Ligand Engineering in Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cells.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) show promise but lead toxicity is a major hurdle.
• Tin (Sn)-based perovskites offer a lead-free alternative with excellent intrinsic properties.
• Current Sn-based PSC efficiencies lag behind theoretical limits due to fabrication challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical role of ligand engineering in Sn-based PSC fabrication.
• To elucidate how ligand engineering tackles issues like Sn(IV) vacancies and uncontrolled nucleation.
• To provide a roadmap for improving Sn-based PSC performance through ligand strategies.

Main Methods:

• Focuses on ligand engineering strategies applied during perovskite film formation.
• Examines ligand incorporation at precursor, nucleation, and bulk film stages.
• Discusses ligand roles in suppressing Sn oxidation, passivating defects, and enhancing stability.

Main Results:

• Ligand engineering effectively controls nucleation and suppresses Sn(II) oxidation to Sn(IV).
• Defect passivation and improved crystal orientation are achieved through ligand incorporation.
• Enhanced stability and performance of Sn-based PSCs are demonstrated via ligand strategies.

Conclusions:

• Ligand engineering is crucial for overcoming limitations in Sn-based PSCs.
• This approach facilitates the development of efficient and stable lead-free perovskite solar cells.
• Further research into ligand design can accelerate the commercialization of Sn-based PSC technology.