Suppressed phase separation of mixed-halide perovskites confined in endotaxial matrices

Excitation Intensity-Dependent Terminal Halide Photosegregation Stoichiometries in Formamidinium/Cesium Lead Iodide/Bromide [FACsPb(I1-xBrx)3] Thin Films

A thermodynamic band gap-based model for mixed-halide perovskite photosegregation currently explains numerous features of the phenomenon. This includes excitation intensity (Iexc) thresholds for photosegregation as well as Iexc-dependent photosegregation rates and rate constants. An intriguing prediction of the model involves Iexc-dependent terminal halide stoichiometries (xterminal), following photosegregation. Rather than suggest a common terminal value, e.g., xterminal = 0.2, for methylammonium lead iodide/bromide [MAPb(I1-xBrx)3], the model predicts Iexc-dependent xterminal. This, in principle, allows for the controlled tuning of mixed-halide perovskite photoresponses. More important, though, is the opportunity to study this response to develop deeper insight into the origin of nearly ubiquitous photosegregation in lead-based, mixed-halide perovskites. Here, we demonstrate Iexc-dependent xterminal in formamidinium/cesium, mixed-halide [FACsPb(I1-xBrx)3] perovskites. We show that modifications to theory, which account for photosegregated domain subpopulations and photocarrier funneling efficiencies, lead to good agreement between measured and predicted Iexc-dependent xterminal values. I-rich phase fractions increase with Iexc and result in asymptotic xterminal versus Iexc. This addresses an open discrepancy between experiment and theory to advance a detailed understanding of light-induced instabilities in mixed-halide perovskites.

Modulation of Photoinduced Phase Segregation and Stress-Driven Nanoscale Cracking in Hybrid Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

The negative effect of photoinduced halide segregation (PIHS) on the properties of hybrid halide perovskites poses a major obstacle for its future commercial application. Therefore, the in-depth understanding of halide-ion segregation and its causes is an urgent and intractable problem. When PIHS reaches a certain threshold, it will aggravate the deterioration of the film surface morphology and form nanoscale cracks. Herein, the formation mechanism and types of cracks are revealed by exploring the stress distribution in the film. Using the femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy, the ultrafast formation of the iodine rich phase is observed, which appears earlier than the bromine rich phase. In addition, the introduction of organic ligand didodecyldimethylammonium bromide can significantly inhibit PIHS and improve the surface morphology of the film, which can promote the device efficiency from 9.63 to 11.20%. This work provides a novel perspective for the exploration of the PIHS.

Stable and Efficient Mixed-halide Perovskite LEDs

Tailoring bandgap by mixed-halide strategy in perovskites has attracted extraordinary attention due to the flexibility of halide ion combinations and has emerged as the most direct and effective approach to precisely tune the emission wavelength throughout the entire visible light spectrum. Mixed-halide perovskites, yet, still suffered from several problems, particularly phase segregation under external stimuli because of ions migration. Understanding the essential cause and finding sound strategies, thus, remains a challenge for stable and efficient mixed-halide perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs). The review herein presents an overview of the diverse application scenarios and the profound significance associated with mixed-halide perovskites. We then summarize the challenges and potential research directions toward developing high stable and efficient mixed-halide PeLEDs. The review thus provides a systematic and timely summary for the community to deepen the understanding of mixed-halide perovskite materials and resulting PeLEDs.

New Nanophotonics Approaches for Enhancing the Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells

Over the past decade, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has experienced a remarkable ascent, soaring from 3.8% in 2009 to a remarkable record of 26.1% in 2023. Many recent approaches for improving PSC performance employ nanophotonic technologies, from light harvesting and thermal management to the manipulation of charge carrier dynamics. Plasmonic nanoparticles and arrayed dielectric nanostructures have been applied to tailor the light absorption, scattering, and conversion, as well as the heat dissipation within PSCs to improve their PCE and operational stability. In this review, it is begin with a concise introduction to define the realm of nanophotonics by focusing on the nanoscale interactions between light and surface plasmons or dielectric photonic structures. Prevailing strategies that utilize resonance-enhanced light-matter interactions for boosting the PCE and stability of PSCs from light trapping, carrier transportation, and thermal management perspectives are then elaborated, and the resultant practical applications, such as semitransparent photovoltaics, colored PSCs, and smart perovskite windows are discussed. Finally, the state-of-the-art nanophotonic paradigms in PSCs are reviewed, and the benefits of these approaches in improving the aesthetic effects and energy-saving character of PSC-integrated buildings are highlighted.

Complete Suppression of Phase Segregation in Mixed-Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals under Periodic Heating

Under continuous light illumination, it is known that localized domains with segregated halide compositions form in semiconducting mixed-halide perovskites, thus severely limiting their optoelectronic applications due to the negative changes in bandgap energies and charge-carrier characteristics. Here mixed-halide perovskite CsPbBr1.2 I1.8 nanocrystals are deposited onto an indium tin oxide substrate, whose temperature can be rapidly changed by ≈10 °C in a few seconds by applying or removing an external voltage. Such a sudden temperature change induces a temporary transition of CsPbBr1.2 I1.8 nanocrystals from the segregated phase to the mixed phase, the latter of which can be permanently maintained when the light illumination is coupled with periodic heating cycles. These findings mark the emergence of a practical solution to the detrimental phase-segregation problem, given that a small temperature modulation is readily available in various fundamental studies and practical devices of mixed-halide perovskites.

Monitoring Phase Separation and Dark Recovery in Mixed Halide Perovskite Clusters and Single Crystals Using In Situ Spectromicroscopy

Mixed halide perovskites (MHPs) are a group of semiconducting materials with promising applications in optoelectronics and photovoltaics, whose bandgap can be altered by adjusting the halide composition. However, the current challenge is to stabilize the light-induced halide separation, which undermines the device's performance. Herein we track down the phase separation dynamics of CsPbBr1.2I1.8 MHP single cubic nanocrystals (NCs) and clusters as a function of time by in situ fluorescence spectromicroscopy. The particles were sorted into groups 1 and 2 using initial photoluminescence intensities. The phase separation followed by recovery kinetics under dark and photo blinking analysis suggests that group 1 behaved more like single NCs and group 2 behaved like clusters. Under the 0.64 W/cm2 laser illumination, the phase shifts for single NCs are 3.4 ± 1.9 nm. The phase shifts are linearly correlated with the initial photoluminescence intensities of clusters, suggesting possible interparticle halide transportation.

Stability of Mixed Lead Halide Perovskite Films Encapsulated in Cyclic Olefin Copolymer at Room and Cryogenic Temperatures

Lead Mixed Halide Perovskites (LMHPs), CsPbBrI2, have attracted significant interest as promising candidates for wide bandgap absorber layers in tandem solar cells due to their relative stability and red-light emission with a bandgap ∼1.7 eV. However, these materials segregate into Br-rich and I-rich domains upon continuous illumination, affecting their optical properties and compromising the operational stability of devices. Herein, we track the microscopic processes occurring during halide segregation by using combined spectroscopic measurements at room and cryogenic temperatures. We also evaluate a passivation strategy to mitigate the halide migration of Br/I ions in the films by overcoating with cyclic olefin copolymer (COC). Our results explain the correlation between grain size, intensity dependencies, phase segregation, activation energy barrier, and their influence on photoinduced carrier lifetimes. Importantly, COC treatment increases the lifetime charge carriers in mixed halide thin films, improving efficient charge transport in perovskite solar cell applications.

Discrete Elemental Distributions inside a Single Mixed-Halide Perovskite Nanocrystal for the Self-Assembly of Multiple Quantum-Light Sources

An in-depth understanding of the structure-property relationships in semiconductor mixed-halide perovskites is critical for their potential applications in various light-absorbing and light-emitting optoelectronic devices. Here we show that during the crystal growth of mixed-halide CsPbBr1.2I1.8 nanocrystals (NCs), abundant Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) plane stacking faults are formed to release the lattice strain. These RP planes hinder the exchange of halide species across them, resulting in the presence of multiple nanodomains with discrete mixed-halide compositions inside a single CsPbBr1.2I1.8 NC. Photoluminescence peaks from these pre-segregated nanodomains, whose correlated intensity and wavelength variations signify the interactions of coupled quantum dots within a single CsPbBr1.2I1.8 NC, can be simultaneously resolved at cryogenic temperature. Our findings thus point to a fascinating scenario in which a semiconductor nanostructure can be further divided into multiple quantum-light sources, the interaction and manipulation of which will promote novel photophysics to facilitate their potential applications in quantum information technologies.

Modeling the Photoelectrochemical Evolution of Lead-Based, Mixed-Halide Perovskites Due to Photosegregation

Lead-based, mixed-halide perovskites such as methylammonium lead iodide-bromide [MAPb(I1-xBrx)3] undergo anion photosegregation under illumination. This is observed as low-band-gap photoluminescence from photogenerated iodine-rich domains due to favorable band offsets that induce carrier funneling into them. Unfortunately, theoretical rationalizations of mixed-halide photosegregation are complicated by biases inherent in photoluminescence-based observations. Recent compositionally weighted X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements now reveal broad distributions of photosegregated stoichiometries not captured by existing photosegregation models. To better bridge experiment and theory, we perform kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations of photosegregation within the context of a band-gap-based thermodynamic model, which has previously accounted for numerous experimental observations. Our KMC simulations are modified to consider high carrier density Fermi-Dirac statistics that result from carrier funneling and accumulation within photosegregated I-rich domains. Obtained KMC results reproduce broad terminal halide (xterminal) distributions seen experimentally and illustrate how they are characterized by a central, heavily I-enriched stoichiometry. I-rich domain "drifting" during photosegregation rationalizes the long photosegregation time scales seen experimentally with drifting simultaneously, producing a wake of variable stoichiometry I-rich inclusions that form the lion's share of stoichiometric heterogeneities seen in compositionally weighted XRD measurements. These simulations and accompanying rationalizations further reveal a general criterion for realizing favorable free energies to induce demixing. Central to the criterion is the statistical occupation of low gap inclusions in the parent alloy by excitations. The resulting model thus provides a general framework for conceptualizing mixed-halide perovskite light and temperature sensitivities mediated by photocarriers.

Formation of Iodide-Rich Domains During Halide Segregation in Lead-Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals

Mixed iodide-bromide methylammonium lead perovskite (MAPbIxBr3-x) nanocrystals (NCs) hold promise for use in light-emitting applications owing to the size- and composition-tunability of their bandgap. However, the segregation of halides during light exposure causes their band gaps to become unstable and narrow. Here, we use transient absorption spectroscopy to track excited-state dynamics during photoinduced halide segregation. The Auger recombination dynamics are observed to accelerate as the bandgap narrows, suggesting enhanced electron-hole overlap. We simulate the motion of iodide within the NC and estimate the evolving bandgap and electron-hole overlap during two possible mechanisms of halide segregation. Our results support a segregation mechanism in which iodide anions form a domain within the NC, rather than a mechanism in which iodide anions independently segregate toward the NC surface. Such mechanistic insight will contribute to future NC bandgap stabilization strategies.

Unraveling Size-Dependent Ion-Migration for Stable Mixed-Halide Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes

Mixed-halide perovskites show tunable emission wavelength across the visible-light range, with optimum control of the light color. However, color stability remains limited due to the notorious halide segregation under illumination or an electric field. Here, a versatile path toward high-quality mixed-halide perovskites with high emission properties and resistance to halide segregation is presented. Through systematic in and ex situ characterizations, key features for this advancement are proposed: a slowed and controllable crystallization process can promote achievement of halide homogeneity, which in turn ensures thermodynamic stability; meanwhile, downsizing perovskite nanoparticle to nanometer-scale dimensions can enhance their resistance to external stimuli, strengthening the phase stability. Leveraging this strategy, devices are developed based on CsPbCl1.5 Br1.5 perovskite that achieves a champion external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 9.8% at 464 nm, making it one of the most efficient deep-blue mixed-halide perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) to date. Particularly, the device demonstrates excellent spectral stability, maintaining a constant emission profile and position for over 60 min of continuous operation. The versatility of this approach with CsPbBr1.5 I1.5 PeLEDs is further showcased, achieving an impressive EQE of 12.7% at 576 nm.

Effective Suppressing Phase Segregation of Mixed-Halide Perovskite by Glassy Metal-Organic Frameworks

Lead mixed-halide perovskites offer tunable bandgaps for optoelectronic applications, but illumination-induced phase segregation can quickly lead to changes in their crystal structure, bandgaps, and optoelectronic properties, especially for the Br-I mixed system because CsPbI3 tends to form a non-perovskite phase under ambient conditions. These behaviors can impact their performance in practical applications. By embedding such mixed-halide perovskites in a glassy metal-organic framework, a family of stable nanocomposites with tunable emission is created. Combining cathodoluminescence with elemental mapping under a transmission electron microscope, this research identifies a direct relationship between the halide composition and emission energy at the nanoscale. The composite effectively inhibits halide ion migration, and consequently, phase segregation even under high-energy illumination. The detailed mechanism, studied using a combination of spectroscopic characterizations and theoretical modeling, shows that the interfacial binding, instead of the nanoconfinement effect, is the main contributor to the inhibition of phase segregation. These findings pave the way to suppress the phase segregation in mixed-halide perovskites toward stable and high-performance optoelectronics.

Mitigating halide ion migration by resurfacing lead halide perovskite nanocrystals for stable light-emitting diodes

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals are promising for next-generation high-definition displays, especially in light of their tunable bandgaps, high color purities, and high carrier mobility. Within the past few years, the external quantum efficiency of perovskite nanocrystal-based light-emitting diodes has progressed rapidly, reaching the standard for commercial applications. However, the low operational stability of these perovskite nanocrystal-based light-emitting diodes remains a crucial issue for their industrial development. Recent experimental evidence indicates that the migration of ionic species is the primary factor giving rise to the performance degradation of perovskite nanocrystal-based light-emitting diodes, and ion migration is closely related to the defects on the surface of perovskite nanocrystals and at the grain boundaries of their thin films. In this review, we focus on the central idea of surface reconstruction of perovskite nanocrystals, discuss the influence of surface defects on halide ion migration, and summarize recent advances in resurfacing perovskite nanocrystal strategies toward mitigating halide ion migration to improve the stability of the as-fabricated light-emitting diode devices. From the perspective of perovskite nanocrystal resurfacing, we set out a promising research direction for improving both the spectral and operational stability of perovskite nanocrystal-based light-emitting diodes.

Photo- and Thermal-Induced Ion Migration and Phase Separation in Mn-Doped Two-Dimensional PEA2PbX4 Perovskite

Ion migration and phase separation in perovskite materials have negatively affected the solid-state lighting and display. Studying photo- and thermal-induced degradation is considered as a promising approach to understanding the luminescence mechanism and promoting practical applications. Herein, the Mn-doped two-dimensional PEA₂PbX₄ (X = Cl, Br, I) microcrystals with changing halogen composition were synthesized by an acid-assisted post-processing strategy. Then, photo- and thermal-induced degradation was studied by using steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The band edge exciton PL peak of Mn-doped 2D PEA₂PbX₄ microcrystals was adjusted from 397 to 500 nm. The reduced Mn PL lifetime (1.37 to 0.21 ms) was monitored under ion exchange from Cl to Br to I. The degradation mechanism could be divided into two cases: (i) The halide ion migration in Mn-doped 2D perovskite under continuous illumination was revealed, suggesting that the migration of Cl ions was more accessible than that of Br and I. (ii) The PL redshift and lifetime reduction were observed after annealing at 420 K, which means that thermally induced aggregation of Mn ions resulted in the formation of Mn²⁺-Mn²⁺ dimers. In addition, the experimental results indicated that the induced B-site phase separation at high temperature annealing made the mixed perovskite phase of Pb and Mn ultimately transform into pure PEA₂PbBr₄ and PEA₂MnBr₄.

Origins of Photoluminescence Instabilities at Halide Perovskite/Organic Hole Transport Layer Interfaces

Metal halide perovskites are promising for optoelectronic device applications; however, their poor stability under solar illumination remains a primary concern. While the intrinsic photostability of isolated neat perovskite samples has been widely discussed, it is important to explore how charge transport layers─employed in most devices─impact photostability. Herein, we study the effect of organic hole transport layers (HTLs) on light-induced halide segregation and photoluminescence (PL) quenching at perovskite/organic HTL interfaces. By employing a series of organic HTLs, we demonstrate that the HTL's highest occupied molecular orbital energy dictates behavior; furthermore, we reveal the key role of halogen loss from the perovskite and subsequent permeation into organic HTLs, where it acts as a PL quencher at the interface and introduces additional mass transport pathways to facilitate halide phase separation. In doing so, we both reveal the microscopic mechanism of non-radiative recombination at perovskite/organic HTL interfaces and detail the chemical rationale for closely matching the perovskite/organic HTL energetics to maximize solar cell efficiency and stability.

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.

Negligible Ion Migration in Tin-Based and Tin-Doped Perovskites

Ion migration is a notorious phenomenon observed in ionic perovskite materials. It causes several severe issues in perovskite optoelectronic devices such as instability, current hysteresis, and phase segregation. Here, we report that, in contrast to lead halide perovskites (LHPs), no ion migration or phase segregation was observed in tin halide perovskites (THPs) under illumination or an electric field. The origin is attributed to a much stronger Sn-halide bond and higher ion migration activation energy (E_a ) in THPs, which remain nearly constant under illumination. We further figured out the threshold E_a for the absence of ion migration to be around 0.65 eV using the CsSn_y Pb_1-y (I_0.6 Br_0.4 )₃ system whose E_a varies with Sn ratios. Our work shows that ion migration does not necessarily exist in all perovskites and suggests metallic doping to be a promising way of stopping ion migration and improving the intrinsic stability of perovskites.

Excitation Intensity- and Size-Dependent Halide Photosegregation in CsPb(I0.5Br0.5)3 Perovskite Nanocrystals

Although broad consensus exists that photoirradiation of mixed-halide lead perovskites leads to anion segregation, no model today fully rationalizes all aspects of this near ubiquitous phenomenon. Here, we quantitatively compare experimental, CsPb(I_0.5Br_0.5)₃ nanocrystal (NC) terminal anion photosegregation stoichiometries and excitation intensity thresholds to a band gap-based, thermodynamic model of mixed-halide perovskite photosegregation. Mixed-halide NCs offer strict tests of theory given physical sizes, which dictate local photogenerated carrier densities. We observe that mixed-anion perovskite NCs exhibit significant robustness to photosegregation, with photosegregation propensity decreasing with decreasing NC size. Observed size- and excitation intensity-dependent photosegregation data agree with model predicted size- and excitation intensity-dependent terminal halide stoichiometries. Established correspondence between experiment and theory, in turn, suggests that mixed-halide perovskite photostabilities can be predicted a priori using local gradients of (empirical) Vegard's law expressions of composition-dependent band gaps.

In situ synthesis of high-quantum-efficiency and stable bromide-based blue-emitting perovskite nanoplatelets

We present a facile synthetic approach for the growth of two-dimensional CsPbBr₃ nanoplatelets (NPLs) in the temperature range of 50-80 °C via the vacuum-assisted low-temperature (VALT) method. In this method, we utilized the solubility of the PbBr₂ precursor at temperatures high than the reaction temperature, thus making Br available during the reaction to form NPLs with fewer defects. The high chemical availability of Br during the reaction changes the growth dynamics and formation of highly crystalline nanoplatelets. Using this method, we have synthesized NPLs with an emission wavelength range of 450 to 485 nm that have high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQY) from 80 to 100%. The synthesized NPLs retain their initial PLQY of about 80% after one month at ambient conditions. The formation of NPLs with fewer defects and enhanced radiative recombination was further confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), reduced Urbach energy, time-resolved photocurrent measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Additionally, we utilized the synthesized NPLs for the fabrication of down-conversion light emitting diodes (LEDs), and the electroluminescence peak was barely shifted compared to the photoluminescence peak.

Br Vacancy Defects Healed Perovskite Indoor Photovoltaic Modules with Certified Power Conversion Efficiency Exceeding 36

Indoor photovoltaics (IPVs) are expected to power the Internet of Things ecosystem, which is attracting ever-increasing attention as part of the rapidly developing distributed communications and electronics technology. The power conversion efficiency of IPVs strongly depends on the match between typical indoor light spectra and the band gap of the light absorbing layer. Therefore, band-gap tunable materials, such as metal-halide perovskites, are specifically promising candidates for approaching the indoor illumination efficiency limit of ∼56%. However, perovskite materials with ideal band gap for indoor application generally contain high bromine (Br) contents, causing inferior open-circuit voltage (VOC ). By fabricating a series of wide-bandgap perovskites (Cs0.17 FA0.83 PbI3- x Brx , 0.6 ≤ x ≤ 1.6) with varying Br contents and related band gaps, it is found that, the high Br vacancy (VBr ) defect density is a significant reason that leading to large VOC deficits apart from the well-accepted halide segregation. The introduction of I-rich alkali metal small-molecule compounds is demonstrated to suppress the VBr and increase the VOC of perovskite IPVs up to 1.05 V under 1000 lux light-emitting diode illumination, one of the highest VOC values reported so far. More importantly, the modules are sent for independent certification and have gained a record efficiency of 36.36%.

Metal-Free PAZE-NH4 X3 ⋅H2 O Perovskite for Flexible Transparent X-ray Detection and Imaging

Metal-free perovskites are of interest for their chemical diversity and eco-friendly properties, and recently have been used for X-ray detection with superior carrier behavior. However, the size and shape complexity of the organic components results in difficulties in evaluating their stability in high-energy radiation. Herein, we introduce multiple hydrogen-bond metal-free PAZE-NH₄ X₃ ⋅H₂ O perovskite, where H₂ O leads to more hydrogen bonds appearing between organic molecules and the perovskite host. As suggested by the theoretical calculations, multiple hydrogen bonds promote stiffness of the lattice, and increase the diffusion barrier to inhibit ionic migration. Then, low trap density, high μτ products and structural flexibility of PAZE-NH₄ Br₃ ⋅H₂ O give a flexible X-ray detector with the highest sensitivity of 3708 μC Gy_air ^-1  cm^-2 , ultra-low detection limit of 0.19 μGy_air ^-1  s^-1 and superior spatial resolution of 5.0 lp mm^-1 .

Suppressing Halide Segregation in Wide-Band-Gap Mixed-Halide Perovskite Layers through Post-Hot Pressing

Mixed-halide perovskites (MHPs) have attracted attention as suitable wide-band-gap candidate materials for tandem applications owing to their facile band-gap tuning. However, when smaller bromide ions are incorporated into iodides to tune the band gap, photoinduced halide segregation occurs, which leads to voltage deficit and photoinstability. Here, we propose an original post-hot pressing (PHP) treatment that suppresses halide segregation in MHPs with a band gap of 2.0 eV. The PHP treatment reconstructs open-structured grain boundaries (GBs) as compact GBs through constrained grain growth in the in-plane direction, resulting in the inhibition of defect-mediated ion migration in GBs. The PHP-treated wide-band-gap (2.0 eV) MHP solar cells showed a high efficiency of over 11%, achieving an open-circuit voltage (V_oc) of 1.35 V and improving the maintenance of the initial efficiency under the working condition at AM 1.5G. The results reveal that the management of GBs is necessary to secure the stability of wide-band-gap MHP devices in terms of halide segregation.

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.

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.

Mechanism of Photoinduced Phase Segregation in Mixed-Halide Perovskite Microplatelets and Its Application in Micropatterning

Photoinduced phase segregation (PPS) is considered as a dominant factor that greatly deteriorates the performances of mixed-halide perovskite devices. However, the mechanism of PPS is still under fierce debate. Herein, CsPb(Br_x/Cl_1-x)₃ microplatelets (MPs) with homogeneous and heterogeneous surfaces are obtained by controlling the growth conditions. Under continuous irradiation, a new photoluminescence (PL) band at 516 nm gradually appears in the heterogeneous MPs, accompanied with the decreased emission of the mixed phase at 480 nm, revealing the occurrence of PPS, while the photoirradiation only leads to slight PL dimming without PPS in the homogeneous MPs. The direct correlation between PPS and the structural heterogeneity indicates that the localized electric field-induced drift (LEFD) of halide ions/carriers is responsible for the PPS. In situ microfluorescence images evidence that the migration of halide ions is directed by the structural heterogeneity-induced localized electric field. Our refined model not only consolidates that PPS can be suppressed by eliminating the defects but also reveals that PPS can be directed by the distribution of defects. Therefore, a fluorescence micropatterning technique is developed based on PPS.

Perovskite Quantum Dots in Solar Cells

Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) have captured a host of researchers' attention due to their unique properties, which have been introduced to lots of optoelectronics areas, such as light-emitting diodes, lasers, photodetectors, and solar cells. Herein, the authors aim at reviewing the achievements of PQDs applied to solar cells in recent years. The engineering concerning surface ligands, additives, and hybrid composition for PQDSCs is outlined first, followed by analyzing the reasons of undesired performance of PQDSCs. Subsequently, a novel overview that PQDs are utilized to improve the photovoltaic performance of various kinds of solar cells, is provided. Finally, this review is summarized and some challenges and perspectives concerning PQDs are also discussed.

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.

Synergistic Approach toward Erbium-Passivated Triple-Anion Organic-Free Perovskite Solar Cells with Excellent Performance for Agrivoltaics Application

All-inorganic perovskite solar cells (IPSCs) have gained massive attention due to their less instability against common degradation factors (light, heat, and moisture) than their organic-inorganic hybrid counterparts. Inorganic perovskites bear a general formula of CsPbX3 (X = Cl, I, Br). The mixed halide CsPbIBr2 perovskite possesses an intermediate band gap of 2.03 eV with enhanced stability, which is still available for photovoltaic applications and the research focus of this work. We present a synergistic approach of pre-heated solution dropping with inorganic additive inclusion to deposit the organic-free triple anion CsPbIBr2 PSC. Erbium (Er)-passivated triple-anion CsI(PbBr2)0.97(ErCl3)0.03 IPSCs with inorganic carrier selective layers (CTLs), that is, organic-free, are fabricated with enhanced carrier diffusion length and crystalline grain size while lessening the grain boundaries near perovskite active layer (PAL)-bulk/carrier selective interfaces. As a result, the trap-state densities within the perovskite bulk were suppressed with stabilized CTL/PAL interfaces for smooth and enhanced carrier transportation. Therefore, for the first time, we contradict the common belief of VOC loss due to halide segregation, as a nice VOC of about 1.34 V is achieved for an organic-free IPSC through enriching initial radiative efficiency, even when halide segregation is present. The optimized organic-free IPSC yielded a power conversion efficiency of 11.61% and a stabilized power output of 10.72%, which provides the potential opportunity to integrate into agrivoltaics (AgV) projects.

Structural Dynamics of Metal Halide Perovskites during Photoinduced Halide Segregation

Despite substantial research effort, photoinduced halide segregation in mixed halide perovskites continues to limit the available perovskite chemistries for use in optoelectronic applications. In this study, we present new insights into halide-segregation process through in situ X-ray diffraction measurements that reveal substantial structural changes in mixed-halide perovskites under excitation. We observe that photoinduced halide segregation leads to the formation of one iodide-rich and one bromide-rich perovskite composition whose Br:I ratios are the same (at 20 and 93% bromine, respectively), for a range of compositions of the pristine initial perovskite phase. This segregation reverses in the dark to re-form a mixed halide perovskite with the same lattice spacing as the pristine perovskite. From these results, we determine a kinetic rate for the formation and dissolution of these new crystalline phases and observe that the crystalline orientation is preserved through the light-segregation and dark-relaxation processes. Our results are consistent with a model of halide segregation where excitation causes changes in the free energy of mixing and ultimately the formation of a miscibility gap in the MAPb(I_xBr_1-x)₃ phase diagram and should inform future works to model and manipulate the halide-segregation process in mixed-halide perovskites.

Three-dimensional direct lithography of stable perovskite nanocrystals in glass

Material composition engineering and device fabrication of perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) in solution can introduce organic contamination and entail several synthetic, processing, and stabilization steps. We report three-dimensional (3D) direct lithography of PNCs with tunable composition and bandgap in glass. The halide ion distribution was controlled at the nanoscale with ultrafast laser-induced liquid nanophase separation. The PNCs exhibit notable stability against ultraviolet irradiation, organic solution, and high temperatures (up to 250°C). Printed 3D structures in glass were used for optical storage, micro-light emitting diodes, and holographic displays. The proposed mechanisms of both PNC formation and composition tunability were verified.

Toward stable lead halide perovskite solar cells: A knob on the A/X sites components

Hybrid lead halide ABX3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a strong competitor to the traditional solar cells with a certified power conversion efficiency beyond 25% and other remarkable features such as light weight, solution processability, and low manufacturing cost. Further development on the efficiency and stability brings forth increasing attention in the component regulation, such as partial or entire substitution of A/B/X sites by alternative elements with similar size. However, the relationships between composition, property, and performance are poorly understood. Here, the instability of PSCs from the photon-, moisture-, thermal-, and mechanical-induced degradation was first summarized and discussed. In addition, the component regulation from the A/X sites is highlighted from the aspects of band level alignment, charge-carrier dynamics, ion migration, crystallization behavior, residual strain, stoichiometry, and dimensionality control. Finally, the perspectives and future outlooks are highlighted to guide the rational design and practical application of PSCs.

Stabilization of Mixed-Halide Lead Perovskites Under Light by Photothermal Effects

Mixed-halide lead perovskites (MHLPs) are semiconductor materials with bandgaps that are tunable across the visible spectrum and have seen promising applications in photovoltaics and optoelectronics. However, their segregation into phases with enriched halide components, under resonant light illumination and/or electric field, have hindered their practical applications. Herein, we demonstrate the stabilization of the MHLP photoluminescence (PL) peak as a function of their excitation intensities. This effect is associated with the phase segregation of MHLPs and their subsequent remixing by photothermal heating. We conclude that the balance between these opposing processes dictates the equilibrium PL peak of the MHLPs. The findings in this work could serve as a potential approach to obtain MHLP with stable emission peaks under operating conditions.

Encapsulation-Enabled Perovskite-PMMA Films Combining a Micro-LED for High-Speed White-Light Communication

Cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals have recently become emerging materials for color conversion in visible light communication (VLC) and solid-state lighting (SSL), due to their fast response and desirable optical properties. Herein, perovskite nanocrystal-polymethyl methacrylate (PNC-PMMA) films with red and yellow emission are prepared. The PNC-PMMA films, with optical properties such as a short lifetime and air stability, are used to make broadband color converters based on a high-bandwidth 75 μm blue micro-LED (μLED) for VLC. The yellow-emitting CsPb(Br/I)₃ PNC-PMMA has a high bandwidth of 347 MHz, while the red-emitting CsPbI₃ PNC-PMMA exhibits a higher modulation bandwidth of 822 MHz, which is ∼65 times larger than that of conventional phosphors. After fixing the two PNC-PMMA films in front of the μLED, a qualified warm white light is generated with a correlated color temperature of 5670 K, a color rendering index of 75.7, and a de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinate at (0.33, 0.35). Although the color conversion of the blue light sacrifices some received power and slightly reduces the overall bandwidth from 1.130 to 1.005 GHz, a maximum real-time data rate of 1.7 Gbps is still achievable using the non-return-to-zero on-off keying modulation scheme, which is ∼6 times higher than that of the previous record. This study provides a practical approach to develop a considerably high-bandwidth white-light system for both high-speed VLC and high-quality SSL.

Mixed Halide Perovskite Films by Vapor Anion Exchange for Spectrally Stable Blue Stimulated Emission

Solution-processed all-inorganic CsPbX₃ perovskites exhibit outstanding optoelectronic properties and are being considered as a promising optical gain medium, with impressive performance in the green and red region. However, the development of CsPbX₃ for blue emission is still lagging far behind, owing to difficulties in thin films synthesis and spectral instability subject to light irradiation. Here, a facile vapor anion exchange (VAE) method that enables preparation of blue-emitting perovskite films with both excellent surface morphology and good photo-stability is reported. The mixed-Br/Cl quasi-2D perovskite films show spectrally stable pure blue emission (471 nm) under continuous-wave laser irradiation with power density as high as 81 W cm^-2 . Furthermore, optically pumped blue amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) is realized based on the mixed-Br/Cl perovskite films. By changing the duration of VAE treatment, the ASE peak can be tuned from 537 nm down to 475 nm. This work not only presents a facile method to prepare high quality mixed halide Cs-based perovskite films, but also pave the way for further exploration of stable blue perovskite lasing.

Mixed or Segregated: Toward Efficient and Stable Mixed Halide Perovskite-Based Devices

Convenient modulation of bandgap for the mixed halide perovskites (MHPs) (e.g., CsPbBr _x I_1-x ) through varying the halide composition (i.e., the ratio of bromide to iodide) allows for optimizing the light-harvesting properties in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and emission color in perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs). Such MHPs, yet, severely suffered from the instability under light irradiation and electrical bias as a result of an intrinsic soft, ionic lattice and a high halide ion mobility. Understanding the halide ion migration (mediated through halide vacancies) and suppressing the halide ion segregation, thus, remain a significant challenge both in the field of PSCs and PeLEDs since it is directly linked to the long-term stability and performances of the corresponding devices. In this Mini-Review, we discuss the intrinsic instability of the MHPs arising from the ionic nature of perovskites. The liquid crystalline properties with the low formation energy of halide ion defects facilitate the defect-mediated halide ion migration. Several different mechanistic models are provided to explain the fundamental origin of the photo- or electric field-driven halide ion segregation based upon thermodynamics and kinetics. These reflect that lattice strains (internal or polaron-induced) and bandgap energy differences between parent mixed halide and iodide-rich domain serve as the thermodynamic driving forces for halide segregation. On the basis of the deeper understanding of the underpinning segregation mechanism mediated through hole trapping and accumulation at the iodide-rich sites, we further discuss the strategies to mitigate the detrimental halide segregation through composition-, defect-, dimension-, and interface-engineering. Finally, we provide a fundamental insight into designing perovskite-based photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices for the long-term operational stability.

Tuning Bandgaps of Mixed Halide and Oxide Perovskites CsSnX3 (X=Cl, I), and SrBO3 (B=Rh, Ti)

Perovskites have recently attracted interest in the field of solar energy due to their excellent photovoltaic properties. We herein present a new approach to the composition of lead free perovskites via mixing of halide and oxide perovskites that share the cubic ABX3 structure. Using first-principles calculations through Density Functional Theory, we systematically investigated the atomic and electronic structures of mixed perovskite compounds composed of four cubic ABX3 perovskites. Our result shows that the B and X atoms play important roles in their band structure. On the other hand, their valence bands contributed by O-2p, Rh-4p, and Ti-3p orbitals, and their electronic properties were determined by Rh-O and Ti-O bonds. With new understandings of the electronic properties of cubic halide or oxide perovskites, we lastly combined the cubic perovskites in various configurations to improve stability and tune the bandgap to values desirable for photovoltaic cell applications. Our investigations suggest that the mixed perovskite compound Cs2Sn2Cl3I3Sr2TiRhO6 produced a bandgap of 1.2 eV, which falls into the ideal range of 1.0 to 1.7 eV, indicating high photo-conversion efficiency and showing promise towards solar energy applications.

Unified theory for light-induced halide segregation in mixed halide perovskites

Mixed halide perovskites that are thermodynamically stable in the dark demix under illumination. This is problematic for their application in solar cells. We present a unified thermodynamic theory for this light-induced halide segregation that is based on a free energy lowering of photocarriers funnelling to a nucleated phase with different halide composition and lower band gap than the parent phase. We apply the theory to a sequence of mixed iodine-bromine perovskites. The spinodals separating metastable and unstable regions in the composition-temperature phase diagrams only slightly change under illumination, while light-induced binodals separating stable and metastable regions appear signalling the nucleation of a low-band gap iodine-rich phase. We find that the threshold photocarrier density for halide segregation is governed by the band gap difference of the parent and iodine-rich phase. Partial replacement of organic cations by cesium reduces this difference and therefore has a stabilizing effect.

Modulation of Photoinduced Iodine Expulsion in Mixed Halide Perovskites with Electrochemical Bias

Hole trapping at iodine (I) sites in MAPbBr_1.5I_1.5 mixed halide perovskites (MHP) is responsible for iodine migration and its eventual expulsion into solution. We have now modulated the photoinduced iodine expulsion in MHP through an externally applied electrochemical bias. At positive potentials, electron extraction at TiO₂/MHP interfaces becomes efficient, leading to hole buildup within MHP films. This improved charge separation, in turn, favors iodine migration as evident from the increased apparent rate constant of iodine expulsion (k_expulsion = 0.0030 s^-1). Conversely, at negative potentials (-0.3 V vs Ag/AgCl) electron-hole recombination is facilitated within MHP, slowing down iodine expulsion by an order of magnitude (k_expulsion = 0.00018 s^-1). The tuning of the E_Fermi level through external bias modulates electron extraction at the TiO₂/MHP interface and indirectly controls the buildup of holes, ultimately inducing iodine migration/expulsion. Suppressing iodine migration in perovskite solar cells is important for attaining greater stability since they operate under internal electrical bias.

Multivariant ligands stabilize anionic solvent-oriented α-CsPbX3 nanocrystals at room temperature

Cubic phase CsPbX₃ nanocrystals (NCs) are promising candidates for optoelectronic applications. However, their chemical stability heavily depends on the dynamic ionic surface. In this work, based on the interdependency of the ligands and the reaction solvent, a protocol is developed for high-quality α-CsPbX₃ under ambient conditions. Utilizing this method, the size and full width at half maximum of CsPbX₃ NCs can be simply tuned via changing the cationic ligands or reaction solvent, such as CH₃Cl, CH₂Cl₂, or toluene. One remarkable result is the synthesis of cubic CsPbI₃ NCs, for which large-scale syntheses have not been reported in the literature except for our method, due to significant phase transition at room temperature. Another result is that we have realized ultrasmall sized CsPbCl₃ NCs with emission at 385 nm for the first time. Furthermore, the elimination of reaction solvent (such as ODE, DMSO, DMF) in our protocol reduces the purification-induced surface ligand loss and the irreversible phase transition to a nonfluorescent phase. Our CsPbX₃ NCs show near-perfect photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) and long-term stability in the presence of moisture. Further characterization demonstrates that all the ligands, whether the initial paired X type or the degenerated hybrid L-X type, remain perfectly passivating on the defect sites throughout.

Mixed halide perovskites for spectrally stable and high-efficiency blue light-emitting diodes

Bright and efficient blue emission is key to further development of metal halide perovskite light-emitting diodes. Although modifying bromide/chloride composition is straightforward to achieve blue emission, practical implementation of this strategy has been challenging due to poor colour stability and severe photoluminescence quenching. Both detrimental effects become increasingly prominent in perovskites with the high chloride content needed to produce blue emission. Here, we solve these critical challenges in mixed halide perovskites and demonstrate spectrally stable blue perovskite light-emitting diodes over a wide range of emission wavelengths from 490 to 451 nanometres. The emission colour is directly tuned by modifying the halide composition. Particularly, our blue and deep-blue light-emitting diodes based on three-dimensional perovskites show high EQE values of 11.0% and 5.5% with emission peaks at 477 and 467 nm, respectively. These achievements are enabled by a vapour-assisted crystallization technique, which largely mitigates local compositional heterogeneity and ion migration.

Achieving bright and efficient blue emission in metal halide perovskite light-emitting diodes has proven to be challenging. Here, the authors demonstrate high EQE and spectrally stable blue light-emitting diodes based on mixed halide perovskites, with emission from 490 to 451 nm by using a vapour-assisted crystallization technique.

Photo-Effect on Ion Transport in Mixed Cation and Halide Perovskites and Implications for Photo-Demixing*

Lead halide perovskites are considered to be most promising photovoltaic materials. Highest efficiency and improved stability of perovskite solar cells have been achieved by using cation and anion mixtures. Experimental information on electronic and ionic charge carriers is key to evaluate device performance, as well as processes of photo-decomposition and photo-demixing which are observed in these materials. Here, we measure ionic and electronic transport properties and investigate various cation and anion substitutions with a special eye on their photo-ionic effect, following our previous study on CH3 NH3 PbI3 , where we found that light enhances not only electronic but also ionic conductivities. We find that this phenomenon is very sensitive to the nature of the halide, while the cationic substitutions are less relevant. Based on the observation that the ionic conductivity enhancement found for iodide perovskites is significantly weakened by bromide substitution, we provide a chemical rationale for the photo-demixing in mixed halide compositions.

Strain-activated light-induced halide segregation in mixed-halide perovskite solids

Light-induced halide segregation limits the bandgap tunability of mixed-halide perovskites for tandem photovoltaics. Here we report that light-induced halide segregation is strain-activated in MAPb(I_1−xBr_x)₃ with Br concentration below approximately 50%, while it is intrinsic for Br concentration over approximately 50%. Free-standing single crystals of CH₃NH₃Pb(I_0.65Br_0.35)₃ (35%Br) do not show halide segregation until uniaxial pressure is applied. Besides, 35%Br single crystals grown on lattice-mismatched substrates (e.g. single-crystal CaF₂) show inhomogeneous segregation due to heterogenous strain distribution. Through scanning probe microscopy, the above findings are successfully translated to polycrystalline thin films. For 35%Br thin films, halide segregation selectively occurs at grain boundaries due to localized strain at the boundaries; yet for 65%Br films, halide segregation occurs in the whole layer. We close by demonstrating that only the strain-activated halide segregation (35%Br/45%Br thin films) could be suppressed if the strain is properly released via additives (e.g. KI) or ideal substrates (e.g. SiO₂).

Mixed-halide perovskites are of interest for photovoltaic devices, but light-induced halide segregation obstructs bandgap tuning and is not fully understood. Here the authors study the effects of strain and iodide/bromide ratio on light-induced halide segregation in mixed-halide perovskites.

Suppression of Electric Field-Induced Segregation in Sky-Blue Perovskite Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells

Inexpensive perovskite light-emitting devices fabricated by a simple wet chemical approach have recently demonstrated very prospective characteristics such as narrowband emission, low turn-on bias, high brightness, and high external quantum efficiency of electroluminescence, and have presented a good alternative to well-established technology of epitaxially grown III-V semiconducting alloys. Engineering of highly efficient perovskite light-emitting devices emitting green, red, and near-infrared light has been demonstrated in numerous reports and has faced no major fundamental limitations. On the contrary, the devices emitting blue light, in particular, based on 3D mixed-halide perovskites, suffer from electric field-induced phase separation (segregation). This crystal lattice defect-mediated phenomenon results in an undesirable color change of electroluminescence. Here we report a novel approach towards the suppression of the segregation in single-layer perovskite light-emitting electrochemical cells. Co-crystallization of direct band gap CsPb(Cl,Br)3 and indirect band gap Cs4Pb(Cl,Br)6 phases in the presence of poly(ethylene oxide) during a thin film deposition affords passivation of surface defect states and an increase in the density of photoexcited charge carriers in CsPb(Cl,Br)3 grains. Furthermore, the hexahalide phase prevents the dissociation of the emissive grains in the strong electric field during the device operation. Entirely resistant to 5.7 × 106 V·m−1 electric field-driven segregation light-emitting electrochemical cell exhibits stable emission at wavelength 479 nm with maximum external quantum efficiency 0.7%, maximum brightness 47 cd·m−2, and turn-on bias of 2.5 V.

Symmetry Breaking Induced Anisotropic Carrier Transport and Remarkable Thermoelectric Performance in Mixed Halide Perovskites CsPb(I1-xBrx)3

We present a combination of first-principles calculations and the Boltzmann transport theory to understand the carrier transport and thermoelectric performance of mixed halide perovskite alloys CsPb(I_1-xBr_x)₃ with different Br compositions. Our computational results correlate the conduction band splitting in CsPb(I_1-xBr_x)₃ to the significant anisotropy in their carrier transport properties, such as effective masses and deformation potential constants. Such band splitting originates from the symmetry-broken crystal structures of CsPb(I_1-xBr_x)₃ polymorphs: with residue stresses/strains in asymmetric CsPb(I_1-xBr_x)₃, nondegenerate orbitals reconstruct the conduction band and reduce the Pb-halide antibonding character along certain directions. While the Seebeck coefficient (S) and the relaxation time-normalized electrical conductivity (σ/τ) show weak directional anisotropy, the carrier relaxation time (τ) is highly direction-dependent. The reconstruction of the conduction band finally leads to significantly anisotropic and enhanced thermoelectric power factors (PF = S²σ) in CsPb(I_1-xBr_x)₃ compared to those in pure CsPbI₃ and CsPbBr₃, showing anomalous nonlinear alloy behavior. A delicate balance between S²σ and combined measurement of the carrier effective mass and deformation potential constant, m*E_DP, is confirmed. The lattice thermal conductivities of CsPb(I_1-xBr_x)₃ are significantly suppressed compared to those of their pure counterparts due to strong mass disordering and strain fields upon halogen substitution. As a result, symmetry breaking in CsPb(I_1-xBr_x)₃ leads to anisotropy in carrier transport, high PF, and scattered phonon transport (ultralow thermal conductivity), concurrently contributing to their promising thermoelectric figures of merit (ZT) up to 1.7 at room temperature. The principles behind the asymmetry-induced factors would serve as new design concepts to tailor the thermoelectric properties of alloys, mixtures, superlattices, and low-dimensional materials.

Illumination-Induced Phase Segregation and Suppressed Solubility Limit in Br-Rich Mixed-Halide Inorganic Perovskites

Mixing halides in perovskites has emerged as an effective strategy for tuning the band gap for optoelectronic applications and tackling the stability bottleneck. However, notable photoluminescence evolution has been observed in mixed-halide perovskites under external stimuli such as light illumination, which is attributed to phase segregation with halide inhomogeneity. In this work, we investigate the light illumination effect on the optical properties of all-inorganic mixed-halide perovskite CsPb(Br_1-xI_x)₃ in the Br-rich regime. It is found that the critical iodine concentration, defined as the solubility limit against phase segregation, is significantly suppressed by light illumination to an extremely low level (x < 0.025), although the formation energy calculation suggests a wide range of halide mixing. Furthermore, at high I concentrations (x ≥ 0.2), the phase segregation can be rectified via dark storage within 1 h, but much slower and incomplete reversibility is observed at lower I concentrations. In the all-inorganic mixed-halide perovskite films, the light-induced phase segregation above the solubility limit is also accompanied by a monotonous increase in fluorescence lifetime. Last, we propose that light-induced phase segregation enables the potential application of encrypting erasable information in perovskite films with the aid of tailored light exposure and photoluminescence mapping.

Universal Size-Dependent Stokes Shifts in Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals

Size-dependent photoluminescence Stokes shifts (ΔE_s) universally exist in CsPbX₃ (X = Cl^-, Br^-, or I^-) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs). ΔE_s values, which range from ∼15 to 100 meV for NCs with average edge lengths (l) from approximately 13 to 3 nm, are halide-dependent such that ΔE_s(CsPbI₃) > ΔE_s(CsPbBr₃) ≳ ΔE_s(CsPbCl₃). Observed size-dependent Stokes shifts are not artifacts of ensemble size distributions as demonstrated through measurements of single CsPbBr₃ NC Stokes shifts (⟨ΔE_s⟩ = 42 ± 5 meV), which are in near quantitative agreement with associated ensemble (l = 6.8 ± 0.8 nm) ΔE_s values (ΔE_s ≈ 50 meV). Transient differential absorption measurements additionally illustrate no significant spectral dynamics on the picosecond time scale that would contribute to ΔE_s. This excludes polaron formation as being responsible for ΔE_s. Altogether, the results point to an origin for ΔE_s, intrinsic to the size-dependent electronic properties of individual perovskite NCs.