approaches are primarily surface-sensitive and that nominal single crystals still contain heterogeneous defects that impact charge-carrier recombination. Our work opens a new route to sensitively probe defects and associated non-radiative processes in perovskites, highlighting additional loss pathways in these materials that will need to be addressed through improved sample processing or passivation treatments.

Phase-transition-induced p-n junction in single halide perovskite nanowire

Semiconductor p-n junctions are fundamental building blocks for modern optical and electronic devices. The p- and n-type regions are typically created by chemical doping process. Here we show that in the new class of halide perovskite semiconductors, the p-n junctions can be readily induced through a localized thermal-driven phase transition. We demonstrate this p-n junction formation in a single-crystalline halide perovskite CsSnI₃ nanowire (NW). This material undergoes a phase transition from a double-chain yellow (Y) phase to an orthorhombic black (B) phase. The formation energies of the cation and anion vacancies in these two phases are significantly different, which leads to n- and p- type electrical characteristics for Y and B phases, respectively. Interface formation between these two phases and directional interface propagation within a single NW are directly observed under cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopy. Current rectification is demonstrated for the p-n junction formed with this localized thermal-driven phase transition.

Limiting Perovskite Solar Cell Performance by Heterogeneous Carrier Extraction

Although the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells has improved rapidly, a rational path for further improvement remains unclear. The effect of large morphological heterogeneity of polycrystalline perovskite films on their device performance by photoluminescence (PL) microscopy has now been studied. Contrary to the common belief on the deleterious effect of morphological heterogeneity on carrier lifetimes and diffusivities, in neat CH₃ NH₃ PbI₃ (Cl) polycrystalline perovskite films, the local (intra-grain) carrier diffusivities in different grains are all surprisingly high (1.5 to 3.3 cm²  s^-1 ; comparable to bulk single-crystals), and the local carrier lifetimes are long (ca. 200 ns) and surprisingly homogenous among grains, and uniform across grain boundary and interior. However, there is a large heterogeneity of carrier extraction efficiency at the perovskite grain-electrode interface. Improving homogeneity at perovskite grain-electrode contacts is thus a promising direction for improving the performance of perovskite thin-film solar cells.

Tunable Polaron Distortions Control the Extent of Halide Demixing in Lead Halide Perovskites

Photoinduced phase separation in mixed halide perovskites emerges from their electro-mechanical properties and high ionic conductivities, resulting in photoinduced I^--rich charge carrier traps that diminish photovoltaic performance. Whether photoinduced phase separation stems from the polycrystalline microstructure or is an intrinsic material property has been an open question. We investigate the nanoscale photoinduced behavior of single-crystal mixed Br^-/I^- methylammonium (MA⁺) lead halide perovskite (MAPb(Br _xI_{1- x})₃) nanoplates, eliminating effects from extended structural defects. Even in these nanoplates, we find that phase separation occurs, resulting in I^--rich clusters that are nucleated stochastically and stabilized by polarons. Upon lowering the electron-phonon coupling strength by partially exchanging MA⁺ for Cs⁺, a phase-separated steady state is not reached, nevertheless transient I^- clustering still occurs. Our results, supported by multiscale modeling, demonstrate that photoinduced phase separation is an intrinsic property of mixed halide perovskites, the extent and dynamics of which depends on the electron-phonon coupling strength.

Grain Boundaries Act as Solid Walls for Charge Carrier Diffusion in Large Crystal MAPI Thin Films

Micro- and nanocrystalline methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI)-based thin-film solar cells today reach power conversion efficiencies of over 20%. We investigate the impact of grain boundaries on charge carrier transport in large crystal MAPI thin films using time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) microscopy and numerical model calculations. Crystal sizes in the range of several tens of micrometers allow for the spatially and time resolved study of boundary effects. Whereas long-ranged diffusive charge carrier transport is observed within single crystals, no detectable diffusive transport occurs across grain boundaries. The observed PL transients are found to crucially depend on the microscopic geometry of the crystal and the point of observation. In particular, spatially restricted diffusion of charge carriers leads to slower PL decay near crystal edges as compared to the crystal center. In contrast to many reports in the literature, our experimental results show no quenching or additional loss channels due to grain boundaries for the studied material, which thus do not negatively affect the performance of the derived thin-film devices.

Imaging Heterogeneously Distributed Photo-Active Traps in Perovskite Single Crystals

Organic-inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) have demonstrated outstanding energy conversion efficiency in solar cells and light-emitting devices. In spite of intensive developments in both materials and devices, electronic traps and defects that significantly affect their device properties remain under-investigated. Particularly, it remains challenging to identify and to resolve traps individually at the nanoscopic scale. Here, photo-active traps (PATs) are mapped over OIHP nanocrystal morphology of different crystallinity by means of correlative optical differential super-resolution localization microscopy (Δ-SRLM) and electron microscopy. Stochastic and monolithic photoluminescence intermittency due to individual PATs is observed on monocrystalline and polycrystalline OIHP nanocrystals. Δ-SRLM reveals a heterogeneous PAT distribution across nanocrystals and determines the PAT density to be 1.3 × 10¹⁴ and 8 × 10¹³ cm^-3 for polycrystalline and for monocrystalline nanocrystals, respectively. The higher PAT density in polycrystalline nanocrystals is likely related to an increased defect density. Moreover, monocrystalline nanocrystals that are prepared in an oxygen- and moisture-free environment show a similar PAT density as that prepared at ambient conditions, excluding oxygen or moisture as chief causes of PATs. Hence, it is concluded that the PATs come from inherent structural defects in the material, which suggests that the PAT density can be reduced by improving crystalline quality of the material.

Structural effects on optoelectronic properties of halide perovskites

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

Tracking Photoexcited Carriers in Hybrid Perovskite Semiconductors: Trap-Dominated Spatial Heterogeneity and Diffusion

We use correlated confocal and wide-field fluorescence microscopy to probe the interplay between local variations in charge carrier recombination and charge carrier transport in methylammonium lead triiodide perovskite thin films. We find that local photoluminescence variations present in confocal imaging are also observed in wide-field imaging, while intensity-dependent confocal measurements show that the heterogeneity in nonradiative losses observed at low excitation powers becomes less pronounced at higher excitation powers. Both confocal and wide-field images show that carriers undergo anisotropic diffusion due to differences in intergrain connectivity. These data are all qualitatively consistent with trap-dominated variations in local photoluminescence intensity and with grain boundaries that exhibit varying degrees of opacity to carrier transport. We use a two-dimensional kinetic model to simulate and compare confocal time-resolved photoluminescence decay traces with experimental data. The simulations further support the assignment of local variations in nonradiative recombination as the primary cause of photoluminescence heterogeneity in the films studied herein. These results point to surface passivation and intergrain connectivity as areas that could yield improvements in perovskite solar cells and optoelectronic device performance.

Impact of Reabsorption on the Emission Spectra and Recombination Dynamics of Hybrid Perovskite Single Crystals

Understanding the surface properties of organic-inorganic lead-based perovskites is of high importance to improve the device's performance. Here, we have investigated the differences between surface and bulk optical properties of CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ single crystals. Depth-resolved cathodoluminescence was used to probe the near-surface region on a depth of a few microns. In addition, we have studied the transmitted luminescence through thicknesses between 50 and 600 μm. In both experiments, the expected spectral shift due to the reabsorption effect has been precisely calculated. We demonstrate that reabsorption explains the important variations reported for the emission energy of single crystals. Single crystals are partially transparent to their own luminescence, and radiative transport is the dominant mechanism for propagation of the excitation in thick crystals. The transmitted luminescence dynamics are characterized by a long rise time and a lengthening of their decay due to photon recycling and light trapping.

Defect-induced local variation of crystal phase transition temperature in metal-halide perovskites

Solution-processed organometal halide perovskites are hybrid crystalline semiconductors highly interesting for low-cost and efficient optoelectronics. Their properties are dependent on the crystal structure. Literature shows a variety of crystal phase transition temperatures and often a spread of the transition over tens of degrees Kelvin. We explain this inconsistency by demonstrating that the temperature of the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic phase transition in methylammonium lead triiodide depends on the concentration and nature of local defects. Phase transition in individual nanowires was studied by photoluminescence microspectroscopy and super-resolution imaging. We propose that upon cooling from 160 to 140 K, domains of the crystal containing fewer defects stay in the tetragonal phase longer than highly defected domains that readily transform to the high bandgap orthorhombic phase at higher temperatures. The existence of relatively pure tetragonal domains during the phase transition leads to drastic photoluminescence enhancement, which is inhomogeneously distributed across perovskite microcrystals.

Understanding crystal phase transition in materials is of fundamental importance. Using luminescence spectroscopy and super-resolution imaging, Dobrovolsky et al. study the transition from the tetragonal to orthorhombic crystal phase in methylammonium lead triiodide nanowires at low temperature.

Perspective: Theory and simulation of hybrid halide perovskites

Organic-inorganic halide perovskites present a number of challenges for first-principles atomistic materials modeling. Such "plastic crystals" feature dynamic processes across multiple length and time scales. These include the following: (i) transport of slow ions and fast electrons; (ii) highly anharmonic lattice dynamics with short phonon lifetimes; (iii) local symmetry breaking of the average crystallographic space group; (iv) strong relativistic (spin-orbit coupling) effects on the electronic band structure; and (v) thermodynamic metastability and rapid chemical breakdown. These issues, which affect the operation of solar cells, are outlined in this perspective. We also discuss general guidelines for performing quantitative and predictive simulations of these materials, which are relevant to metal-organic frameworks and other hybrid semiconducting, dielectric and ferroelectric compounds.

Recombination in Perovskite Solar Cells: Significance of Grain Boundaries, Interface Traps, and Defect Ions

Trap-assisted recombination, despite being lower as compared with traditional inorganic solar cells, is still the dominant recombination mechanism in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and limits their efficiency. We investigate the attributes of the primary trap-assisted recombination channels (grain boundaries and interfaces) and their correlation to defect ions in PSCs. We achieve this by using a validated device model to fit the simulations to the experimental data of efficient vacuum-deposited p-i-n and n-i-p CH₃NH₃PbI₃ solar cells, including the light intensity dependence of the open-circuit voltage and fill factor. We find that, despite the presence of traps at interfaces and grain boundaries (GBs), their neutral (when filled with photogenerated charges) disposition along with the long-lived nature of holes leads to the high performance of PSCs. The sign of the traps (when filled) is of little importance in efficient solar cells with compact morphologies (fused GBs, low trap density). On the other hand, solar cells with noncompact morphologies (open GBs, high trap density) are sensitive to the sign of the traps and hence to the cell preparation methods. Even in the presence of traps at GBs, trap-assisted recombination at interfaces (between the transport layers and the perovskite) is the dominant loss mechanism. We find a direct correlation between the density of traps, the density of mobile ionic defects, and the degree of hysteresis observed in the current-voltage (J-V) characteristics. The presence of defect states or mobile ions not only limits the device performance but also plays a role in the J-V hysteresis.

Facile Face-Down Annealing Triggered Remarkable Texture Development in CH3NH3PbI3 Films for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells

Herein, we demonstrate that the facile face-down annealing route which effectively confines the evaporation of residual solvent molecules in one-step deposited precursor films can controllably enable the formation of (110) textured CH₃NH₃PbI₃ films consisting of high-crystallinity well-ordered micrometer-sized grains that span vertically the entire film thickness. Such microstructural features dramatically decrease nonradiative recombination sites as well as greatly improve the transport property of charge carries in the films compared with that of the nontextured ones obtained by the conventional annealing route. As a consequence, the planar-heterojunction perovskite solar cells with these textured CH₃NH₃PbI₃ films exhibit significantly enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) along with small hysteresis and excellent stability. The champion cell yields impressive PCE boosting to 18.64% and a stabilized value of around 17.22%. Particularly, it can maintain 86% of its initial value after storage for 20 days in ambient conditions with relative humidity of 10-20%. Our work suggests a facile and effective route for further boosting the efficiency and stability of low-cost perovskite solar cells.

Origin of Reversible Photoinduced Phase Separation in Hybrid Perovskites

The distinct physical properties of hybrid organic-inorganic materials can lead to unexpected nonequilibrium phenomena that are difficult to characterize due to the broad range of length and time scales involved. For instance, mixed halide hybrid perovskites are promising materials for optoelectronics, yet bulk measurements suggest the halides reversibly phase separate upon photoexcitation. By combining nanoscale imaging and multiscale modeling, we find that the nature of halide demixing in these materials is distinct from macroscopic phase separation. We propose that the localized strain induced by a single photoexcited charge interacting with the soft, ionic lattice is sufficient to promote halide phase separation and nucleate a light-stabilized, low-bandgap, ∼8 nm iodide-rich cluster. The limited extent of this polaron is essential to promote demixing because by contrast bulk strain would simply be relaxed. Photoinduced phase separation is therefore a consequence of the unique electromechanical properties of this hybrid class of materials. Exploiting photoinduced phase separation and other nonequilibrium phenomena in hybrid materials more generally could expand applications in sensing, switching, memory, and energy storage.

Three-Dimensional Optical Tomography and Correlated Elemental Analysis of Hybrid Perovskite Microstructures: An Insight into Defect-Related Lattice Distortion and Photoinduced Ion Migration

Organic lead halide perovskites have recently been proposed for applications in light-emitting devices of different sorts. More specifically, regular crystalline microstructures constitute an efficient light source and fulfill the geometrical requirements to act as resonators, giving rise to waveguiding and optical amplification. Herein we show three-dimensional laser scanning confocal tomography studies of different types of methylammonium lead bromide microstructures which have allowed us to dissect their photoemission properties with a precision of 0.036 μm³. This analysis shows that their spectral emission presents strong spatial variations which can be attributed to defect-related lattice distortions. It is also largely enhanced under light exposure, which triggers the migration of halide ions away from illuminated regions, eventually leading to a strongly anisotropic degradation. Our work points to the need for performing an optical quality test of individual crystallites prior to their use in optoelectronics devices and provides a means to do so.

The Impact of Phase Retention on the Structural and Optoelectronic Properties of Metal Halide Perovskites

The extent to which the soft structural properties of metal halide perovskites affect their optoelectronic properties is unclear. X-ray diffraction and micro-photoluminescence measurements are used to show that there is a coexistence of both tetragonal and orthorhombic phases through the low-temperature phase transition, and that cycling through this transition can lead to structural changes and enhanced optoelectronic properties.

Facet-Dependent Property of Sequentially Deposited Perovskite Thin Films: Chemical Origin and Self-Annihilation

Quantification of intergrain length scale properties of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ (MAPbI₃) can provide further understanding of material physics, leading to improved device performance. In this work, we noticed that two typical types of facets appear in sequential deposited perovskite (SDP) films: smooth and steplike morphologies. By mapping the surface potential as well as the photoluminescence (PL) peak position, we revealed the heterogeneity of SDP thin films that smooth facets are almost intrinsic with a PL peak at 775 nm, while the steplike facets are p-type-doped with 5-nm blue-shifted PL peak. Considering the reaction process, we propose that the smooth facets have well-defined crystal lattices that resulted from the interfacial reaction between MAI and PbI₂ domains containing low trap states density. The steplike facets are MAI-rich originated from the grain boundaries of PbI₂ film and own more trap states. Conversion of steplike facets to smooth facets can be controlled by increasing the reaction time through Ostwald ripening. The improved stability, photoresponsivity up to 0.3 A/W, on/off ratio up to 3900, and decreased photo response time to ∼160 μs show that the trap states can be annihilated effectively to improve the photoelectrical conversion with prolonged reaction time and elimination of steplike facets. Our findings demonstrate the relationship between the facet heterogeneity of SDP films and crystal growth process for the first time, and imply that the systematic control of crystal grain modification will enable amelioration of crystallinity for more-efficient perovskite photoelectrical applications.

Anticorrelation between Local Photoluminescence and Photocurrent Suggests Variability in Contact to Active Layer in Perovskite Solar Cells

We use high-resolution, spatially resolved, laser beam induced current, confocal photoluminescence, and photoconductive atomic force microscopy (pcAFM) measurements to correlate local solar cell performance with spatially heterogeneous local material properties in methylammonium lead triiodide (CH₃NH₃PbI₃) perovskite solar cells. We find that, for this material and device architecture, the photocurrent heterogeneity measured via pcAFM on devices missing a top selective contact with traditional Au-coated tips is significantly larger than the photocurrent heterogeneity observed in full devices with both electron- and hole-selective extraction layers, indicating that extraction barriers at the Au/perovskite interface are ameliorated by deposition of the organic charge extraction layer. Nevertheless, in completed, efficient device structures (PCE ≈ 16%) with state-of-the-art nickel oxide and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid (PCBM) methyl ester contacts, we observe that the local photoluminescence (PL) is weakly anticorrelated with local photocurrent at both short-circuit and open-circuit conditions. We determine that the contact materials are fairly homogeneous; thus the heterogeneity stems from the perovskite itself. We suggest a cause for the anticorrelation as being related to local carrier extraction heterogeneity. However, we find that the contacts are still the dominating source of losses in these devices, which minimizes the impact of the material heterogeneity on device performance at present. These results suggest that further steps to prevent recombination losses at the interfaces are needed to help perovskite-based cells approach theoretical efficiency limits; only at this point will material heterogeneity become crucial.

Photo-Carrier Multi-Dynamical Imaging at the Nanometer Scale in Organic and Inorganic Solar Cells

Investigating the photocarrier dynamics in nanostructured and heterogeneous energy materials is of crucial importance from both fundamental and technological points of view. Here, we demonstrate how noncontact atomic force microscopy combined with Kelvin probe force microscopy under frequency-modulated illumination can be used to simultaneously image the surface photopotential dynamics at different time scales with a sub-10 nm lateral resolution. The basic principle of the method consists in the acquisition of spectroscopic curves of the surface potential as a function of the illumination frequency modulation on a two-dimensional grid. We show how this frequency-spectroscopy can be used to probe simultaneously the charging rate and several decay processes involving short-lived and long-lived carriers. With this approach, dynamical images of the trap-filling, trap-delayed recombination and nongeminate recombination processes have been acquired in nanophase segregated organic donor-acceptor bulk heterojunction thin films. Furthermore, the spatial variation of the minority carrier lifetime has been imaged in polycrystalline silicon thin films. These results establish two-dimensional multidynamical photovoltage imaging as a universal tool for local investigations of the photocarrier dynamics in photoactive materials and devices.

Origin of unusual bandgap shift and dual emission in organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites

Emission characteristics of metal halide perovskites play a key role in the current widespread investigations into their potential uses in optoelectronics and photonics. However, a fundamental understanding of the molecular origin of the unusual blueshift of the bandgap and dual emission in perovskites is still lacking. In this direction, we investigated the extraordinary photoluminescence behavior of three representatives of this important class of photonic materials, that is, CH₃NH₃PbI₃, CH₃NH₃PbBr₃, and CH(NH₂)₂PbBr₃, which emerged from our thorough studies of the effects of temperature on their bandgap and emission decay dynamics using time-integrated and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The low-temperature (<100 K) photoluminescence of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ and CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ reveals two distinct emission peaks, whereas that of CH(NH₂)₂PbBr₃ shows a single emission peak. Furthermore, irrespective of perovskite composition, the bandgap exhibits an unusual blueshift by raising the temperature from 15 to 300 K. Density functional theory and classical molecular dynamics simulations allow for assigning the additional photoluminescence peak to the presence of molecularly disordered orthorhombic domains and also rationalize that the unusual blueshift of the bandgap with increasing temperature is due to the stabilization of the valence band maximum. Our findings provide new insights into the salient emission properties of perovskite materials, which define their performance in solar cells and light-emitting devices.

Functional Scanning Probe Imaging of Nanostructured Solar Energy Materials

From hybrid perovskites to semiconducting polymer/fullerene blends for organic photovoltaics, many new materials being explored for energy harvesting and storage exhibit performance characteristics that depend sensitively on their nanoscale morphology. At the same time, rapid advances in the capability and accessibility of scanning probe microscopy methods over the past decade have made it possible to study processing/structure/function relationships ranging from photocurrent collection to photocarrier lifetimes with resolutions on the scale of tens of nanometers or better. Importantly, such scanning probe methods offer the potential to combine measurements of local structure with local function, and they can be implemented to study materials in situ or devices in operando to better understand how materials evolve in time in response to an external stimulus or environmental perturbation. This Account highlights recent advances in the development and application of scanning probe microscopy methods that can help address such questions while filling key gaps between the capabilities of conventional electron microscopy and newer super-resolution optical methods. Focusing on semiconductor materials for solar energy applications, we highlight a range of electrical and optoelectronic scanning probe microscopy methods that exploit the local dynamics of an atomic force microscope tip to probe key properties of the solar cell material or device structure. We discuss how it is possible to extract relevant device properties using noncontact scanning probe methods as well as how these properties guide materials development. Specifically, we discuss intensity-modulated scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (IM-SKPM), time-resolved electrostatic force microscopy (trEFM), frequency-modulated electrostatic force microscopy (FM-EFM), and cantilever ringdown imaging. We explain these developments in the context of classic atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods that exploit the physics of cantilever motion and photocarrier generation to provide robust, nanoscale measurements of materials physics that are correlated with device operation. We predict that the multidimensional data sets made possible by these types of methods will become increasingly important as advances in data science expand capabilities and opportunities for image correlation and discovery.

Photoluminescence Blinking of Single-Crystal Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Nanorods Induced by Surface Traps

Photoluminescence (PL) of organometal halide perovskite materials reflects the charge dynamics inside of the material and thus contains important information for understanding the electro-optical properties of the material. Interpretation of PL blinking of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) nanostructures observed on polycrystalline samples remains puzzling owing to their intrinsic disordered nature. Here, we report a novel method for the synthesis of high-quality single-crystal MAPbI₃ nanorods and demonstrate a single-crystal study on MAPbI₃ PL blinking. At low excitation power densities, two-state blinking was found on individual nanorods with dimensions of several hundred nanometers. A super-resolution localization study on the blinking of individual nanorods showed that single crystals of several hundred nanometers emit and blink as a whole, without showing changes in the localization center over the crystal. Moreover, both the blinking ON and OFF times showed power-law distributions, indicating trapping-detrapping processes. This is further supported by the PL decay times of the individual nanorods, which were found to correlate with the ON/OFF states. Furthermore, a strong environmental dependence of the nanorod PL blinking was revealed by comparing the measurements in vacuum, nitrogen, and air, implying that traps locate close to crystal surfaces. We explain our observations by proposing surface charge traps that are likely related to under-coordinated lead ions and methylammonium vacancies to result in the PL blinking observed here.