Formation Dynamics of Thermally Stable 1D/3D Perovskite Interfaces for High-Performance Photovoltaics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid-State Chemistry
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Understanding low-dimensional (LD) perovskite formation is crucial for their application in advanced electronic devices.
• Controlling dimensionality and heterostructure formation with 3D perovskites is key to enhancing device performance and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the formation dynamics of LD perovskites using the N-methyl-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)methylammonium (M-NMA+) cation.
• To explore the role of intermolecular interactions and nucleation in controlling perovskite dimensionality.
• To fabricate stable and efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using LD/3D perovskite heterostructures.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of LD perovskites with varying dimensionalities.
• Investigation of M-NMA+ cation interactions with precursor solutions (DMF) and solvents.
• Fabrication of 1D/3D perovskite heterostructures via post-treatment.
• Performance and stability testing of fabricated perovskite solar cells (PSCs).

Main Results:

• Both 1D and 2D LD perovskites were obtained from N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) precursor solutions.
• 2D perovskite formation was found to be uniquely dependent on heterogeneous nucleation due to M-NMA+ interactions with DMF.
• Post-treatment yielded thermally stable 1D perovskite phases on 3D perovskite films, forming 1D/3D heterostructures.
• The 1D/3D heterostructures achieved a record PSC efficiency of 25.51% and enhanced thermal stability.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the formation mechanisms of LD perovskites, highlighting the influence of cation-solvent interactions and nucleation.
• A novel strategy for creating stable, high-performance PSCs was developed using surface-passivated 1D/3D perovskite heterostructures.
• This research provides valuable insights for designing and fabricating next-generation perovskite optoelectronic devices.