Moisture-triggered fast crystallization enables efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Photovoltaics
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Environmental moisture poses a significant challenge to perovskite solar cell stability and performance.
• Understanding moisture's precise role during perovskite formation is crucial for developing robust devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of controlled moisture on the crystallization and properties of triple-cation perovskites.
• To develop and utilize nitrogen-protected characterization techniques for in-situ monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Development of N2-protected characterization techniques to study perovskite formation without environmental interference.
• Controlled exposure of intermediate perovskite films to specific moisture levels.
• In-situ monitoring of perovskite crystallization and intermediate phase evolution.

Main Results:

• Controlled moisture treatment promotes organic salt transport within the perovskite film.
• This leads to a more homogeneous intermediate phase and reduced defects.
• Achieved a champion device efficiency approaching 24% with negligible hysteresis and improved operational stability (T80-lifetime of 852 hours).

Conclusions:

• Controlled moisture is a viable strategy to enhance perovskite film quality and device performance.
• Nitrogen-protected techniques are effective for studying moisture effects during perovskite crystallization.
• The findings pave the way for more stable and efficient perovskite solar cells.