Correlated Electrical and Chemical Nanoscale Properties in Potassium‐Passivated, Triple‐Cation Perovskite Solar Cells. Issue 17 (10th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tennyson, Elizabeth M.; Abdi‐Jalebi, Mojtaba; Ji, Kangyu; Garrett, Joseph L.; Gong, Chen; Pawlicki, Alison A.; Ovchinnikova, Olga S.; Munday, Jeremy N.; Stranks, Samuel D.; Leite, Marina S.
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials interfaces. Volume 7:Issue 17(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-07-10
• Subjects: correlative microscopy -- halide perovskites -- nanoscale -- passivation -- solar cells; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/admi.202000515
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-7350

Abstract

Abstract: Perovskite semiconductors are an exciting class of materials due to their promising performance outputs in photovoltaic devices. To boost their efficiency further, researchers introduce additives during sample synthesis, such as KI. However, it is not well understood how KI changes the material and, often, leaves precipitants. To fully resolve the role of KI, multiple microscopy techniques are applied and the electrical and chemical behavior of a Reference (untreated) and a KI‐treated perovskite are compared. Upon correlation between electrical and chemical nanoimaging techniques, it is discovered that these local properties are linked to the macroscopic voltage enhancement of the KI‐treated perovskite. The heterogeneity revealed in both the local electrical and chemical responses indicates that the additive partially migrates to the surface, yet surprisingly does not deteriorate the performance locally, rather, the voltage response homogeneously increases. The research presented within provides a diagnostic methodology, which connects the nanoscale electrical and chemical properties of materials, relevant to other perovskites, including multication and Pb‐free alternatives. Abstract : A correlative study investigates the influence of the novel KI‐passivation treatment on halide perovskite solar cell materials. By comparing the local electrical and chemical properties using an array of high‐spatial resolution imaging techniques, this research shows the spatial distribution of excess passivating material and links the nanoscale properties with macroscopic device performance.