Roles of MACl in Sequentially Deposited Bromine-Free Perovskite Absorbers for Efficient Solar Cells

So far, the combination of methylammonium bromide/methylammonium chloride (MABr/MACl) or methylammonium iodide (MAI)/MACl is the most frequently used additives to stabilize formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI₃ ) fabricated by the sequential deposition method. However, the enlarged bandgap due to the addition of bromide and the ambiguous functions of these additives in lead iodide (PbI₂ ) transformation are still worth considering. Herein, the roles of MACl in sequentially deposited Br-free FA-based perovskites are systematically investigated. It is found that MACl can finely regulate the PbI₂ /FAI reaction, tune the phase transition at room temperature, and adjust intermediate-related perovskite crystallization and decomposition during thermal annealing. Compared to FAPbI₃ , the perovskite with MACl exhibits larger grain, longer carrier lifetime, and reduced trap density. The resultant solar cell therefore achieves a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.1% under reverse scan with a stabilized power output of 23.0%. In addition, it shows much improved photostability under 100 mW cm^-2 white illumination (xenon lamp) in nitrogen atmosphere without encapsulation.