Coordination Engineering of Single‐Crystal Precursor for Phase Control in Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite Solar Cells

2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPPs) have recently drawn significant attention because of their structural variability that can be used to tailor optoelectronic properties and improve the stability of derived photovoltaic devices. However, charge separation and transport in 2D perovskite solar cells (PSCs) suffer from quantum well barriers formed during the processing of perovskites. It is extremely difficult to manage phase distributions in 2D perovskites made from the stoichiometric mixtures of precursor solutions. Herein, a generally applicable guideline is demonstrated for precisely controlling phase purity and arrangement in RPP films. By visually presenting the critical colloidal formation of the single‐crystal precursor solution, coordination engineering is conducted with a rationally selected cosolvent to tune the colloidal properties. In nonpolar cosolvent media, the derived colloidal template enables RPP crystals to preferentially grow along the vertically ordered alignment with a narrow phase variation around a target value, resulting in efficient charge transport and extraction. As a result, a record‐high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.68% is demonstrated for a (TEA)₂(MA)₂Pb₃I₁₀ (n = 3) photovoltaic device with negligible hysteresis. Remarkably, superior stability is achieved with 93% retainment of the initial efficiency after 500 h of unencapsulated operation in ambient air conditions.     

Understanding the Film Formation Kinetics of Sequential Deposited Narrow‐Bandgap Pb–Sn Hybrid Perovskite Films

Developing efficient narrow bandgap Pb–Sn hybrid perovskite solar cells with high Sn‐content is crucial for perovskite‐based tandem devices. Film properties such as crystallinity, morphology, surface roughness, and homogeneity dictate photovoltaic performance. However, compared to Pb‐based analogs, controlling the formation of Sn‐containing perovskite films is much more challenging. A deeper understanding of the growth mechanisms in Pb–Sn hybrid perovskites is needed to improve power conversion efficiencies. Here, in situ optical spectroscopy is performed during sequential deposition of Pb–Sn hybrid perovskite films and combined with ex situ characterization techniques to reveal the temporal evolution of crystallization in Pb–Sn hybrid perovskite films. Using a two‐step deposition method, homogeneous crystallization of mixed Pb–Sn perovskites can be achieved. Solar cells based on the narrow bandgap (1.23 eV) FA_0.66MA_0.34Pb_0.5Sn_0.5I₃ perovskite absorber exhibit the highest efficiency among mixed Pb–Sn perovskites and feature a relatively low dark carrier density compared to Sn‐rich devices. By passivating defect sites on the perovskite surface, the device achieves a power conversion efficiency of 16.1%, which is the highest efficiency reported for sequential solution‐processed narrow bandgap perovskite solar cells with 50% Sn‐content.     

Energetics and Energy Loss in 2D Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskite Solar Cells

2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPPs) are emerging as potential challengers to their 3D counterpart due to superior stability and competitive efficiency. However, the fundamental questions on energetics of the 2D RPPs are not well understood. Here, the energetics at (PEA)₂(MA)_n?1Pb_nI_3n+1/[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) interfaces with varying n values of 1, 3, 5, 40, and ∞ are systematically investigated. It is found that n–n junctions form at the 2D RPP interfaces (n = 3, 5, and 40), instead of p–n junctions in the pure 2D and 3D scenarios (n = 1 and ∞). The potential gradient across phenethylammonium iodide ligands that significantly decreases surface work function, promotes separation of the photogenerated charge carriers with electron transferring from perovskite crystal to ligand at the interface, reducing charge recombination, which contributes to the smallest energy loss and the highest open‐circuit voltage (V_oc) in the perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on the 2D RPP (n = 5)/PCBM. The mechanism is further verified by inserting a thin 2D RPP capping layer between pure 3D perovskite and PCBM in PSCs, causing the V_oc to evidently increase by 94 mV. Capacitance–voltage measurements with Mott–Schottky analysis demonstrate that such V_oc improvement is attributed to the enhanced potential at the interface.     

The Rise of Textured Perovskite Morphology: Revolutionizing the Pathway toward High‐Performance Optoelectronic Devices

Halide perovskite materials have achieved overwhelming success in various optoelectronic applications, especially perovskite solar cells and perovskite‐based light‐emitting diodes (P‐LEDs), owing to their outstanding optical and electric properties. It is widely believed that flat and mirror‐like perovskite films are imperative for achieving high device performance, while the potential of other perovskite morphologies, such as the emerging textured perovskite, is overlooked, which leaves plenty of room for further breakthroughs. Compared to flat and mirror‐like perovskites, textured perovskites with unique structures, e.g., coral‐like, maze‐like, column‐like or quasi‐core@shell assemblies, are more efficient at light harvesting and charge extraction, thus revolutionizing the pathways toward ultrahigh performance in perovskite‐based optoelectronic devices. Employing a textured perovskite morphology, the record of external quantum efficiency for P‐LEDs is demonstrated as 21.6%. In this research news, recent progress in the utilization of textured perovskite is summarized, with the emphasis on the preparation strategies and prominent optoelectronic properties. The impact of the textured morphology on light harvesting, carrier dynamic management, and device performance is highlighted. Finally, the challenges and great potential of employing these innovative morphologies in fabricating more efficient optoelectronic devices, or creating a new energy harvesting and conversion regime are also provided.     

Reverse‐Graded 2D Ruddlesden–Popper Perovskites for Efficient Air‐Stable Solar Cells

2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (RPPs) have emerged as a promising solar cell material. A group of novel RPPs with cyclohexane methylamine (CMA) as a spacer cation is presented. Unlike previously reported RPPs, the deposited films of (CMA)₂(MA)_n?1Pb_nI_3n+1 (MA is CH₃NH₃⁺, n = 1, 2, 3, …) exhibit multiple phases with reverse‐graded quantum well (QW) distribution; small n (n = 2) RPPs are located at the surface and large n (n ≥ 10) RPPs at the bottom. This has three advantages: (a) The outer, more moisture resistant, small n RPPs create a stable barrier that protects the vulnerable large n RPP lattice from being attacked by water molecules. (b) It forms a type‐II band alignment between different phases, which favors self‐driven charge transport. (c) The natural structure of graded QWs expands the range of photon collection. Attributed to these properties, the best efficiency of 15.05%, with high open‐circuit voltage (V_oc) of 1.10 V for a first‐generation solar cell containing (CMA)₂(MA)₈Pb₉I₂₈, is achieved. A notable enhancement in short wavelength is observed in the Incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency spectra. This device shows significantly improved long‐term stability, retaining ≈95% of the initial efficiency after 4600 h exposure in ambient conditions with 40–70% relative humidity.     

Hole Transport Materials in Conventional Structural (n–i–p) Perovskite Solar Cells: From Past to the Future

With the application of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites to liquid‐type solar cells, the unprecedented development of perovskite solar cells (Per‐SCs) has been boosted by the introduction of solid‐state hole transport materials (HTMs). The removal of liquid electrolyte has lead to improved efficiency and stability. Supported by high‐quality perovskite films, the certified efficiency of Per‐SCs has reached 25.2%. For Per‐SCs assembled in a conventional structure (n–i–p), the hole transport layer (HTL) plays an extra role in preventing the perovskite layer from external stimuli. In summary, the successful design and fabrication of the HTL must meet various requirements in terms of solubility, hole transport, recombination prevention, stability, and reproducibility, to name but a few. Many research strategies are focused on the development of high‐performance HTMs to meet such requirements. Such strategies for the development of HTMs employed in conventional n–i–p solar cells are reviewed herein. A vision of the future HTMs is proposed in this review based on the already proposed solutions and current trends.     

Processing‐Performance Evolution of Perovskite Solar Cells: From Large Grain Polycrystalline Films to Single Crystals

Solution‐processable halide perovskites have emerged as strong contenders for next‐generation solar cells owing to their favorable optoelectronic properties. To maintain the efficiency momentum of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), development of advanced processing techniques, particularly for the perovskite layer, is imperative. There is a close correlation between the quality of the perovskite layer and its photophysical properties: Highly crystalline large grains with uniform morphology of the perovskite layer and their interface with charge transporters are crucial for achieving high performance. Significant efforts have been dedicated to achieve perovskite films with large grains reaching the millimeter‐scale for high‐efficiency PSCs. Recent work showcases a transition from large grain polycrystalline to single‐crystalline (SC) PSCs made possible by the facile growth of perovskite single crystals. In this review, the recent progress of the large grain polycrystalline PSCs and grain boundary‐free SC‐PSCs is reported, particularly focusing on the recent approach of depositing large‐grained perovskite layers and single crystal growth technique, that have been adopted for fabrication of efficient PSCs. In addition, prospects of SC‐PSCs and their further development in terms of efficiency, device design, scalability, and stability are discussed.     

Stable Formamidinium‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells via In Situ Grain Encapsulation

Formamidinium (FA)‐based lead iodide perovskites have emerged as the most promising light‐absorber materials in the prevailing perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, they suffer from the phase‐instability issue in the ambient atmosphere, which is holding back the realization of the full potential of FA‐based PSCs in the context of high efficiency and stability. Herein, the tetraethylorthosilicate hydrolysis process is integrated with the solution crystallization of FA‐based perovskites, forming a new film structure with individual perovskite grains encapsulated by amorphous silica layers that are in situ formed at the nanoscale. The silica not only protects perovskite grains from the degradation but also enhances the charge‐carrier dynamics of perovskite films. The underlying mechanism is discussed using a joint experiment‐theory approach. Through this in situ grain encapsulation method, PSCs show an efficiency close to 20% with an impressive 97% retention after 1000‐h storage under ambient conditions.     

Vacuum‐Assisted Growth of Low‐Bandgap Thin Films (FA0.8MA0.2Sn0.5Pb0.5I3) for All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells

All‐perovskite multijunction photovoltaics, combining a wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite top solar cell (E_G ≈1.6–1.8 eV) with a low‐bandgap (LBG) perovskite bottom solar cell (E_G < 1.3 eV), promise power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) >33%. While the research on WBG perovskite solar cells has advanced rapidly over the past decade, LBG perovskite solar cells lack PCE as well as stability. In this work, vacuum‐assisted growth control (VAGC) of solution‐processed LBG perovskite thin films based on mixed Sn–Pb perovskite compositions is reported. The reported perovskite thin films processed by VAGC exhibit large columnar crystals. Compared to the well‐established processing of LBG perovskites via antisolvent deposition, the VAGC approach results in a significantly enhanced charge‐carrier lifetime. The improved optoelectronic characteristics enable high‐performance LBG perovskite solar cells (1.27 eV) with PCEs up to 18.2% as well as very efficient four‐terminal all‐perovskite tandem solar cells with PCEs up to 23%. Moreover, VAGC leads to promising reproducibility and potential in the fabrication of larger active‐area solar cells up to 1 cm².     

Monitoring Thermal Annealing of Perovskite Solar Cells with In Situ Photoluminescence

Layer deposition of organometal halide perovskites for solar cells usually involves tedious experimentation to establish the optimum processing conditions. Important parameters are the time and temperature of thermal annealing. Here, it is demonstrated that in situ photoluminescence allows to determine the optimal annealing procedure without fabricating complete solar cells. A deposition method is used in which dense layers of perovskite crystals are formed within seconds in ambient air by hot casting a mixture of lead acetate, lead chloride, and methylammonium iodide. The as‐cast perovskite layers are highly luminescent because charge carriers are unable to reach the charge extraction layers that quench the photoluminescence. Thermal annealing enhances charge transport and quenches the photoluminescence, but deteriorates the photovoltaic performance via decomposition of the perovskite if applied for a too long time. It is demonstrated that the optimal annealing time coincides with the time required for the in situ measured photoluminescence intensity to reach its baseline value for annealing temperatures in the range of 80–100 °C. This results in efficient (>14%) perovskite solar cells and shows that in situ photoluminescence is a simple but powerful tool for in‐line quality monitoring of perovskite films.     

A Strategy to Design a Donor–π–Acceptor Polymeric Hole Conductor for an Efficient Perovskite Solar Cell

A strategy for developing a novel donor–π–acceptor conducting polymeric hole transport material ( TTB–TTQ ) based on thiophene and benzothiadiazole as an alternative to spiro‐MeOTAD is reported. The resulting polymer is highly soluble in many organic solvents and exhibits excellent film formability. The addition of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide salt and tert‐butylpyridine to TTB–TTQ results in a rough film surface with a fibril structure and improved charge transport. A perovskite solar cell with the highest power conversion efficiency (η) yet achieved in such cells, 14.1%, which is 22.6% greater than that of a device employing a spiro‐MeOTAD is demonstrated. This strategy provides a novel approach to developing solar cell materials for efficient perovskite solar cells.     

Thermodynamically Self‐Healing 1D–3D Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells

Thermal degradation in perovskite solar cells is still an unsettled issue that limits its further development. In this study, 2‐(1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine is introduced into lead halide 3D perovskites, which allows 1D–3D hybrid perovskite materials to be obtained. The heterostructural 1D–3D perovskites are proved to be capable of remarkably prolonging the photoluminescence decay lifetime and suppressing charge carrier recombination in comparison to conventional 3D perovskites. The intrinsic properties of thermodynamically stable yet kinetically labile 1D materials allow the system to alleviate the lattice mismatch and passivate the interface traps of heterojunction region of 1D–3D hybrid perovskites that may occur during the crystal growth process. Importantly, the as‐fabricated 1D–3D perovskite solar cells display a thermodynamic self‐healing ability, which is induced through blocking the ion‐migration channels of A‐site ions by the flexible 1D perovskite with less densely close‐packed structure. Particularly, the power conversion efficiency of as‐fabricated unencapsulated 1D–3D perovskite solar cells is demonstrated to be reversible under temperature cycling (25–85 °C) at 55% relative humidity, which largely outperforms the pure 3D perovskite solar cell. The present study provides a facile approach to fabricate 1D–3D perovskite solar cells with high efficiency and long‐term stability.     

Compositional and Solvent Engineering in Dion–Jacobson 2D Perovskites Boosts Solar Cell Efficiency and Stability

Hybrid halide 2D perovskites deserve special attention because they exhibit superior environmental stability compared with their 3D analogs. The closer interlayer distance discovered in 2D Dion–Jacobson (DJ) type of halide perovskites relative to 2D Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskites implies better carrier charge transport and superior performance in solar cells. Here, the structure and properties of 2D DJ perovskites employing 3‐(aminomethyl)piperidinium (3AMP²⁺) as the spacing cation and a mixture of methylammonium (MA⁺) and formamidinium (FA⁺) cations in the perovskite cages are presented. Using single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, it is found that the mixed‐cation (3AMP)(MA_0.75FA_0.25)₃Pb₄I₁₃ perovskite has a narrower bandgap, less distorted inorganic framework, and larger Pb? I? Pb angles than the single‐cation (3AMP)(MA)₃Pb₄I₁₃. Furthermore, the (3AMP)(MA_0.75FA_0.25)₃Pb₄I₁₃ films made by a solvent‐engineering method with a small amount of hydriodic acid have a much better film morphology and crystalline quality and more preferred perpendicular orientation. As a result, the (3AMP)(MA_0.75FA_0.25)₃Pb₄I₁₃‐based solar cells exhibit a champion power conversion efficiency of 12.04% with a high fill factor of 81.04% and a 50% average efficiency improvement compared to the pristine (3AMP)(MA)₃Pb₄I₁₃ cells. Most importantly, the 2D DJ 3AMP‐based perovskite films and devices show better air and light stability than the 2D RP butylammonium‐based perovskites and their 3D analogs.     

A Review on Additives for Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

Additives are widely adopted for efficient, stable, and hysteresis‐free perovskite solar cells and play an important role in various breakthroughs of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein the various additives adopted for PSCs are reviewed and their functioning mechanism and influence on device performance is described. The main roles of additives, modulating morphology of perovskite films, stabilizing phase of formamidinium (FA) and cesium (Cs)‐based perovskites, adjusting energy level alignment in PSCs, suppressing nonradiative recombination in perovskites, eliminating hysteresis, enhancing operational stability of PSCs, are summarized.     

Simultaneous Contact and Grain‐Boundary Passivation in Planar Perovskite Solar Cells Using SnO2‐KCl Composite Electron Transport Layer

The performance of perovskite solar cells is sensitive to detrimental defects, which are prone to accumulate at the interfaces and grain boundaries of bulk perovskite films. Defect passivation at each region will lead to reduced trap density and thus less nonradiative recombination loss. However, it is challenging to passivate defects at both the grain boundaries and the bottom charge transport layer/perovskite interface, mainly due to the solvent incompatibility and complexity in perovskite formation. Here SnO₂‐KCl composite electron transport layer (ETL) is utilized in planar perovskite solar cells to simultaneously passivate the defects at the ETL/perovskite interface and the grain boundaries of perovskite film. The K and Cl ions at the ETL/perovskite interface passivate the ETL/perovskite contact. Meanwhile, K ions from the ETL can diffuse through the perovskite film and passivate the grain boundaries. An enhancement of open‐circuit voltage from 1.077 to 1.137 V and a corresponding power conversion efficiency increasing from 20.2% to 22.2% are achieved for the devices using SnO₂‐KCl composite ETL. The composite ETL strategy reported herein provides an avenue for defect passivation to further increase the efficiency of perovskite solar cells.     

Understanding the Role of Cesium and Rubidium Additives in Perovskite Solar Cells: Trap States,Charge Transport,and Recombination

Adding cesium (Cs) and rubidium (Rb) cations to FA_0.83MA_0.17Pb(I_0.83Br_0.17)₃ hybrid lead halide perovskites results in a remarkable improvement in solar cell performance, but the origin of the enhancement has not been fully understood yet. In this work, time‐of‐flight, time‐resolved microwave conductivity, and thermally stimulated current measurements are performed to elucidate the impact of the inorganic cation additives on the trap landscape and charge transport properties within perovskite solar cells. These complementary techniques allow for the assessment of both local features within the perovskite crystals and macroscopic properties of films and full devices. Strikingly, Cs‐incorporation is shown to reduce the trap density and charge recombination rates in the perovskite layer. This is consistent with the significant improvements in the open‐circuit voltage and fill factor of Cs‐containing devices. By comparison, Rb‐addition results in an increased charge carrier mobility, which is accompanied by a minor increase in device efficiency and reduced current–voltage hysteresis. By mixing Cs and Rb in quadruple cation (Cs‐Rb‐FA‐MA) perovskites, the advantages of both inorganic cations can be combined. This study provides valuable insights into the role of these additives in multiple‐cation perovskite solar cells, which are essential for the design of high‐performance devices.     

MACl‐Assisted Ge Doping of Pb‐Hybrid Perovskite: A Universal Route to Stabilize High Performance Perovskite Solar Cells

Interfacial engineering, grain boundary, and surface passivation in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (HyPSCs) are effective in achieving high performance and enhanced durability. Organic additives and inorganic doping are generally used to chemically modify the surface contacting charge transport layers, and/or grain boundaries so as to reduce the defect density. Here, a simple but tricky one‐step method to dope organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite with Ge for the first time is reported. Unlike Ge doping to all‐inorganic perovskites, application of GeI₂ in organic–inorganic perovskite precursors is challenging due to the extremely poor solubility of GeI₂ in hybrid perovskite ink, leading to failure in the formation of uniform films. However, it is found that addition of methylammonium chloride (MACl) into the precursor remarkably increases the solubility of GeI₂. This MACl‐assisted Ge doping of hybrid perovskites produces high‐quality crystalline film with its surface passivated with nonvolatile GeI₂ (GeO₂) and the volatile MACl additive also improves the uniformity of GeO₂ distribution in the perovskite films. The resulting Ge‐doped mixed cation and mixed halide perovskite films with composition FA_0.83MA_0.17Ge_0.03Pb_0.97(I_0.9Br_0.1)₃ show superior photoluminescence lifetime, power conversion efficiency above 22%, and greater stability toward illumination and humidity, outperforming photovoltaic properties of HyPSCs prepared without the Ge doping.     

Highly Efficient and Stable Solar Cells with 2D MA3Bi2I9/3D MAPbI3 Heterostructured Perovskites

Organic–inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskites are emerging as highly promising candidates for highly efficient thin film photovoltaics due to their excellent optoelectronic properties and low‐temperature process capability. However, the long‐term stability in ambient air still is a key issue limiting their further practical applications. Herein, the enhancement of both performance and stability of perovskite solar cells is reported by employing 2D and 3D heterostructured perovskite films with unique nanoplate/nanocrystalline morphology. The 2D/3D heterostructured perovskites combine advantages of the high‐performance lead‐based perovskite 3D CH₃NH₃PbI₃ (MAPbI₃) and the air‐stable bismuth‐based quasi‐perovskite 2D MA₃Bi₂I₉. In the 2D/3D heterostructure, the hydrophobic MA₃Bi₂I₉ platelets vertically situate between the MAPbI₃ grains, forming a lattice‐like structure to tightly enclose the 3D MAPbI₃ perovskite grains. The solar cell based on the optimal 2D/3D (9.2%) heterostructured film achieves a high efficiency of 18.97%, with remarkably reduced hysteresis and significantly improved stability. The work demonstrates that construction of 2D/3D heterostructured films by hybridizing different species of perovskite materials is a feasible way to simultaneously enhance both efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells.     

Light Absorption and Recycling in Hybrid Metal Halide Perovskite Photovoltaic Devices

The production of highly efficient single‐ and multijunction metal halide perovskite (MHP) solar cells requires careful optimization of the optical and electrical properties of these devices. Here, precise control of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite layers is demonstrated in solar cell devices through the use of dual source coevaporation. Light absorption and device performance are tracked for incorporated MHP films ranging from ≈67 nm to ≈1.4 µm thickness and transfer‐matrix optical modeling is utilized to quantify optical losses that arise from interference effects. Based on these results, a device with 19.2% steady‐state power conversion efficiency is achieved through incorporation of a perovskite film with near‐optimum predicted thickness (≈709 nm). Significantly, a clear signature of photon reabsorption is observed in perovskite films that have the same thickness (≈709 nm) as in the optimized device. Despite the positive effect of photon recycling associated with photon reabsorption, devices with thicker (>750 nm) MHP layers exhibit poor performance owing to competing nonradiative charge recombination in a “dead‐volume” of MHP. Overall, these findings demonstrate the need for fine control over MHP thickness to achieve the highest efficiency cells, and accurate consideration of photon reabsorption, optical interference, and charge transport properties.     

Ultrathin Perovskite Monocrystals Boost the Solar Cell Performance

Grains and grain boundaries play key roles in determining halide perovskite‐based optoelectronic device performance. Halide perovskite monocrystalline solids with large grains, smaller grain boundaries, and uniform surface morphology improve charge transfer and collection, suppress recombination loss, and thus are highly favorable for developing efficient solar cells. To date, strategies of synthesizing high‐quality thin monocrystals (TMCs) for solar cell applications are still limited. Here, by combining the antisolvent vapor‐assisted crystallization and space‐confinement strategies, high‐quality millimeter sized TMCs of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) perovskites with controlled thickness from tens of nanometers to several micrometers have been fabricated. The solar cells based on these MAPbI₃ TMCs show power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.1% which is significantly improved compared to their polycrystalline counterparts (PCE) of 17.3%. The MAPbI₃ TMCs show large grain size, uniform surface morphology, high hole mobility (up to 142 cm² V^?1 s^?1), as well as low trap (defect) densities. These properties suggest that TMCs can effectively suppress the radiative and nonradiative recombination loss, thus provide a promising way for maximizing the efficiency of perovskite solar cells.