22.8%-Efficient single-crystal mixed-cation inverted perovskite solar cells with a near-optimal bandgap

Expanding the near-infrared (NIR) response of perovskite materials to approach the ideal bandgap range (1.1-1.4 eV) for single-junction solar cells is an attractive step to unleash the full potential of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, polycrystalline formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI(3))-based absorbers, used in record-efficiency PSCs, currently offer the smallest bandgap that can be achieved for lead-halide perovskite thin films (>100 meV larger than the optimal bandgap). Here, we uncover that utilizing a mixed-cation single-crystal absorber layer (FA(0.6)MA(0.4)PbI(3)) is capable of redshifting the external quantum efficiency (EQE) band edge past that of FAPbI(3) polycrystalline solar cells by about 50 meV - only 60 meV larger than that of the top-performing photovoltaic material, GaAs - leading to EQE-verified short-circuit current densities exceeding 26 mA cm(-2) without sacrificing the open-circuit voltage (V-OC), and therefore, yielding power conversion efficiencies of up to 22.8%. These figures of merit not only set a new record for SC-PSCs and are among the highest reported for inverted-structured-PSCs, but also offer an avenue for lead halide PSCs to advance their performance toward their theoretical Shockley-Queisser Limit potential.

Automated summary

By utilizing a mixed-cation single-crystal absorber layer, the external quantum efficiency band edge can be redshifted, leading to increased short-circuit current densities and overall efficiencies.