Ionic Liquid-Assisted MAPbI₃ Nanoparticle-Seeded Growth for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) show promise for renewable energy but require improved operational stability for commercialization.
• Cesium-formamidinium-methylammonium (CsFAMA) is a key material in advanced PSCs.
• Achieving high-quality perovskite films is crucial for device performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the performance and long-life operational stability of CsFAMA-based PSCs.
• To develop a seeded growth method using ionic liquid (IL)-assisted MAPbI3 nanoparticles (NPs).
• To investigate the impact of IL-assisted MAPbI3 NPs on perovskite film morphology and device characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A seeded growth approach was employed using IL-assisted MAPbI3 NPs as a host.
• Pristine CsFAMA perovskite precursor solution was introduced into the IL-assisted MAPbI3 NPs.
• Perovskite films were characterized for morphology, and PSC devices were fabricated and tested for efficiency and stability.

Main Results:

• The IL-assisted MAPbI3 NP-seeded growth method produced high-quality CsFAMA perovskite films with large single-crystal domains.
• The resulting PSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.44%, significantly outperforming control devices.
• Non-encapsulated devices demonstrated excellent long-term stability, retaining over 90% efficiency after light soaking and 80% after 6000 hours of ambient storage.

Conclusions:

• IL-assisted MAPbI3 NP-seeded growth is an effective strategy for fabricating high-performance CsFAMA perovskite films.
• This method significantly enhances both the power conversion efficiency and operational stability of PSCs.
• The approach represents a significant advancement towards the commercialization of stable and reliable perovskite photovoltaic devices.