Thermally induced structural evolution and performance of mesoporous block copolymer-directed alumina perovskite solar cells

ACS Nano. 2014 May 27;8(5):4730-9. doi: 10.1021/nn500526t. Epub 2014 Apr 11.

Abstract

Structure control in solution-processed hybrid perovskites is crucial to design and fabricate highly efficient solar cells. Here, we utilize in situ grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering and scanning electron microscopy to investigate the structural evolution and film morphologies of methylammonium lead tri-iodide/chloride (CH3NH3PbI(3-x)Cl(x)) in mesoporous block copolymer derived alumina superstructures during thermal annealing. We show the CH3NH3PbI(3-x)Cl(x) material evolution to be characterized by three distinct structures: a crystalline precursor structure not described previously, a 3D perovskite structure, and a mixture of compounds resulting from degradation. Finally, we demonstrate how understanding the processing parameters provides the foundation needed for optimal perovskite film morphology and coverage, leading to enhanced block copolymer-directed perovskite solar cell performance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Calcium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Crystallization
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Oxides / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Solar Energy*
  • Titanium / chemistry*
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Calcium Compounds
  • Oxides
  • Polymers
  • perovskite
  • Titanium

Grants and funding

National Institutes of Health, United States