High Photoluminescence Quantum Yield in Band Gap Tunable Bromide Containing Mixed Halide Perovskites

Unraveling the Heat- and UV-Induced Degradation of Mixed Halide Perovskite Thin Films via Surface Analysis Techniques

In recent years, organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials have become one of the most promising materials in the new generation of solar cells. These perovskites can provide excellent photoelectric properties after a simple fabrication process. Although perovskite solar cells have achieved high power conversion efficiency, instability concerns regarding material exposure to heat, moisture, air, and UV light present hindrances to commercialization. In this study, three kinds of perovskites (MAPbI3, MAPbI3-xBrx, and MAPbI3-xClx) were used to investigate the crystal stability upon exposure to heat and UV light. SEM, XRD, and FTIR were used to observe the surface morphology, crystal structure, and functional groups of the perovskite thin films. XPS was used to examine the surface composition and chemical state of the perovskite thin films under different conditions. Among these three types of perovskites, it was found that the MAPbI3-xBrx crystal demonstrated the best stability. ToF-SIMS was used to confirm the molecular distribution of the MAPbI3-xBrx films upon exposure to heat and UV light at different depths. ToF-SIMS revealed that [Pb]+ and [PbI]+ aggregated at the interface between the perovskite and ITO substrate after 14 days of thermal treatment. On the other hand, [Pb]+ and [PbI]+ were distributed uniformly after 3 days of UV exposure. This study systematically analyzed and revealed the thermal- and UV-induced degradation process of three perovskite films by using surface analysis techniques. It was concluded that bromine-doped perovskite films had better stability, and UV light caused more severe damage than heat.

Defects and Defect Passivation in Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells have made significant strides in recent years. However, there are still challenges in terms of photoelectric conversion efficiency and long-term stability associated with perovskite solar cells. The presence of defects in perovskite materials is one of the important influencing factors leading to subpar film quality. Adopting additives to passivate defects within perovskite materials is an effective approach. Therefore, we first discuss the types of defects that occur in perovskite materials and the mechanisms of their effect on performance. Then, several types of additives used in perovskite solar cells are discussed, including ionic compounds, organic molecules, polymers, etc. This review provides guidance for the future development of more sustainable and effective additives to improve the performance of solar cells.

Enhanced Piezoelectricity of MAPbI3 by the Introduction of MXene and Its Utilization in Boosting High-Performance Photodetectors

Recently, perovskite photodetectors (PDs) are risen to prominence due to substantial research interest. Beyond merely tweaking the composition of materials, a cutting-edge advancement lies in leveraging the innate piezoelectric polarization properties of perovskites themselves. Here, the investigation shows utilizing Ti3C2Tx, a typical MXene, as an intermediate layer for significantly boosting the piezoelectric property of MAPbI3 thin films. This improvement is primarily attributed to the enhanced polarization of the methylammonium (MA+) groups within MAPbI3, induced by the OH groups present in Ti3C2Tx. A flexible PD based on the MAPbI3/MXene heterostructure is then fabricated. The new device is sensitive to a wide range of wavelengths, displays greatly enhanced performance owing to the piezo-phototronic coupling. Moreover, the device is endowed with a greatly reduced response time, down to millisecond level, through the pyro-phototronic effect. The characterization shows applying a -1.2% compressive strain on the PD leads to a remarkable 102% increase in the common photocurrent, and a 76% increase in the pyro-phototronic current. The present work reveals how the emerging piezo-phototronic and pyro-phototronic effects can be employed to design high-performance flexible perovskite PDs.

[BMP]+[BF4]--Modified CsPbI1.2Br1.8 Solar Cells with Improved Efficiency and Suppressed Photoinduced Phase Segregation

With the rapid progress in a power conversion efficiency reaching up to 26.1%, which is among the highest efficiency for single-junction solar cells, organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells have become a research focus in photovoltaic technology all over the world, while the instability of these perovskite solar cells, due to the decomposition of its unstable organic components, has restricted the development of all-inorganic perovskite solar cells. In recent years, Br-mixed halogen all-inorganic perovskites (CsPbI3-xBrx) have aroused great interests due to their ability to balance the band gap and phase stability of pure CsPbX3. However, the photoinduced phase segregation in lead mixed halide perovskites is still a big burden on their practical industrial production and commercialization. Here, we demonstrate inhibited photoinduced phase segregation all-inorganic CsPbI1.2Br1.8 films and their corresponding perovskite solar cells by incorporating a 1-butyl-1-methylpiperidinium tetrafluoroborate ([BMP]+[BF4]-) compound into the CsPbI1.2Br1.8 films. Then, its effect on the perovskite films and the corresponding hole transport layer-free CsPbI1.2Br1.8 solar cells with carbon electrodes under light is investigated. With a prolonged time added to the reduced phase segregation terminal, this additive shows an inhibitory effect on the photoinduced phase segregation phenomenon for perovskite films and devices with enhanced cell efficiency. Our study reveals an efficient and simple route that suppresses photoinduced phase segregation in cesium lead mixed halide perovskite solar cells with enhanced efficiency.

Multifunctional Interface Modification Enables Efficient and Stable HTL-Free Carbon-Electroded CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells

In recent years, hole transport layer-free all-inorganic CsPbI2Br carbon-electroded perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) have garnered significant attention due to a trade-off between stability and photovoltaic performance. However, there are inevitably many defects generated at the surfaces or grain boundaries of CsPbI2Br perovskite films, which will serve as carrier non-radiative recombination centers, and CsPbI2Br perovskite films are sensitive to water molecules to degrade, together with energy level mismatch between CsPbI2Br perovskite and carbon electrodes. Herein, 1-benzyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (1-B-3-MIMPF6), an imidazolium-based ionic liquid simultaneously containing benzene ring and fluorine atoms, was introduced for the modification of the perovskite/carbon interface. The results showed that it could effectively reduce defects, enhance carrier transfer, mitigate carrier non-radiative recombination, facilitate energy alignment, and block moisture intrusion. Therefore, the photovoltaic performance of the modified PSCs with ITO/SnO2/CsPbI2Br/1-B-3-MIMPF6/carbon architecture has been boosted with a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.47 %, open circuit voltage of 1.20 V, short circuit current density of 14.69 mA/cm2, and fill factor of 76 %. Moreover, the unencapsulated modified devices exhibited an improved stability and the PCE maintained 78 % of their initial PCE after 24 h storage at room temperature in a 30 %-35 % humidity environment, whereas that of the pristine devices dropped to almost zero.

Dynamic Structural Evolution and Dual Emission Behavior in Hybrid Organic Lead Bromide Perovskites

The optoelectronic properties of organic lead halide perovskites (OLHPs) strongly depend on their underlying crystal symmetry and dynamics. Here, we exploit temperature-dependent synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and temperature-dependent photoluminescence to investigate how the subtle structural changes happening in the pure and mixed A-site cation MA1-xFAxPbBr3 (x = 0, 0.5, and 1) systems influences their optoelectronic properties. Diffraction investigations reveal a cubic structure at high temperatures and tetragonal and orthorhombic structures with octahedral distortion at low temperatures. Steady state photoluminescence and time correlated single photon counting study reveals that the dual emission behavior of these OLHPs is due to the direct-indirect band formation. In the orthorhombic phase of MAPbBr3, the indirect band is dominated by self-trapped exciton (STE) emission due to the higher-order lattice distortions of PbBr6 octahedra. Our findings provide a comprehensive explanation of the dual emission behavior of OLHPs while also providing a rationale for previous experimental observations.

Time-Resolved Dynamics of Metal Halide Perovskite under High Pressure: Recent Progress and Challenges

Metal halide perovskites have garnered significant attention in the scientific community for their promising applications in optoelectronic devices. The application of pressure engineering, a viable technique, has played a crucial role in substantially improving the optoelectronic characteristics of perovskites. Despite notable progress in understanding ground-state structural changes under high pressure, a comprehensive exploration of excited-state dynamics influencing luminescence remains incomplete. This Perspective delves into recent advances in time-resolved dynamics studies of photoexcited metal halide perovskites under high pressure. With a focus on the intricate interplay between structural alterations and electronic properties, we investigate electron-phonon interactions, carrier transport mechanisms, and the influential roles of self-trapped excitons (STEs) and coherent phonons in luminescence. However, significant challenges persist, notably the need for more advanced measurement techniques and a deeper understanding of the phenomena induced by high pressure in perovskites.

Band Gap Alteration of Halide Mixing in Hybrid Perovskites: A First-Principles Study with Statistical Analysis

Despite numerous studies on the band gap of three-dimensional halide perovskites using the first-principles calculations, there are still significant discrepancies between theoretical and experimental values. Various solutions have been proposed, such as employing a system-specific hybrid functional with varying degrees of exact exchange and explicitly incorporating spin-orbit coupling effects. Our research involved a comprehensive investigation of three typical lead-containing three-dimensional perovskites MAPbI3, MAPbBr3, and MAPbCl3 (MA = CH3NH3). Through a statistical analysis comparing mean absolute error (MAE) with experimental results, we demonstrated that the nonlocal van der Waals (vdW) density functional corrections (i.e., optB86b) yielded the most approximate lattice parameters in comparison to experimental values. Furthermore, based on these lattice parameters, the HSE06 hybrid functional is the optimal estimation of the band gap among all the options. Moreover, we investigated three sets of mixed three-dimensional halide perovskites by varying the halide component. This exploration contributes to the identification of MAPb(Br0.333I0.667)3 and MAPb(Cl0.333I0.667)3 as exhibiting the smallest band gap of 1.315 (1.867) eV and 1.313 (1.885) eV for PBE (HSE06), respectively. These band gaps were determined using the HSE06 method with the optimized lattice by PBE considering the optB86b corrections. The approach employed in this work produced a band gap trend closely aligned with experimental observations, underscoring the importance of adopting a reliable and material-independent computational strategy when screening new halide perovskite materials for optoelectronic applications.

Ion-Mediated Recombination Dynamics in Perovskite-Based Memory Light-Emitting Diodes for Neuromorphic Control Systems

Neuromorphic devices can help perform memory-heavy tasks more efficiently due to the co-localization of memory and computing. In biological systems, fast dynamics are necessary for rapid communication, while slow dynamics aid in the amplification of signals over noise and regulatory processes such as adaptation- such dual dynamics are key for neuromorphic control systems. Halide perovskites exhibit much more complex phenomena than conventional semiconductors due to their coupled ionic, electronic, and optical properties which result in modulatable drift, diffusion of ions, carriers, and radiative recombination dynamics. This is exploited to engineer a dual-emitter tandem device with the requisite dual slow-fast dynamics. Here, a perovskite-organic tandem light-emitting diode (LED) capable of modulating its emission spectrum and intensity owing to the ion-mediated recombination zone modulation between the green-emitting quasi-2D perovskite layer and the red-emitting organic layer is introduced. Frequency-dependent response and high dynamic range memory of emission intensity and spectra in a LED are demonstrated. Utilizing the emissive read-out, image contrast enhancement as a neuromorphic pre-processing step to improve pattern recognition capabilities is illustrated. As proof of concept using the device's slow-fast dynamics, an inhibition of the return mechanism is physically emulated.

How to improve the structural stabilities of halide perovskite quantum dots: review of various strategies to enhance the structural stabilities of halide perovskite quantum dots

Halide perovskites have emerged as promising materials for various optoelectronic devices because of their excellent optical and electrical properties. In particular, halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) have garnered considerable attention as emissive materials for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) because of their higher color purities and photoluminescence quantum yields compared to conventional inorganic quantum dots (CdSe, ZnSe, ZnS, etc.). However, PQDs exhibit poor structural stabilities in response to external stimuli (moisture, heat, etc.) owing to their inherent ionic nature. This review presents recent research trends and insights into improving the structural stabilities of PQDs. In addition, the origins of the poor structural stabilities of PQDs and various methods to overcome this drawback are discussed. The structural degradation of PQDs is mainly caused by two mechanisms: (1) defect formation on the surface of the PQDs by ligand dissociation (i.e., detachment of weakly bound ligands from the surface of PQDs), and (2) vacancy formation by halide migration in the lattices of the PQDs due to the low migration energy of halide ions. The structural stabilities of PQDs can be improved through four methods: (1) ligand modification, (2) core-shell structure, (3) crosslinking, and (4) metal doping, all of which are presented in detail herein. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the structural stabilities and opto-electrical properties of PQDs and is expected to contribute to future research on improving the device performance of perovskite quantum dot LEDs (PeLEDs).

Defect-Passivated Photosensor Based on Cesium Lead Bromide (CsPbBr3) Perovskite Quantum Dots for Microbial Detection

A defect-passivated photosensor based on cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) perovskite quantum dots (QD) was fabricated using parylene films, and the photosensor was applied for the microbial detection. The CsPbBr3 perovskite QDs were synthesized to be homogeneous in size under thermodynamic control, and the perovskite QD-based photosensor was fabricated using MoS2 flakes as the electron transfer layer. In this work, a parylene film with functional groups was deposited on a photosensor for physical protection (waterproof) and defect (halide vacancy) passivation of the perovskite QD. As the first effect of the parylene film, the physical protection of the perovskite QD from water was estimated by comparing the photosensor performance after incubation in water. As the second effect of the parylene, the interaction between the functional groups of the parylene film and the halide vacancies of the perovskite QDs was investigated through the bandgap, crystal structure, and trap-state density analysis. Additionally, density functional theory analysis on Mulliken charges, lattice parameters, and Gibbs free energy demonstrated the effect of the defect passivation by parylene films. Finally, the parylene-passivated QD-based photosensor was applied to the detection of two kinds of food-poisoning and gastroduodenal disease bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes and Helicobacter pylori).

Ultrafast photo-induced carrier dynamics of perovskite quantum dots during structural degradation

In this study, the ultrafast photo-induced carrier dynamics of red-emitting PQDs during structural degradation was investigated using time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. The spectroscopic analysis revealed how the carrier dynamics varied when PQDs were exposed to a polar solvent. Three decay modes (carrier trapping, radiative carrier recombination and trap-assisted non-radiative recombination) were proposed to analyze the carrier dynamics of PQDs. The light-emitting property of PQDs is primarily influenced by radiative carrier recombination. This study demonstrates that structural degradation induced halide migration within PQDs and the formation of defects within the crystal lattice, leading to a proliferation of carrier trapping states. The increased trap states led to a reduction in carriers undergoing radiative carrier recombination. Additionally, PQDs degradation accelerated radiative carrier recombination, indicating a faster escape of carriers from excited states. Consequently, these factors hinder carriers remaining in excited states, leading to a decline in the light-emitting property of PQDs. Nevertheless, increasing an excitation fluence could reduce the carrier trapping mode and increase the radiative carrier recombination mode, suggesting a diminishment of the impact of carrier trapping. These findings offer a more comprehensive understanding of structural degradation of PQDs and can contribute to the development of PQDs with high structural stability.

Designing complex Pb3SBrxI4-x chalcohalides: tunable emission semiconductors through halide-mixing

Chalcohalides are desirable semiconducting materials due to their enhanced light-absorbing efficiency and stability compared to lead halide perovskites. However, unlike perovskites, tuning the optical properties of chalcohalides by mixing different halide ions into their structure remains to be explored. Here, we present an effective strategy for halide-alloying Pb3SBrxI4-x (1 ≤ x ≤ 3) using a solution-phase approach and study the effect of halide-mixing on structural and optical properties. We employ a combination of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy to probe the chemical structure of the chalcohalides and determine mixed-halide incorporation. The absorption onsets of the chalcohalides blue-shift to higher energies as bromide replaces iodide within the structure. The photoluminescence maxima of these materials mimics this trend at both the ensemble and single particle fluorescence levels, as observed by solution-phase and single particle fluorescence microscopy, respectively. These materials exhibit superior stability against moisture compared to traditional lead halide perovskites, and IR spectroscopy reveals that the chalcohalide surfaces are terminated by both amine and carboxylate ligands. Electronic structure calculations support the experimental band gap widening and volume reduction with increased bromide incorporation, and provide useful insight into the likely atomic coloring patterns of the different mixed-halide compositions. Ultimately, this study expands the range of tunability that is achievable with chalcohalides, which we anticipate will improve the suitability of these semiconducting materials for light absorbing and emission applications.

Enhanced stability of triple-halide perovskites CsPbI3-x-yBrxCly (x and y = 0-0.024): understanding the role of Cl doping from ab initio calculations

Doping of chloride in mixed iodide-bromide perovskites has been shown experimentally to suppress the photo-induced halide-ion segregation and enhance the stability of triple-halide perovskites (THP). However, a fundamental understanding of the effects of Cl doping is yet to be achieved especially when the doping concentration is low. Here we report the results of a state-of-the-art ab initio study of the atomic structure of THP by considering small doping concentrations of Br and Cl in CsPbI3. We find a reduction in the Pb-I bond lengths and tilting of PbI6 octahedra with Cl doping which lead to exothermic heat of mixing and therefore higher stability of THP. Moreover, using quasi-chemical approximation, our results show that there is a very small contribution of configurational entropy to Gibbs free energy at such low doping concentrations and at the operational temperature of 50 °C. This suggests that the favorable heat of mixing value is more important for the stability at low doping concentrations of Cl while a higher concentration of Cl increases the risk of halide segregation. Further calculations on Frenkel defect formation energy of I or Br-interstitial shows that the doping of Cl in I/Br mixed binary-compounds hinders the formation of Frenkel defects. These results support experiments and help to understand the role of chloride in suppressing the halide ion mobility with only a slight increase in the band gap. Accordingly, the THPs manifest a promising pathway for developing single-phase perovskites for solar cells and light-emitting diodes with improved performance and enhanced stability.

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.

Suppressed Phase Separation of Mixed-Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots Confined in Mesoporous Metal Organic Frameworks

Mixed-halide perovskite quantum dots (PeQDs) are the most competitive candidates in designing solar cells and light-emitting devices (LEDs) due to their tunable bandgap and high-efficiency quantum yield. However, phase separation in mixed-halide perovskites under illumination can form rich iodine and bromine regions, which change its optical responses. Herein, we synthesize PeQDs combined with mesoporous zinc-based metal organic framework (MOF) crystals, which can greatly improve the stability of anti-anion exchange, including photo-, thermal, and long-term stabilities under illumination. This unique structure provides a solution for improving the performance of perovskite optoelectronic devices and stabilizing mixed-halide perovskite devices.

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.

Precursor Engineering of Lead Acetate-Based Precursors for High-Open-Circuit Voltage Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells

Wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskites have great potential for inclusion in efficient tandem solar cells, but large open-circuit voltage losses have limited device performance to date. Here, we show that a high-quality WBG perovskite, FA_0.83Cs_0.17Pb(I_0.8Br_0.2)₃, with enlarged grain sizes and improved crystallinity can be achieved by incorporating lead chloride (PbCl₂) into a lead acetate (PbAc₂)-based precursor. The improved film quality resulted in the suppression of nonradiative recombination and a reduction in defect density. Efficient WBG perovskite solar cells (1.66 eV) with an efficiency of 19.3% and a high V_oc of 1.22 V were fabricated using a facile one-step spin-coating method without the need for an antisolvent. Notably, the unencapsulated devices retained 90% of their initial power conversion efficiency after storage in a dry box (10% humidity) for 800 h.

Retina-inspired narrowband perovskite sensor array for panchromatic imaging

The retina is the essential part of the human visual system that receives light, converts it to neural signal, and transmits to brain for visual recognition. The red, green, and blue (R/G/B) cone retina cells are natural narrowband photodetectors (PDs) sensitive to R/G/B lights. Connecting with these cone cells, a multilayer neuro-network in the retina provides neuromorphic preprocessing before transmitting to brain. Inspired by this sophistication, we develop the narrowband (NB) imaging sensor combining R/G/B perovskite NB sensor array (mimicking the R/G/B photoreceptors) with a neuromorphic algorithm (mimicking the intermediate neural network) for high-fidelity panchromatic imaging. Compared to commercial sensors, we use perovskite "intrinsic" NB PD to exempt the complex optical filter array. In addition, we use an asymmetric device configuration to collect photocurrent without external bias, enabling a power-free photodetection feature. These results display a promising design for efficient and intelligent panchromatic imaging.

Enhancement of absorption in a CH3NH3PbI3-based photonic crystal in the presence of the monolayer MoS2

Using the transfer matrix approach, we investigate theoretically the absorbance, transmittance, and reflectance through one-dimensional CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite-based photonic crystal at room temperature. In our proposed structure, a monolayer MoS₂ film is embedded between two CH₃NH₃PbI₃ layers. We found that, the presence of monolayer MoS₂ film increases the absorbance in longer wavelengths [Formula: see text] With increasing the number of periods, absorbance increases in most wavelengths of the incident light. It was shown that, by controlling the number of periods, the absorbance coefficient can be tuned according to the wavelength and angle of incident light. Furthermore, for incident light with longer wavelength, the absorbance, transmittance as well as reflectance versus thickness of the perovskite layer have an oscillatory behavior, and with increasing the number of periods this oscillatory behavior becomes more obvious and prominent. For the incident light in the infrared region, by increasing the number of periods the absorbance as opposed to the transmittance increases for different incidence angles. While, the reflectance coefficient first shows oscillatory behavior by increasing the number of periods, then with a further increase in the number of periods it reaches a constant value. The proposed structure can be useful for optoelectronic and optical devices. Such as improving the efficiency of solar cells based on the hybrid inorganic-organic perovskites and infrared sensor system.

Radiative Recombination Processes in Halide Perovskites Observed by Light Emission Voltage Modulated Spectroscopy

The kinetics of light emission in halide perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells is composed of a radiative recombination of voltage-injected carriers mediated by additional steps such as carrier trapping, redistribution of injected carriers, and photon recycling that affect the observed luminescence decays. These processes are investigated in high-performance halide perovskite LEDs, with external quantum efficiency (EQE) and luminance values higher than 20% and 80 000 Cd m^-2 , by measuring the frequency-resolved emitted light with respect to modulated voltage through a new methodology termed light emission voltage modulated spectroscopy (LEVS). The spectra are shown to provide detailed information on at least three different characteristic times. Essentially, new information is obtained with respect to the electrical method of impedance spectroscopy (IS), and overall, LEVS shows promise to capture internal kinetics that are difficult to be discerned by other techniques.

Ba3.5Cu7.55In1.15Se9: A Wide-Bandgap Copper Indium Selenide Reveals Strong Luminescence and Third-Harmonic Generation

A new copper indium selenide, Ba_3.5Cu_7.55In_1.15Se₉, was synthesized by the KBr flux reaction at 800 °C. The compound crystallizes with orthorhombic Pnma, a = 46.1700(12) Å, b = 4.26710(10) Å, c = 19.8125(5) Å, and Z = 8. The structural framework mainly consists of four sites of cubane-type defective M₄Se₃ (M = Cu, Cu/In) units with disordered Cu⁺/In³⁺ ions present at the part corner of each unit. The single crystal emits intense photoluminescence at 657 nm with a relative quantum yield (RQY) 0.2 times that of rhodamine 6G powder. The compound belongs to a direct band gap at 1.91 eV, analyzed by Tauc's plot, and the energy is close to the PL position. The Hall effect measurement on a pressed pellet reveals an n-type conductivity with a carrier concentration of 3.358 × 10¹⁷ cm^-3 and a mobility of 24.331 cm² V^-1 s^-1. Furthermore, the compound produces a strong nonlinear third-harmonic generation (THG), with an χ_S⁽³⁾ value of 1.3 × 10⁵ pm²/V² comparable to 1.6 × 10⁵ pm²/V² for AgGaSe₂ measured at 800 nm.

Lithographic Multicolor Patterning on Hybrid Perovskites for Nano-Optoelectronic Applications

Ultrathin hybrid perovskites, with exotic properties and two-dimensional geometry, exhibit great potential in nanoscale optical and optoelectronic devices. However, it is still challenging for them to be compatible with high-resolution patterning technology toward miniaturization and integration applications, as they can be readily damaged by the organic solvents used in standard lithography processes. Here, a flexible three-step method is developed to make high-resolution multicolor patterning on hybrid perovskite, particularly achieved on a single nanosheet. The process includes first synthesis of precursor PbI₂ , then e-beam lithography and final conversion to target perovskite. The patterns with linewidth around 150 nm can be achieved, which can be applied in miniature optoelectronic devices and high-resolution displays. As an example, the channel length of perovskite photodetectors can be down to 126 nm. Through deterministic vapor-phase anion exchange, a perovskite nanosheet can not only gradually alter the color of the same pattern in a wide wavelength range, but also display different colors simultaneously. The authors are optimistic that the method can be applied for unlimited perovskite types and device configurations for their high-integrated miniature applications.

Unraveling the Effect of Halogen Ion Substitution on the Noise of Perovskite Single-Crystal Photodetectors

Halide mixing in perovskites has been an efficient way to engineer the bandgap, stability, and charge carrier mobility of lead halide perovskites, while its effect on the noise of lead halide perovskite photodetectors is still unknown. We present the preparation of mixed halide methylammonium lead perovskite single crystals by the solution temperature-decreasing method. Planar-structured photodetectors were constructed on the basis of these mixed halide perovskite single crystals. The effect of halogen ion substitution on the noise of devices was investigated by analyzing their dark current spectra. It is shown that the single-crystal photodetectors with higher levels of chloride suffer from larger noise thus have lower detectivity. Density functional theory calculations have also been proposed to reveal the effect of halogens on band structure. These results provide a comprehensive understanding of mixed halide perovskites and may help in the design and preparation of higher-performance devices.

Spatiotemporally Correlated Imaging of Interfacial Defects and Photocurrents in High Efficiency Triple-Cation Mixed-Halide Perovskites

Triple-cation mixed-halide perovskites have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent photovoltaic properties and enhanced stability, though the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is still far below the theoretical expectation. In order to understand the microscopic mechanisms responsible for the gap, a Cs_0.05 (FA_0.85 MA_0.15 )_0.95 Pb(I_0.85 Br_0.15 )₃ (CsFAMA)-based solar cell with respectful efficiency over 20% is examined, and distinct high- and low-current regions are observed in photoconductive atomic force microscopy (pc-AFM) mapping. Simulations attribute the difference in local photocurrents to interfacial donor defect densities at the NiO/CsFAMA interface, which is supported by electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM) mapping, revealing a negative correlation between ionic defects and photocurrents. The interfacial defects can be further manipulated by external bias upon relaxation study, resulting in reduced photocurrents accompanied by topography change when positive ions are driven toward the NiO/CsFAMA interface. It is also observed that both structure variation and photocurrent degradation upon accelerated aging test initiate at grain boundaries, which gradually expand at the expense of grain interior, suggesting that ionic defects are most active at grain boundaries. These findings render a direct correlation between interfacial defects and photocurrents while revealing degradation evolution, and if such interfacial defects heterogeneity can be mitigated, PCE toward the theoretical limit with enhanced stability can be envisioned.

Ion Migration in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells: Current Understanding and Perspectives

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite (OIHPs) solar cells are the most promising alternatives to traditional silicon solar cells, with a certified power conversion efficiency beyond 25%. However, the poor stability of OHIPs is one of the thorniest obstacles that hinder its commercial development. Among all the factors affecting stability, ion migration is prominent because it is unavoidable and intrinsic in OHIPs. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanism for ion migration and regulation strategies. Herein, the types of ions that may migrate in OHIPs are first discussed; afterward, the migrating channels are demonstrated. The effects of ion migration are further elaborated. While ion migration can facilitate the p-i-n structure in some cases, the current hysteresis and other adverse effects such as phase segregation in OHIPs attract widespread attention. Based on these, several recent strategies to suppress the ion migration are enumerated, including the introduction of alkali cations, organic additives, grain boundaries passivation, and employment of low-dimensional perovskites. Finally, the prospect for further modulating the ion migration and more stable perovskite solar cells is proposed.

Stable and Efficient Blue-Emitting CsPbBr3 Nanoplatelets with Potassium Bromide Surface Passivation

Colloidal all-inorganic perovskites nanocrystals (NCs) have emerged as a promising material for display and lighting due to their excellent optical properties. However, blue emissive NCs usually suffer from low photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) and poor stability, rendering them the bottleneck for full-color all-perovskite optoelectronic applications. Herein, a facile approach is reported to enhance the emission efficiency and stability of blue emissive perovskite nano-structures via surface passivation with potassium bromide. By adding potassium oleate and excess PbBr₂ to the perovskite precursor solutions, potassium bromide-passivated (KBr-passivated) blue-emitting (≈450 nm) CsPbBr₃ nanoplatelets (NPLs) is successfully synthesized with a respectably high PLQY of 87%. In sharp contrast to most reported perovskite NPLs, no shifting in emission wavelength is observed in these passivated NPLs even after prolonged exposures to intense irradiations and elevated temperature, clearly revealing their excellent photo- and thermal-stabilities. The enhancements are attributed to the formation of K-Br bonding on the surface which suppresses ion migration and formation of Br-vacancies, thus improving both the PL emission and stability of CsPbBr₃ NPLs. Furthermore, all-perovskite white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) are successfully constructed, suggesting that the proposed KBr-passivated strategy can promote the development of the perovskite family for a wider range of optoelectronic applications.

In Situ Synthesis of Robust Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Based Perovskite Nanocrystal Powders by the Fiber-Spinning Chemistry Method and Their Versatile 3D Printing Patterns

All-inorganic halide perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) have received increasing attention due to their excellent optical properties. However, the inherent instability and the large amount of volatile organic compounds during the production process have severely limited their applications. In this research, we employed the microfluidic electrostatic spinning method to synthesize polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based PNC (CsPbBr₃/PVP) powders directly by spinning chemistry, where the fibers serve as reactors. Thus, 20.1 g of CsPbBr₃/PVP powders was obtained, which exhibits good fluorescent properties and high stability. Based on these excellent properties, several new applications were explored, including 3D printing, direct encapsulants for light-emitting diodes, and fluorescent coatings. It should be noted that the powder showed distinct advantages in 3D printing, allowing the fabrication of a series of fluorescent patterns, which offers a new candidate for fluorescent 3D printable materials. This work not only opens up an optimal way for facile production of fluorescent powders by the spinning chemistry strategy, but also provides a new perspective for various application directions, especially for 3D printing.

Liquid medium annealing for fabricating durable perovskite solar cells with improved reproducibility

Solution processing of semiconductors is highly promising for the high-throughput production of cost-effective electronics and optoelectronics. Although hybrid perovskites have potential in various device applications, challenges remain in the development of high-quality materials with simultaneously improved processing reproducibility and scalability. Here, we report a liquid medium annealing (LMA) technology that creates a robust chemical environment and constant heating field to modulate crystal growth over the entire film. Our method produces films with high crystallinity, fewer defects, desired stoichiometry, and overall film homogeneity. The resulting perovskite solar cells (PSCs) yield a stabilized power output of 24.04% (certified 23.7%, 0.08 cm²) and maintain 95% of their initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) after 2000 hours of operation. In addition, the 1-cm² PSCs exhibit a stabilized power output of 23.15% (certified PCE 22.3%) and keep 90% of their initial PCE after 1120 hours of operation, which illustrates their feasibility for scalable fabrication. LMA is less climate dependent and produces devices in-house with negligible performance variance year round. This method thus opens a new and effective avenue to improving the quality of perovskite films and photovoltaic devices in a scalable and reproducible manner.

Effect of Light-Induced Halide Segregation on the Performance of Mixed-Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

Light-induced halide segregation hampers obtaining stable wide-band-gap solar cells based on mixed iodide-bromide perovskites. So far, the effect of prolonged illumination on the performance of mixed-halide perovskite solar cells has not been studied in detail. It is often assumed that halide segregation leads to a loss of open-circuit voltage. By simultaneously recording changes in photoluminescence and solar cell performance under prolonged illumination, we demonstrate that cells instead deteriorate by a loss of short-circuit current density and that the open-circuit voltage is less affected. The concurrent red shift, increased lifetime, and higher quantum yield of photoluminescence point to the formation of relatively emissive iodide-rich domains under illumination. Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations provide an atomistic insight into their formation via exchange of bromide and iodide, mediated by halide vacancies. Localization of photogenerated charge carriers in low-energy iodide-rich domains and subsequent recombination cause reduced photocurrent and red-shifted photoluminescence. The loss in photovoltaic performance is diminished by partially replacing organic cations by cesium ions. Ultrasensitive photocurrent spectroscopy shows that cesium ions result in a lower density of sub-band-gap defects and suppress defect growth under illumination. These defects are expected to play a role in the development and recovery of light-induced compositional changes.

Structure-Property Relationships in Photoluminescent Bismuth Halide Organic Hybrid Materials

Seven novel bismuth(III)-halide phases, Bi₂Cl₆(terpy)₂·0.5(H₂O) (1), Bi₂Cl₄(terpy)₂(k₂-TC)₂(2) (TC = 2-thiophene monocarboxylate), BiCl(terpy)(k₂-TC)₂ (3A-Cl), BiBr(terpy)(k₂-TC)₂ (3A-Br), BiCl(terpy)(k₂-TC)₂ (3B-Cl), [BiCl(terpy)(k₂-TC)₂][Bi(terpy)(k₂-TC)₃]·0.55(TCA) (4), [BiBr₃(terpy)(MeOH)] (5), and [BiBr₂(terpy)(k₂-TC)][BiBr_1.16(terpy)(k₂-TC)_1.84] (6), were prepared under mild synthetic conditions from methanolic/aqueous solutions containing BiX₃ (X = Cl, Br) and 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (terpy) and/or 2-thiophene monocarboxylic acid (TCA). A heterometallic series, 3A-Bi_1-xEu_xCl, with the general formula Bi_1-xEu_xCl(terpy)(k₂-TC)₂ (x = 0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.05) was also prepared through trace Eu doping of the 3A-Cl phase. The structures were determined through single-crystal X-ray diffraction and are built from a range of molecular units including monomeric and dimeric complexes. The solid-state photoluminescent properties of the compounds were examined through steady-state and time-resolved methods. While the homometallic phases exhibited broad green to yellow emission, the heterometallic phases displayed yellow, orange, and red emission that can be attributed to the simultaneous ligand/Bi-halide and Eu centered emissions. Photoluminescent color tuning was achieved by controlling the relative intensities of these concurrent emissions through compositional modifications including the Eu doping percentage. Notably, all emissive homo- and heterometallic phases exhibited rare visible excitation pathways that based on theoretical quantum mechanical calculations are attributed to halide-metal to ligand charge transfer (XMLCT). Through a combined experimental and computational approach, fundamental insight into the structure-property relationships within these Bi halide organic hybrid materials is provided.

Ab initio nonadiabatic molecular dynamics of charge carriers in metal halide perovskites

Photoinduced nonequilibrium processes in nanoscale materials play key roles in photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications. This review summarizes recent theoretical investigations of excited state dynamics in metal halide perovskites (MHPs), carried out using a state-of-the-art methodology combining nonadiabatic molecular dynamics with real-time time-dependent density functional theory. The simulations allow one to study evolution of charge carriers at the ab initio level and in the time-domain, in direct connection with time-resolved spectroscopy experiments. Eliminating the need for the common approximations, such as harmonic phonons, a choice of the reaction coordinate, weak electron-phonon coupling, a particular kinetic mechanism, and perturbative calculation of rate constants, we model full-dimensional quantum dynamics of electrons coupled to semiclassical vibrations. We study realistic aspects of material composition and structure and their influence on various nonequilibrium processes, including nonradiative trapping and relaxation of charge carriers, hot carrier cooling and luminescence, Auger-type charge-charge scattering, multiple excitons generation and recombination, charge and energy transfer between donor and acceptor materials, and charge recombination inside individual materials and across donor/acceptor interfaces. These phenomena are illustrated with representative materials and interfaces. Focus is placed on response to external perturbations, formation of point defects and their passivation, mixed stoichiometries, dopants, grain boundaries, and interfaces of MHPs with charge transport layers, and quantum confinement. In addition to bulk materials, perovskite quantum dots and 2D perovskites with different layer and spacer cation structures, edge passivation, and dielectric screening are discussed. The atomistic insights into excited state dynamics under realistic conditions provide the fundamental understanding needed for design of advanced solar energy and optoelectronic devices.

Recent Progress in Designing Halide-Perovskite-Based System for the Photocatalytic Applications

The halide perovskite material has attracted vast attention as a versatile semiconductor in the past decade. With the unique advantages in physical and chemical properties, they have also shown great potential in photocatalytic applications. This review aims at the specific design principles triggered by the unique properties when employing halide-perovskite-based photocatalytic systems from the following perspectives: (I) Design of photoelectrocatalytic device structures including the n-i-p/p-i-n structure, photoelectrode device encapsulation, and electrolyte engineering. (II) The design of heterogeneous photocatalytic systems toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and CO2 reduction reaction, including the light management, surface/interface engineering, stability improvement, product selectivity engineering, and reaction system engineering. (III) The photocatalysts for the environmental application and organic synthesis. Based on the analyses, the review also suggests the prospective research for the future development of halide-perovskite-based photocatalytic systems.

Emission wavelength control of CsPb(Br1−xClx)3 nanocrystals for blue light-emitting diode applications

A facile synthetic method of CsPb(Br_1−xCl_x)₃ halide perovskite nanocrystals, which emit light with the wavelengths ranging from green to blue based on an anion exchanging reaction using a halide exchange additive was reported.

Nature of the different emissive states and strong exciton-phonon couplings in quasi-two-dimensional perovskites derived from phase-modulated two-photon micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy

Quasi two-dimensional perovskites have attracted great attention for applications in light-emitting devices and photovoltaics due to their robustness and tunable highly efficient photoluminescence (PL). However, the mechanism of intrinsic PL in these materials is still not fully understood. In this work, we have analysed the nature of the different emissive states and the impact of temperature on the emissions in quasi two-dimensional methyl ammonium lead bromide perovskite (q-MPB) and cesium lead bromide perovskite (q-CPB). We have used spatially resolved phase-modulated two-photon photoluminescence (2PPL) and temperature-dependent 2PPL to characterize the emissions. Our results show that at room temperature, the PL from q-MPB is due to the recombination of excitons and free carriers while the PL from q-CPB is due to the recombination of excitons only. Temperature-dependent measurements show that in both materials the linewidth broadening is due to the interactions between the excitons and optical phonons at high temperatures. Comparing the characteristics of the emissions in the two systems, we conclude that q-CPB is better suited for light emitting devices. With a further optimization to reduce the impact on the environment, q-CPB-based LEDs could perform as well as OLEDs.

High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells with Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid for Surface Passivation and Charge Transport

Surface defects have been a key constraint for perovskite photovoltaics. Herein, 1,3-dimethyl-3-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (DMIMPF₆ ) ionic liquid (IL) is adopted to passivate the surface of a formamidinium-cesium lead iodide perovskite (Cs_0.08 FA_0.92 PbI₃ ) and also reduce the energy barrier between the perovskite and hole transport layer. Theoretical simulations and experimental results demonstrate that Pb-cluster and Pb-I antisite defects can be effectively passivated by [DMIM]⁺ bonding with the Pb²⁺ ion on the perovskite surface, leading to significantly suppressed non-radiative recombination. As a result, the solar cell efficiency was increased to 23.25 % from 21.09 %. Meanwhile, the DMIMPF₆ -treated perovskite device demonstrated long-term stability because the hydrophobic DMIMPF₆ layer blocked moisture permeation.

The thermal stability of FAPbBr3 nanocrystals from temperature-dependent photoluminescence and first-principles calculations

The temperature dependence of FAPbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) is investigated experimentally by steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. With the temperature increase, photon energies of line width and emission peak become larger due to stronger exciton–phonon coupling. Furthermore, theoretical calculations of first-principles simulations are used to estimate comparatively the thermal stability of typical FAPbBr₃ PNCs. It is found that the PL peaks of PNCs slightly change with increasing temperature below 175 K and then blueshift steeply decreases rapidly till 400 K, which is related to phase transition from orthorhombic to tetragonal and cubic phase. The simulated results show the PL and the crystal structure of FAPbBr₃ are largely dependent on the temperature. With higher temperature, the photon energy of the PL peak becomes larger, and the calculated band gap of FAPbBr₃ is about 2.15 eV at 80 K, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. It is confirmed that temperature-dependent PL is composed of a band-edge exciton state and trapping state emission. The results obtained will be of certain significance to further expand other hybrid organometal perovskite materials.

The thermal properties of FAPbBr₃ perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) is investigated by use of temperature-dependent steady-state/time-resolved photoluminescence and first-principle calculations.

Multifunctional Charge Transporting Materials for Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes

Despite their low exciton-binding energies, metal halide perovskites are extensively studied as light-emitting materials owing to narrow emission with high color purity, easy/wide color tunability, and high photoluminescence quantum yields. To improve the efficiency of perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs), much effort has been devoted to controlling the emitting layer morphologies to induce charge confinement and decrease the nonradiative recombination. The interfaces between the emitting layer and charge transporting layer (CTL) are vulnerable to various defects that deteriorate the efficiency and stability of the PeLEDs. Therefore, the establishment of multifunctional CTLs that can improve not only charge transport but also critical factors that influence device performance, such as defect passivation, morphology/phase control, ion migration suppression, and light outcoupling efficiency, are highly required. Herein, the fundamental limitations of perovskites as emitters (i.e., defects, morphological and phase instability, high refractive index with poor outcoupling) and the recent developments with regard to multifunctional CTLs to compensate such limitations are summarized, and their device applications are also reviewed. Finally, based on the importance of multifunctional CTLs, the outlook and research prospects of multifunctional CTLs for the further improvement of PeLEDs are discussed.

Correlation of elastic and optoelectronic properties near structural phase transition in organic-inorganic lead iodide perovskite single crystals

The experimental evidence of the influence of the structural phase transition on the elastic and optoelectronic properties of CH₃NH₃PbI₃single crystals has been reported. A peak in the attenuation for longitudinal and shear ultrasonic waves and a step-like anomaly in their velocity have been found near the structural the orthorhombic-to-tetragonal phase transition (160 K). The narrow hysteresis observed in the temperature dependences of the elastic properties confirms that this is the first-order phase transition. A redshift of the absorption threshold (of about 110 meV) has been revealed both in the photocurrent (PC) and in the photoluminescence (PL) spectra with increasing temperature from 140 to 160 K. In the orthorhombic phase of CH₃NH₃PbI₃single crystals, the fine exciton structure in the PC spectrum has been found with an exciton binding energy of 19-25 meV. The peculiarities of the PC and PL spectra near the phase transition temperature (160 K) have been observed within a wider temperature range in contrast to the elastic anomalies that can be explained by the complex structure of the near-surface region. It may be essential for the further development of optoelectronic devices based on hybrid halide perovskites.

Modulating Charge Carrier Dynamics and Transfer via Surface Modifications in Organometallic Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots

We investigate the effect of functionalization by acid/amine combinations of four aromatic capping ligands on the optoelectronic properties of CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ perovskite quantum dots (PQDs). These include benzoic acid (BA), phenylacetic acid (PAA), benzylamine, and isopropyl benzylamine. We observe that charge transfer efficiency in PQD films comprising BA-ligated samples varies between 12% and 95% as the dot density is tuned from 10² to 10⁵ dots/μm² but is consistently ∼92% over that entire range for PAA-ligated PQDs. As temperature T decreases, initially, recombination is dominated by bound or trapped excitons, but below 80 K, spectral broadening, accompanied by free excitonic behavior, is observed. Our results indicate enhanced charge delocalization at lower values of T, which reduces the level of exciton confinement and recombination decay rates and underlines the importance of investigating PQD-ligand interactions at a fundamental level given the significant effect minute changes in ligand structures have on the optoelectronic properties of quantum dots.

Broad-Band Photodetectors Based on Copper Indium Diselenide Quantum Dots in a Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Matrix

Low-temperature solution-processed methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) crystalline films have shown outstanding performance in optoelectronic devices. However, their high dark current and high noise equivalent power prevent their application in broad-band photodetectors. Here, we applied a facile solution-based antisolvent strategy to fabricate a hybrid structure of CuInSe₂ quantum dots (CISe QDs) embedded into a MAPbI₃ matrix, which not only enhances the photodetector responsivity, showing a large on/off ratio of 10⁴ at 2 V bias compared with the bare perovskite films, but also significantly (for over 7 days) improves the device stability, with hydrophobic ligands on the CuInSe₂ QDs acting as a barrier against the uptake of environmental moisture. MAPbI₃/CISe QD-based lateral photodetectors exhibit high responsivities of >0.5 A/W and 10.4 mA/W in the visible and near-infrared regions, respectively, partly because of the formation of a type II interface between the respective semiconductors but most significantly because of the efficient trap-state passivation of the perovskite grain surfaces, and the reduction in the twinning-induced trap density, which stems from both CISe QDs and their organic ligands. A large specific detectivity of 2.2 × 10¹² Jones at 525 nm illumination (1 μW/cm²), a fast fall time of 236 μs, and an extremely low noise equivalent power of 45 fW/Hz^1/2 have been achieved.

Origin of Ionic Inhomogeneity in MAPb(IxBr1-x)3 Perovskite Thin Films Revealed by In-Situ Spectroscopy during Spin Coating and Annealing

Irradiation-induced phase segregation in mixed methylammonium halide perovskite samples such as methylammonium lead bromide-iodide, MAPb(I_xBr_1-x)₃, is being studied intensively because it limits the efficiency of wide band gap perovskite solar cells. It has been postulated that this phenomenon depends on the intrinsic ionic (in)homogeneity in samples already induced during film formation. A deeper understanding of the MAPb(I_xBr_1-x)₃ formation processes and the influence of the halide ratio, solvents, and the perovskite precursor composition as well as the influence of processing parameters during deposition, e.g., spin coating and annealing parameters, is still lacking. Here, we use a fiber optic-based optical in-situ setup to study the formation processes of the MAPb(I_xBr_1-x)₃ series on a subsecond time scale during spin coating and thermal annealing. In-situ UV-vis measurements during spin coating reveal the influence of different halide ratios, x, in the precursor solution on the preferential crystallization of the phase. Pure bromide samples directly form a perovskite phase, samples with high iodide content form a solvate intermediate phase, and samples with a mixed stoichiometry between 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.6 form both. This leads to a heterogeneous formation process via two competing reaction pathways, that leads to a heterogeneous mixture of phases, during spin coating and rationalizes the compositional heterogeneity of mixed bromide-iodide samples even after annealing.

Photoinduced phase separation in the lead halides is a polaronic effect

We present a perspective on recent observations of the photoinduced phase separation of halides in multi-component lead-halide perovskites. The spontaneous phase separation of an initial homogeneous solid solution under steady-state illumination conditions is found experimentally to be reversible, stochastic, weakly dependent on morphology, yet strongly dependent on composition and thermodynamic state. Regions enriched in a specific halide species that form upon phase separation are self-limiting in size, pinned to specific compositions, and grow in number in proportion to the steady-state carrier concentration until saturation. These empirical observations of robustness rule out explanations based on specific defect structures and point to the local modulation of an existing miscibility phase transition in the presence of excess charge carriers. A model for rationalizing existing observations based on the coupling between composition, strain, and charge density fluctuations through the formation of polarons is reviewed.

Triple-halide wide-band gap perovskites with suppressed phase segregation for efficient tandems

Wide-band gap metal halide perovskites are promising semiconductors to pair with silicon in tandem solar cells to pursue the goal of achieving power conversion efficiency (PCE) greater than 30% at low cost. However, wide-band gap perovskite solar cells have been fundamentally limited by photoinduced phase segregation and low open-circuit voltage. We report efficient 1.67-electron volt wide-band gap perovskite top cells using triple-halide alloys (chlorine, bromine, iodine) to tailor the band gap and stabilize the semiconductor under illumination. We show a factor of 2 increase in photocarrier lifetime and charge-carrier mobility that resulted from enhancing the solubility of chlorine by replacing some of the iodine with bromine to shrink the lattice parameter. We observed a suppression of light-induced phase segregation in films even at 100-sun illumination intensity and less than 4% degradation in semitransparent top cells after 1000 hours of maximum power point (MPP) operation at 60°C. By integrating these top cells with silicon bottom cells, we achieved a PCE of 27% in two-terminal monolithic tandems with an area of 1 square centimeter.

Phase Segregation and Photothermal Remixing of Mixed-Halide Lead Perovskites

Mixed-halide lead perovskites (MHPs) are promising materials for photovoltaics and optoelectronics due to their highly tunable band gaps. However, they phase segregate under continuous illumination or an electric field, the mechanism of which is still under debate. Herein we systematically measure the phase segregation behavior of polymer-encapsulated CH₃NH₃Pb(Br_xI_1-x)₃ MHPs as a function of excitation intensity and the nominal halide ratio by in situ photoluminescence microspectroscopy and observe surprising phase dynamics at the beginning of the illumination. The initial phase segregation to I-rich and Br-rich phases is observed followed by the formation of a new mixed-halide phase within several seconds that has not been reported before. We propose that the photothermal effect is amplified at the small-size I-rich domains, which significantly changes the local phase segregation in the otherwise uniform film within milliseconds after illumination.

Synergistic Interface Energy Band Alignment Optimization and Defect Passivation toward Efficient and Simple-Structured Perovskite Solar Cell

Efficient electron transport layer-free perovskite solar cells (ETL-free PSCs) with cost-effective and simplified design can greatly promote the large area flexible application of PSCs. However, the absence of ETL usually leads to the mismatched indium tin oxide (ITO)/perovskite interface energy levels, which limits charge transfer and collection, and results in severe energy loss and poor device performance. To address this, a polar nonconjugated small-molecule modifier is introduced to lower the work function of ITO and optimize interface energy level alignment by virtue of an inherent dipole, as verified by photoemission spectroscopy and Kelvin probe force microscopy measurements. The resultant barrier-free ITO/perovskite contact favors efficient charge transfer and suppresses nonradiative recombination, endowing the device with enhanced open circuit voltage, short circuit current density, and fill factor, simultaneously. Accordingly, power conversion efficiency increases greatly from 12.81% to a record breaking 20.55%, comparable to state-of-the-art PSCs with a sophisticated ETL. Also, the stability is enhanced with decreased hysteresis effect due to interface defect passivation and inhibited interface charge accumulation. This work facilitates the further development of highly efficient, flexible, and recyclable ETL-free PSCs with simplified design and low cost by interface electronic structure engineering through facile electrode modification.

Negative photoconductivity in Cs4PbBr6 single crystal

Negative photoconductivity is firstly observed in large size Cs₄PbBr₆ single crystal that grown from Cs-rich solution. The Br vacancy and free excitons are responsible for this novel phenomena.

Vibrational dynamics in lead halide hybrid perovskites investigated by Raman spectroscopy

The effect of the incorporation of Cs⁺ and Br⁻ in FAPbl₃ investigated by Raman spectroscopy.