Indium Iodide Additive Realizing Efficient Mixed SnDPb Perovskite Solar Cells

Low-bandgap mixed tin (Sn)-lead (Pb) perovskite solar cells promise efficiency beyond the pure-Pb ones. However, the difference in the interaction rate of SnI2 and PbI2 with organic salts causes spatial distribution heterogeneity of Sn2+ and Pb2+ in mixed Sn & horbar;Pb perovskite layers. This causes a Sn-rich surface, which can trigger more severe Sn2+ oxidation and nonradiative recombination. A strategy, of introducing indium ion (In3+) into the perovskite precursor solution to compete with Sn2+ when reacting with organic salts is developed. Therefore, the nucleation and crystallization of perovskite films are well-controlled, leading to improved film quality with a more balanced Sn/Pb ratio on the film surface. Additionally, In3+ has a lower reduction potential compared to Sn2+ which can generate an extra energy barrier for Sn2+ oxidation. The improved film quality and reduced surface oxidation result in accelerated electron transfer and reduced carrier recombination rate. The modified devices achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.34%, representing one of the highest PCEs in mixed Sn & horbar;Pb solar cells made with PCBM.