iso‐BAI Guided Surface Recrystallization for Over 14% Tin Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

• Published in: Advanced science 2024-06, Vol.11 (22), p.e2309668-n/a
• Main Authors: Chan, Pok Fung, Qin, Minchao, Su, Chun‐Jen, Ye, Liping, Wang, Xuezhou, Wang, Yunfan, Guan, Xin, Lu, Zhen, Li, Gang, Ngai, To, Tsang, Sai Wing, Zhao, Ni, Lu, Xinhui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: crystallization; lead‐free perovskites; Ligands; Morphology; Oxidation; Scanning electron microscopy; Solvents; Spectrum analysis; surface treatment; tin‐halide perovskites, tin oxidation
• ISSN: 2198-3844; 2198-3844
• DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309668

Tin‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising environmentally friendly alternatives to their lead‐based counterparts, yet they currently suffer from much lower device performance. Due to variations in the chemical properties of lead (II) and tin (II) ions, similar treatments may yield distinct effects resulting from differences in underlying mechanisms. In this work, a surface treatment on tin‐based perovskite is conducted with a commonly employed ligand, iso‐butylammonium iodide (iso‐BAI). Unlike the passivation effects previously observed in lead‐based perovskites, such treatment leads to the recrystallization of the surface, driven by the higher solubility of tin‐based perovskite in common solvents. By carefully designing the solvent composition, the perovskite surface is effectively modified while preserving the integrity of the bulk. The treatment led to enhanced surface crystallinity, reduced surface strain and defects, and improved charge transport. Consequently, the best‐performing power conversion efficiency of FASnI3 PSCs increases from 11.8% to 14.2%. This work not only distinguishes the mechanism of surface treatments in tin‐based perovskites from that of lead‐based counterparts, but also underscores the critical role in designing tailor‐made strategies for fabricating efficient tin‐based PSCs. The surface recrystallization triggered by iso‐BAI is identified as a distinct mechanism in tin‐based perovskites, compared to the lead‐based counterparts. GIWAXS results suggest that the defective tin perovskite surfaces are dissolved by the moderate solvent, followed by a guided recrystallization with the assistance of iso‐BAI, resulting in a promising power conversion efficiency of 14.2%.