Additive Engineering for Efficient and Stable MAPbI3-Perovskite Solar Cells with an Efficiency of over 21%

The high density of defects in MAPbI(3) perovskite films brings about severe carrier nonradiative recombination loss, which lowers the performance of MAPbI(3)-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, methylamine cyanate (MAOCN) molecules were introduced into MAPbI(3) solutions to manipulate the crystallizatsion of the MAPbI(3) films. MAOCN molecules can slow down the volatilization rate of the solvent and delay the crystallization process of the MAPbI(3) film. The crystal quality of the MAPbI(3) films is effectively optimized without an additive residue. Perovskite films treated by MAOCN have lower defect density and longer carrier lifetime, which lowers the carrier recombination loss. Meanwhile, the MAPbI(3) film based on MAOCN has a more hydrophobic surface. The final MAPbI(3)-based device efficiency reached 21.28% (V-OC = 1.126 V, J(SC) = 23.29 mA/cm(2), and FF = 81.13). After 30 days of storage under atmospheric conditions, the efficiency of unencapsulated MAOCN-based PSCs only dropped by about 5%.

Automated summary

Introducing MAOCN molecules into MAPbI(3) solutions effectively optimizes the crystal quality of the film, reducing defect density and carrier recombination loss. The efficiency of the resulting MAPbI(3)-based perovskite solar cells reaches 21.28%, with only a 5% drop after 30 days of storage under atmospheric conditions.