Highly efficient A-site cation exchange in perovskite quantum dot for solar cells

The mixed cation colloidal Cs(1-X)FA(X)PbI(3) perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) obtained by cation exchange between CsPbI3 and FAPbI(3) PQDs have been reported to exhibit enhanced photovoltaic performance. However, the cation exchange mechanism requires further in-depth investigation in terms of both material properties and device application. In this work, the impact of PQD weight ratio, PQD concentration, and host solvent polarity during cation exchange is comprehensively investigated for the first time. In addition, the whole exchange process under varying conditions is monitored by photoluminescence spectroscopy. As a result, we observe extremely fast cation exchange (& SIM;20 min) under a condition at a CsPbI3/FAPbI(3) PQD weight ratio of 1:1, a concentration of 70 mg/ml, and a host solvent using toluene. Moreover, we directly fabricate a PQD solar cell device using these obtained mixed cation Cs(0.5)FA(0.5)PbI(3) PQDs and achieved an enhanced power conversion efficiency of 14.58%. We believe that these results would provide more insights into the cation exchange in emerging PQDs toward efficient photovoltaic fabrication and application. Published under an exclusive license by AIP Publishing.

Automated summary

In this study, the impact of various factors on the cation exchange process in mixed cation colloidal perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) was comprehensively investigated. The exchange process was monitored using photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results showed that extremely fast cation exchange can be achieved under specific conditions, and the solar cell devices fabricated using these mixed cation PQDs exhibited enhanced power conversion efficiency.