Inhibited superoxide-induced halide oxidation with a bioactive factor for stabilized inorganic perovskite solar cells

Abstract

Active oxygen highly affects the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) owing to the capacity to either passivate defects or decompose perovskite lattice. To better understand the in-depth interaction, we demonstrate for the first time that photooxidation mechanism in all-inorganic perovskite film dominates the phase deterioration kinetics by forming superoxide species in the presence of light and oxygen, which is significantly different from that in organic–inorganic hybrid and even tin-based perovskites. In all-inorganic perovskites, the superoxide species prefer to oxidize longer and weaker Pb–I bond to PbO and I₂, leaving the much stable CsPbBr₃ phase. From this chemical proof-of-concept, we employ an organic bioactive factor, Tanshinone IIA, as a superoxide sweeper to enhance the environmental tolerance of inorganic perovskite, serving as a “skincare” agent for anti-aging organisms. Combined with another key point on healing defective lattice, the best carbon-based all-inorganic CsPbI₂Br solar cell delivers an efficiency as high as 15.12% and superior stability against oxygen, light, humidity, and heat attacks. This method is also applicable to enhance the efficiency of p–i–n inverted (Cs_0.05MA_0.05FA_0.9)Pb(I_0.93Br_0.07)₃ cell to 23.46%. These findings not only help us understand the perovskite decomposition mechanisms in depth but also provide a potential strategy for advanced PSC platforms.

Keywords

all-inorganic perovskite solar cells / bioactive factor / defect passivation / stability / superoxide formation

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RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2024 The Author(s). SusMat published by Sichuan University and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.