Photo-Effect on Ion Transport in Mixed Cation and Halide Perovskites and Implications for Photo-Demixing**

Lead halide perovskites are considered to be most promising photovoltaic materials. Highest efficiency and improved stability of perovskite solar cells have been achieved by using cation and anion mixtures. Experimental information on electronic and ionic charge carriers is key to evaluate device performance, as well as processes of photo-decomposition and photo-demixing which are observed in these materials. Here, we measure ionic and electronic transport properties and investigate various cation and anion substitutions with a special eye on their photo-ionic effect, following our previous study on CH3NH3PbI3, where we found that light enhances not only electronic but also ionic conductivities. We find that this phenomenon is very sensitive to the nature of the halide, while the cationic substitutions are less relevant. Based on the observation that the ionic conductivity enhancement found for iodide perovskites is significantly weakened by bromide substitution, we provide a chemical rationale for the photo-demixing in mixed halide compositions.

Automated summary

Lead halide perovskites are considered the most promising photovoltaic materials, with the highest efficiency and improved stability achieved through the use of cation and anion mixtures. Experimental information is crucial for evaluating device performance, and processes of photo-decomposition and photo-demixing play a role in these materials. The study found that light not only enhances electronic but also ionic conductivities, with the phenomenon being sensitive to the nature of the halide.