Crystallization Control for Ambient Printed FA-Based Lead Triiodide Perovskite Solar Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Scalable manufacturing of high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is crucial for commercialization.
• Current printed PSC efficiencies are limited by a lack of control over perovskite crystallization dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve controlled crystallization dynamics for high-quality ambient printed perovskite films.
• To enhance the efficiency and stability of large-area perovskite solar cells through additive engineering.

Main Methods:

• Utilized in situ grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering and optical diagnostics.
• Introduced 1-butylpyridine tetrafluoroborate (BPyBF4) as an additive to control perovskite crystallization.
• Investigated the formation of alpha-formamidinium lead triiodide (α-FAPbI3) perovskite films.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated spontaneous formation of α-FAPbI3 without intermediate phases during printing.
• BPyBF4 additive delayed crystallization, enhanced conversion, and reduced defects, leading to fewer voids and larger grains.
• Achieved high power conversion efficiencies of 23.50% (0.09 cm2 device) and 21.60% (5 cm × 5 cm module).
• Reported excellent stability, retaining 94% efficiency over 2400 hours under ambient conditions without encapsulation.

Conclusions:

• The study presents an effective crystallization control method for ambient printing of large-area, high-performance PSCs.
• The findings facilitate the commercialization of stable and efficient perovskite solar technology.
• Additive engineering offers a viable pathway to overcome limitations in printed photovoltaic device fabrication.