Synergistic Effect of Precursor and Interface Engineering Enables High Efficiencies in FAPbI₃ Perovskite Solar Cells

Formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI₃)-based perovskite solar cells have gained immense popularity over the last few years within the perovskite research community due to their incredible opto-electronic properties and the record power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) achieved by the solar cells. However, FAPbI₃ is vulnerable to phase transitions even at room temperature, which cause structural instability and eventual device failure during operation. We performed post-treatment of the FAPbI₃ surface with octyl ammonium iodide (OAI) in order to stabilize the active phase and preserve the crystal structure of FAPbI₃. The formation of a 2D perovskite at the interface depends on the stoichiometry of the precursor. By optimizing the precursor stoichiometry and the concentration of OAI, we observe a synergistic effect, which results in improved power conversion efficiencies, reaching the best values of 22% on a glass substrate. Using physical and detailed optical analysis, we verify the presence of the 2D layer on the top of the 3D surface of the perovskite film.