Managing Solvent Complexes to Amplify Ripening Process by Covalent Interaction Driving Force Under External Field for...

Up to now, post-annealing is most commonly used to post treat the perovskite film to accelerate the ripening process. Nonetheless, the top-down crystallization mechanism impedes the efficient desolvation of solvent complexes. Thus, residual solvent complexes tend to accumulate at the bottom of the film during the ripening process and deteriorate the device. Here, a new strategy with unique concept is promoted to amplify ripening process of perovskite film, in which a nematic thermotropic liquid crystal (LC) molecular is introduced to facilitate the conversion of solvent complexes by utilizing the liquid crystalline behavior under external field. Upon the concurrent application of thermal and force fields, the covalent interaction between LC and solvent complexes generates a driving force, which promotes upward migration of solvent complexes, thereby facilitating their engagement in the ripening process. In addition, the driving force under external fields assists the flattening of grain boundary grooves. Therefore, film quality is improved efficiently with amplified ripening process and adequately handled buried interface. Based on the positive effects, the devices achieve a champion efficiency of 25.24%, and sustained ≈75% of its initial efficiency level even after undergoing a damp heat test (85 °C/85% RH) for 1400 h.