Method to Inhibit Perovskite Solution Aging: Induced by Perovskite Microcrystals

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) offer efficient solution-based fabrication.
• Long-term stability of precursor solutions is crucial for PSC manufacturing.
• Methylammonium cations (MA+) in formamidinium (FA)-based PSCs aid crystallization but can form byproducts.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate perovskite microcrystals (MCs) for enhanced precursor solution stability.
• Improve the long-term stability of perovskite precursor solutions and films.
• Mitigate byproduct formation in FA-based PSC precursor solutions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of perovskite precursor solutions using microcrystals (MCs).
• Analysis of the structural and chemical interactions within the MC precursor solution.
• Fabrication and testing of PSC devices using aged MC precursor solutions.

Main Results:

• MCs confine formamidinium cations (FA+), preventing reactions with methylammonium (MA+).
• MCs promote nucleation, leading to larger grain formation in perovskite films.
• Devices using 3-week-aged MC solution retained 90% efficiency and showed only 10% loss after 160h operation.

Conclusions:

• Perovskite MCs act as effective reactive inhibitors, significantly improving precursor solution stability.
• This approach surpasses traditional monomer powder solutions in maintaining performance.
• Perovskite MCs are vital for the large-scale commercial fabrication of stable PSCs.