Double Charged Surface Layers in Lead Halide Perovskite Crystals

Surface Engineering of Methylammonium Lead Bromide Perovskite Crystals for Enhanced X-ray Detection

The surface quality of lead halide perovskite crystals can extremely influence their optoelectronic properties and device performance. Here, we report a surface engineering crystallization technique in which we in situ grow a polycrystalline methylammonium lead tribromide (MAPbBr3) film on top of bulk mm-sized single crystals. Such MAPbBr3 crystals with a MAPbBr3 passivating film display intense green emission under UV light. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrates that these crystals with emissive surfaces are compositionally different from typical MAPbBr3 crystals that show no emission under UV light. Time-resolved photoluminescence and electrical measurements indicate that the MAPbBr3 film/MAPbBr3 crystals possess less surface defects compared to the bare MAPbBr3 crystals. Therefore, X-ray detectors fabricated using the surface-engineered MAPbBr3 crystals provide an almost 5 times improved sensitivity to X-rays and a more stable baseline drift with respect to the typical MAPbBr3 crystals.

Metal Halide Perovskite Nanowires: Controllable Synthesis, Mechanism, and Application in Optoelectronic Devices

Metal halide perovskites are promising energy materials because of their high absorption coefficients, long carrier lifetimes, strong photoluminescence, and low cost. Low-dimensional halide perovskites, especially one-dimensional (1D) halide perovskite nanowires (NWs), have become a hot research topic in optoelectronics owing to their excellent optoelectronic properties. Herein, we review the synthetic strategies and mechanisms of halide perovskite NWs in recent years, such as hot injection, vapor phase growth, selfassembly, and solvothermal synthesis. Furthermore, we summarize their applications in optoelectronics, including lasers, photodetectors, and solar cells. Finally, we propose possible perspectives for the development of halide perovskite NWs.

Ultrafast transient infrared spectroscopy for probing trapping states in hybrid perovskite films

Studying the charge dynamics of perovskite materials is a crucial step to understand the outstanding performance of these materials in various fields. Herein, we utilize transient absorption in the mid-infrared region, where solely electron signatures in the conduction bands are monitored without external contributions from other dynamical species. Within the measured range of 4000 nm to 6000 nm (2500-1666 cm^-1), the recombination and the trapping processes of the excited carriers could be easily monitored. Moreover, we reveal that within this spectral region the trapping process could be distinguished from recombination process, in which the iodide-based films show more tendencies to trap the excited electrons in comparison to the bromide-based derivatives. The trapping process was assigned due to the emission released in the mid-infrared region, while the traditional band-gap recombination process did not show such process. Various parameters have been tested such as film composition, excitation dependence and the probing wavelength. This study opens new frontiers for the transient mid-infrared absorption to assign the trapping process in perovskite films both qualitatively and quantitatively, along with the potential applications of perovskite films in the mid-IR region.

Spray deposited polycrystalline MAPbBr3 thick films for hole-transport-material free solar cells

A spray deposition procedure for the fabrication of polycrystalline MAPbBr₃ thick films (20-100 μm) is developed and highly efficient (>5.5% under AM1.5 sunlight) hole-transport-material free perovskite solar cells are successfully made with 40 μm thick MAPbBr₃ films.

Giant Third-Order Nonlinear Response of Mixed Perovskite Nanocrystals

Mixed (FAPbI3)₀.₉₂(MAPbBr3)₀.₀₈ perovskite thin films exhibit strong nonlinear optical responses, rendering them promising candidates for applications in photonics and optical communications. In this work, we present a systematic study on the ultrafast third-order nonlinear optical processes in mixed perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) by exploring the generation of third harmonic radiation and giant two-photon absorption-based photoluminescence (PL) when excited by femtosecond laser pulses of a 1030 nm central wavelength. A comparative analysis of the coherent third harmonic generation in the thin-film-containing perovskite nanocrystals has shown a 40× enhancement of the third harmonic signal compared to the signal generated in the pure quartz substrate. The cubic dependence of the third-nonlinear optical response of the (FAPbI₃)₀.₉₂(MAPbBr₃)₀.₀₈ perovskites on the intensity of the driving radiation was identified using broadband 38 femtosecond driving pulses. The positive nonlinear refractive index (γ = +1.4 × 10⁻¹² cm²·W⁻¹) is found to play an important role in improving the phase-matching conditions of the interacting pulses by generating a strong third order harmonic. The giant two-photon absorption (TPA)-assisted PL peak was monitored and a blue shift of the PL was obtained in the higher intensity range of the laser pulses, with the absorption coefficient β estimated to be~+7.0 cm·MW⁻¹ at a 1030 nm laser wavelength.

Origin, Influence, and Countermeasures of Defects in Perovskite Solar Cells

Defects are considered to be one of the most significant factors that compromise the power conversion efficiencies and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells. Therefore, it is urgent to have a profound understanding of their formation and influence mechanism, so as to take corresponding measures to suppress or even completely eliminate their adverse effects on device performance. Herein, the possible origins of the defects in metal halide perovskite films and their impacts on the device performance are analyzed, and then various methods to reduce defect density are introduced in detail. Starting from the internal and interfacial aspects of the metal halide perovskite films, several ways to improve device performance and long-term stability including additive engineering, surface passivation, and other physical treatments (annealing engineering), etc., are further elaborated. Finally, the further understanding of defects and the development trend of passivation strategies are prospected.

Photoinduced ion-redistribution in CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells

We use photoinduced absorption spectroscopy (PAS) to study the ionic motion in CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite solar cells, consisting of indium tin oxide (ITO)/NiOx/perovskite/phenyl-C₆₁-butyric-acid-methyl ester (PCBM)/aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO)/ITO. We observed a slow (∼50 mHz) spectral blue shift (∼10^-4 eV) under modulated 520 nm illumination, which we interpreted in terms of the modulation in the bulk ion density. Numerical simulation shows that the mobile ion moves in and out from the double layers at the perovskite/charge transport layer interfaces in order to recover the bulk charge neutrality tipped off-balance by the photocarriers. The diffusion coefficient of the ion is 10^-10 to 10^-11 cm² s^-1, when we assume that the characteristic time constant of the ion motion is governed by the diffusion.

Modulating the optical and electrical properties of MAPbBr3 single crystals via voltage regulation engineering and application in memristors

Defect density is one of the most significant characteristics of perovskite single crystals (PSCs) that determines their optical and electrical properties, but few strategies are available to tune this property. Here, we demonstrate that voltage regulation is an efficient method to tune defect density, as well as the optical and electrical properties of PSCs. A three-step carrier transport model of MAPbBr3 PSCs is proposed to explore the defect regulation mechanism and carrier transport dynamics via an applied bias. Dynamic and steady-state photoluminescence measurements subsequently show that the surface defect density, average carrier lifetime, and photoluminescence intensity can be efficiently tuned by the applied bias. In particular, when the regulation voltage is 20 V (electrical poling intensity is 0.167 V μm-1), the surface defect density of MAPbBr3 PSCs is reduced by 24.27%, the carrier lifetime is prolonged by 32.04%, and the PL intensity is increased by 112.96%. Furthermore, a voltage-regulated MAPbBr3 PSC memristor device shows an adjustable multiresistance, weak ion migration effect and greatly enhanced device stability. Voltage regulation is a promising engineering technique for developing advanced perovskite optoelectronic devices.

Looking beyond the Surface: The Band Gap of Bulk Methylammonium Lead Iodide

Despite the intense research on photovoltaic lead halide perovskites, reported optical properties as basic as the absorption onset and the optical band gap vary significantly. To unambiguously answer the question whether the discrepancies are a result of differences between bulk and "near-surface" material, we perform two nonlinear spectroscopies with drastically different information depths on single crystals of the prototypical (CH₃NH₃)PbI₃ methylammonium lead iodide. Two-photon absorption, detected via the resulting generation of carriers and photocurrents (2PI-PC), probes the interband transitions with an information depth in the millimeter range relevant for bulk (single-crystal) material. In contrast, the transient magneto-optical Kerr effect (trMOKE) measured in a reflection geometry determines the excitonic transition energies in the region near (hundreds of nm) the surface which also determine the optical properties in typical thin films. To identify differences between structural phases, we sweep the sample temperature across the orthorhombic-tetragonal phase transition temperature. In the application-relevant room-temperature tetragonal phase (at 170 K), we find a bulk band gap of 1.55 ± 0.01 eV, whereas in the near-surface region excitonic transitions occur at 1.59 ± 0.01 eV. The latter value is consistent with previous reflectance measurements by other groups and considerably higher than the bulk band gap. The small band gap of the bulk material explains the extended infrared absorption of crystalline perovskite solar cells, the low-energy bands which carry optically driven spin-polarized currents, and the narrow bandwidth of crystalline perovskite photodetectors making use of the spectral filtering at the surface.

Ultrafast Photodetector by Integrating Perovskite Directly on Silicon Wafer

Single-crystal (SC) perovskite is currently a promising material due to its high quantum efficiency and long diffusion length. However, the reported perovskite photodetection range (<800 nm) and response time (>10 μs) are still limited. Here, to promote the development of perovskite-integrated optoelectronic devices, this work demonstrates wider photodetection range and shorter response time perovskite photodetector by integrating the SC CH₃NH₃PbBr₃ (MAPbBr₃) perovskite on silicon (Si). The Si/MAPbBr₃ heterojunction photodetector with an improved interface exhibits high-speed, broad-spectrum, and long-term stability performances. To the best of our knowledge, the measured detectable spectrum (405-1064 nm) largely expands the widest response range reported in previous perovskite-based photodetectors. In addition, the rise time is as fast as 520 ns, which is comparable to that of commercial germanium photodetectors. Moreover, the Si/MAPbBr₃ device can maintain excellent photocurrent performance for up to 3 months. Furthermore, typical gray scale face imaging is realized by scanning the Si/MAPbBr₃ single-pixel photodetector. This work using an ultrafast photodetector by directly integrating perovskite on Si can promote advances in next-generation integrated optoelectronic technology.

Linear and nonlinear optical probing of various excitons in 2D inorganic-organic hybrid structures

Nonlinear optical properties, such as two-(or multi-) photon absorption (2PA), are of special interest for technologically important applications in fast optical switching, in vivo imaging and so on. Highly intense infrared ultrashort pulses probe deep into samples and reveal several underlying structural perturbations (inter-layer distortions, intra-layer crumpling) and also provide information about new excited states and their relaxation. Naturally self-assembled inorganic-organic multiple quantum wells (IO-MQWs) show utility from room-temperature exciton emission features (binding energies ~200–250 meV). These Mott type excitons are highly sensitive to the self-assembly process, inorganic network distortions, thickness and inter-layer distortions of these soft two-dimensional (2D) and weak van der Waal layered hybrids. We demonstrate strong room-temperature nonlinear excitation intensity dependent two-photon absorption induced exciton photoluminescence (2PA-PL) from these IO-MQWs, excited by infrared femtosecond laser pulses. Strongly confined excitons show distinctly different one- and two-photon excited photoluminescence energies: from free-excitons (2.41 eV) coupled to the perfectly aligned MQWs and from energy down-shifted excitons (2.33 eV) that originate from the locally crumpled layered architecture. High intensity femtosecond induced PL from one-photon absorption (1PA-PL) suggests saturation of absorption and exciton-exciton annihilation, with typical reduction in PL radiative relaxation times from 270 ps to 190 ps upon increasing excitation intensities. From a wide range of IR excitation tuning, the origin of 2PA-PL excitation is suggested to arise from exciton dark states which extend below the bandgap. Observed two-photon absorption coefficients (β ~75 cm/GW) and two-photon excitation cross-sections (η₂σ₂ ~ 110GM), further support the evidence for 2PA excitation origin. Both 1PA- and 2PA-PL spatial mappings over large areas of single crystal platelets demonstrate the co-existence of both free and deep-level crumpled excitons with some traces of defect-induced trap state emission. We conclude that the two-photon absorption induced PL is highly sensitive to the self-assembly process of few to many mono layers, the crystal packing and deep level defects. This study paves a way to tailor the nonlinear properties of many 2D material classes. Our results thus open new avenues for exploring fundamental phenomena and novel optoelectronic applications using layered inorganic-organic and other metal organic frameworks.

Visualizing Buried Local Carrier Diffusion in Halide Perovskite Crystals via Two-Photon Microscopy

Halide perovskites have shown great potential for light emission and photovoltaic applications due to their remarkable electronic properties. Although the device performances are promising, they are still limited by microscale heterogeneities in their photophysical properties. Here, we study the impact of these heterogeneities on the diffusion of charge carriers, which are processes crucial for efficient collection of charges in light-harvesting devices. A photoluminescence tomography technique is developed in a confocal microscope using one- and two-photon excitation to distinguish between local surface and bulk diffusion of charge carriers in methylammonium lead bromide single crystals. We observe a large dispersion of local diffusion coefficients with values between 0.3 and 2 cm²·s^-1 depending on the trap density and the morphological environment-a distribution that would be missed from analogous macroscopic or surface measurements. This work reveals a new framework to understand diffusion pathways, which are extremely sensitive to local properties and buried defects.

Giant reduction of the random lasing threshold in CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite thin films by using a patterned sapphire substrate

Hybrid organic-inorganic metal halide perovskites are currently arousing enthusiasm and stimulating huge activity across several fields of optoelectronics due to their outstanding properties. In this study, we present the incoherent random lasing (RL) emissions from CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite thin films on both planar fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates and patterned sapphire substrates (PSSs). A detailed examination of the spectral evolution indicates that inelastic exciton-exciton scattering called P-emission is the most plausible mechanism accounting for the lasing emissions. The RL threshold of the perovskite films on PSSs is found to be effectively reduced by more than one order of magnitude from 2.55 to 0.15 μJ per pulse compared to that on FTO substrates. The giant threshold reduction is ascribed to the enhanced random scattering of light and the photon recycling induced by the multireflection processes at the perovskite/PSS interface, which increases the likelihood that the inoperative random rays will re-enter the possible optical loops formed among the perovskite particles, resulting in considerable optical resonance enhancement. The simulation results reveal that the light extraction efficiency on the top facet of the perovskites is significantly increased by approximately 155% by utilizing the PSS instead of the FTO substrate. Moreover, the first direct experimental observation of the multireflection phenomenon of light, as well as the dynamic processes of photon propagation in the composite PSS structure, is presented by Kerr-gate-based time-resolved photoluminescence. Our results provide an effective strategy to achieve high-performance perovskite random lasers and novel light-emitting devices for speckle-free full-field imaging and solid-state lighting applications, by introducing ingeniously designed periodic nano-/microscale optical structures.

Single crystal hybrid perovskite field-effect transistors

The fields of photovoltaics, photodetection and light emission have seen tremendous activity in recent years with the advent of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites. Yet, there have been far fewer reports of perovskite-based field-effect transistors. The lateral and interfacial transport requirements of transistors make them particularly vulnerable to surface contamination and defects rife in polycrystalline films and bulk single crystals. Here, we demonstrate a spatially-confined inverse temperature crystallization strategy which synthesizes micrometre-thin single crystals of methylammonium lead halide perovskites MAPbX₃ (X = Cl, Br, I) with sub-nanometer surface roughness and very low surface contamination. These benefit the integration of MAPbX₃ crystals into ambipolar transistors and yield record, room-temperature field-effect mobility up to 4.7 and 1.5 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ in p and n channel devices respectively, with 10⁴ to 10⁵ on-off ratio and low turn-on voltages. This work paves the way for integrating hybrid perovskite crystals into printed, flexible and transparent electronics.

The methylammonium lead halide perovskites have shown excellent optoelectronic properties but the field-effect transistors are much less studied. Here Yu et al. synthesize micrometer-thin crystals of perovskites with low surface contamination and make ambipolar transistor devices with high mobilities.

Impact of Crystallographic Orientation Disorders on Electronic Heterogeneities in Metal Halide Perovskite Thin Films

Metal halide perovskite thin films have achieved remarkable performance in optoelectronic devices but suffer from spatial heterogeneity in their electronic properties. To achieve higher device performance and reliability needed for widespread commercial deployment, spatial heterogeneity of optoelectronic properties in the perovskite thin film needs to be understood and controlled. Clear identification of the causes underlying this heterogeneity, most importantly the spatial heterogeneity in charge trapping behavior, has remained elusive. Here, a multimodal imaging approach consisting of photoluminescence, optical transmission, and atomic force microscopy is utilized to separate electronic heterogeneity from morphology variations in perovskite thin films. By comparing the degree of heterogeneity in highly oriented and randomly oriented polycrystalline perovskite thin film samples, we reveal that disorders in the crystallographic orientation of the grains play a dominant role in determining charge trapping and electronic heterogeneity. This work also demonstrates a polycrystalline thin film with uniform charge trapping behavior by minimizing crystallographic orientation disorder. These results suggest that single crystals may not be required for perovskite thin film based optoelectronic devices to reach their full potential.

Halogen Migration in Hybrid Perovskites: The Organic Cation Matters

In hybrid perovskite materials, the organic cations are one of the key structural components used to tune the electronic and optical properties of this promising class of materials. Here, we studied the strong impact of organic cations, methylammonium (MA) and formamidinium (FA), on halogen vacancy and interstitial migration, as well as surface degradation in cubic-phase MAPbBr₃ and FAPbBr₃ crystals using density functional theory calculations. We found Br vacancies and interstitials have much lower formation energies and higher density in MAPbBr₃ in comparison to FAPbBr₃ crystals. Moreover, the transition energy barrier for Br migration through vacancies within the bulk phase is lower in MAPbBr₃ than in FAPbBr₃. We also found that FAPbBr₃ has a much higher rotation barrier of the organic cation than MAPbBr₃, which points to a much stronger H-bonding with Br in the former case. Our results show that incorporating organic cations with the appropriate structure, shape, and strong H-bonding capabilities in hybrid perovskite crystals is very beneficial for suppressing ion migration and thus further improving the performance of hybrid perovskite-based devices.

Single-crystalline perovskite wafers with a Cr blocking layer for broad and stable light detection in a harsh environment

Herein, ultrathin (∼35 μm) CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) single-crystalline wafers have been successfully prepared by using an appropriate geometry-regulated dynamic-flow reaction system. The measurement results proved that the obtained wafers have high crystallinity, and showed broad light absorption from ultraviolet to near infrared (850 nm) which can be attributed to the indirect bandgap. Straight after, such an MAPbI3 wafer was used to fabricate high-quality photodetectors (PDs). On account of its faster carrier transport and significantly reduced defect density, the device exhibits a high photoresponse (R) of 5 A/W and short on/off response (0.039 s/0.017 s). Interestingly, by introducing a Cr interlayer between the MAPbI3 wafer and the Au electrode to avoid the migration of Au, the PD shows nearly no degradation when it works at 200 °C. Furthermore, the device performance shows very little degradation over the course of 60 days of storage under ambient conditions owing to its lack of grain boundaries. We believe the strategy reported here is very promising for achieving broad photodetection in a harsh environment.

Surface-Guided CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanowires on Flat and Faceted Sapphire with Size-Dependent Photoluminescence and Fast Photoconductive Response

All-inorganic lead halide perovskite nanowires have been the focus of increasing interest since they exhibit improved stability compared to their hybrid organic-inorganic counterparts, while retaining their interesting optical and optoelectronic properties. Arrays of surface-guided nanowires with controlled orientations and morphology are promising as building blocks for various applications and for systematic research. We report the horizontal and aligned growth of CsPbBr₃ nanowires with a uniform crystallographic orientation on flat and faceted sapphire surfaces to form arrays with 6-fold and 2-fold symmetries, respectively, along specific directions of the sapphire substrate. We observed waveguiding behavior and diameter-dependent photoluminescence emission well beyond the quantum confinement regime. The arrays were easily integrated into multiple devices, displaying p-type behavior and photoconductivity. Photodetectors based on those nanowires exhibit the fastest rise and decay times for any CsPbBr₃-based photodetectors reported so far. One-dimensional arrays of halide perovskite nanowires are a promising platform for investigating the intriguing properties and potential applications of these unique materials.

Energy level diagram of HC(NH2)2PbI3 single crystal evaluated by electrical and optical analyses

Energy level diagram of the HC(NH₂)₂PbI₃ single crystal evaluated in this study.

Molecular behavior of zero-dimensional perovskites

Low-dimensional perovskites offer a rare opportunity to investigate lattice dynamics and charge carrier behavior in bulk quantum-confined solids, in addition to them being the leading materials in optoelectronic applications. In particular, zero-dimensional (0D) inorganic perovskites of the Cs₄PbX₆ (X = Cl, Br, or I) kind have crystal structures with isolated lead halide octahedra [PbX₆]^4- surrounded by Cs⁺ cations, allowing the 0D crystals to exhibit the intrinsic properties of an individual octahedron. Using both experimental and theoretical approaches, we studied the electronic and optical properties of the prototypical 0D perovskite Cs₄PbBr₆. Our results underline that this 0D perovskite behaves akin to a molecule, demonstrating low electrical conductivity and mobility as well as large polaron binding energy. Density functional theory calculations and transient absorption measurements of Cs₄PbBr₆ perovskite films reveal the polaron band absorption and strong polaron localization features of the material. A short polaron lifetime of ~2 ps is observed in femtosecond transient absorption experiments, which can be attributed to the fast lattice relaxation of the octahedra and the weak interactions among them.

Ultralong Radiative States in Hybrid Perovskite Crystals: Compositions for Submillimeter Diffusion Lengths

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials have recently evolved into the leading candidate solution-processed semiconductor for solar cells due to their combination of desirable optical and charge transport properties. Chief among these properties is the long carrier diffusion length, which is essential to optimizing the device architecture and performance. Herein, we used time-resolved photoluminescence (at low excitation fluence, 10.59 μJ·cm^-2 upon two-photon excitation), which is the most accurate and direct approach to measure the radiative charge carrier lifetime and diffusion lengths. Lifetimes of about 72 and 4.3 μs for FAPbBr₃ and FAPbI₃ perovskite single crystals have been recorded, presenting the longest radiative carrier lifetimes reported to date for perovskite materials. Subsequently, carrier diffusion lengths of 107.2 and 19.7 μm are obtained. In addition, we demonstrate the key role of the organic cation units in modulating the carrier lifetime and its diffusion lengths, in which the defect formation energies for FA cations are much higher than those with the MA ones.

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

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

Inductive Loop in the Impedance Response of Perovskite Solar Cells Explained by Surface Polarization Model

The analysis of perovskite solar cells by impedance spectroscopy has provided a rich variety of behaviors that demand adequate interpretation. Two main features have been reported: First, different impedance spectral arcs vary in combination; second, inductive loops and negative capacitance characteristics appear as an intrinsic property of the current configuration of perovskite solar cells. Here we adopt a previously developed surface polarization model based on the assumption of large electric and ionic charge accumulation at the external contact interface. Just from the equations of the model, the impedance spectroscopy response is calculated and explains the mentioned general features. The inductance element in the equivalent circuit is the result of the delay of the surface voltage and depends on the kinetic relaxation time. The model is therefore able to quantitatively describe exotic features of the perovskite solar cell and provides insight into the operation mechanisms of the device.