Effect of Precursor Stoichiometry on the Performance and Stability of MAPbBr₃ Photovoltaic Devices

The wide-bandgap methylammonium lead bromide perovskite is promising for applications in tandem solar cells and light-emitting diodes. Despite its utility, there is a limited understanding of its reproducibility and stability. Herein, the dependence of the properties, performance, and shelf storage of thin films and devices on minute changes to the precursor solution stoichiometry is examined in detail. Although photovoltaic cells based on these solution changes exhibit similar initial performance, shelf storage depends strongly on precursor solution stoichiometry. While all devices exhibit some degree of healing, bromide-deficient films show a remarkable improvement, more than doubling in their photoconversion efficiency. Photoluminescence spectroscopy experiments performed under different atmospheres suggest that this increase is due, in part, to a trap-healing mechanism that occurs upon exposure to the environment. The results highlight the importance of understanding and manipulating defects in lead halide perovskites to produce long-lasting, stable devices.