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Methylammonium chloride (MACl) additive is almost irreplaceable in high‐performance formamidine perovskite photovoltaics. Nevertheless, Some of the problems that can arise from adding MACl are rarely mentioned. Herein, it is proposed for the first time that the addition of MACl would cause the non‐stoichiometric ratio in the perovskite film, resulting in the halogen vacancy. It is demonstrated that the non‐synchronous volatilization of methylamine cations and chloride ions leads to the formation of halogen vacancy defects. To solve this problem, the NH4HCOO is introduced into the perovskite precursor solution to passivate the halogen vacancy. The HCOO− ions have a strong force with lead ions and can fill the halogen vacancy defects. Consequently, the champion devices' power conversion efficiency (PCE) can be improved from 21.23% to 23.72% with negligible hysteresis. And the unencapsulated device can still retain >90% of the initial PCE even operating in N2 atmosphere for over 1200 h. This work illustrates another halogen defect source in the MACl‐assisted formamidine perovskite photovoltaics and provides a new route to obtain high‐performance perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron transport layers (ETLs) are crucial for achieving efficient and stable planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Reports on versatile inorganic ETLs using a simple film fabrication method and applicability for both low‐cost planar regular and inverted PSCs with excellent efficiencies (>22%) and high stability are very limited. Herein, we employ a novel inorganic ZnSe as ETL for both regular and inverted PSCs to improve the efficiency and stability using a simple thermal evaporation method. The TiO2‐ZnSe‐FAPbI3 heterojunction could be formed, resulting in an improved charge collection and a decreased carrier recombination further proved through theoretical calculations. The optimized regular PSCs based on TiO2/ZnSe have achieved 23.25% efficiency with negligible hysteresis. In addition, the ZnSe ETL can also effectively replace the unstable bathocuproine (BCP) in inverted PSCs. Consequently, the ZnSe‐based inverted device realizes a champion efficiency of 22.54%. Moreover, the regular device comprising the TiO2/ZnSe layers retains 92% of its initial PCE after 10:00 h under 1 Sun continuous illumination and the inverted device comprising the C60/ZnSe layers maintains over 85% of its initial PCE at 85 °C for 10:00 h. This highlights one of the best results among universal ETLs in both regular and inverted perovskite photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) perovskite has received great attention because of its distinct optoelectronic property, smaller band gap (~1.5 eV), and higher thermal stability than methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3). However, the efficient synthesis of such perovskite materials on a large scale at a low cost remains a challenge. In this work, mixed-cation FA1−xCsxPbI3 thin films were directly prepared in an atmospheric environment with a high film formation rate, low material loss, low cost, and low requirements for experimental instruments and environment. The as-obtained FAPbI3 films exhibited excellent optoelectronic properties, showing promising applications in the photodetection field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mimicking the human visual memory system has attractive prospects in the field of artificial vision. However, the prominent challenge of realizing human visual memory is how to detect and store image information at the same time, which demands a multifunctional electronic device that can sense and memorize image information like the brain. In this work, simple two‐terminal optoelectronic resistive random access memory (ORRAM) devices are demonstrated based on lead‐free Cs2AgBiBr6 perovskite, exhibiting a unique optoelectronic resistive characteristic that can be reset by UV light illumination. A proof‐of‐concept artificial self‐storage visual system based on the ORRAM is constructed, which shows similar reinforcement learning and memory forgetting functions to the human visual memory system, and realizes the integrated functions of image sensing and memory for a long‐term retention time (>6000 s). Theoretical calculations indicate that UV light illumination will induce the annihilation of Br defects and cause the fracture of conductive filaments, resulting in the optical RESET phenomenon. Furthermore, by integrating with perovskite solar cells, an all‐optically controlled universal implication logic gate is constructed. This work provides an important step toward the mimicry of human visual memory and the multifunctional artificial visual integration of perception and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the function of moisture on perovskite is challenging since the random environmental moisture strongly disturbs the perovskite structure. Here, we develop various N2-protected characterization techniques to comprehensively study the effect of moisture on the efficient cesium, methylammonium, and formamidinium triple-cation perovskite (Cs0.05FA0.75MA0.20)Pb(I0.96Br0.04)3. In contrast to the secondary measurements, the established air-exposure-free techniques allow us directly monitor the influence of moisture during perovskite crystallization. We find a controllable moisture treatment for the intermediate perovskite can promote the mass transportation of organic salts, and help them enter the buried bottom of the films. This process accelerates the quasi-solid-solid reaction between organic salts and PbI2, enables a spatially homogeneous intermediate phase, and translates to high-quality perovskites with much-suppressed defects. Consequently, we obtain a champion device efficiency of approaching 24% with negligible hysteresis. The devices exhibit an average T80-lifetime of 852 h (maximum 1210 h) working at the maximum power point. Perovskite structure is disturbed by environmental moisture, limiting the device performance. Here, Wei et al. monitor the effect of moisture during the growth by N2-protected characterization techniques, and obtain an operationally stable perovskite solar cell with efficiency approaching 24%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perovskite photovoltaic field has developed rapidly within a decade. In particular, formamidinium (FA)‐rich perovskite allows a broad absorption spectrum, and is considered to be one of the most promising perovskite materials. Great progress has been achieved, and most recorded high‐efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) used the FA‐rich perovskite light absorption layer. However, the black α‐phase formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) perovskite easily transforms into an undesirable δ‐phase at a low temperature. Thus, researchers have put a lot of effort into deeply understanding the phase transformation and stabilization mechanism of FA‐rich perovskite. Herein, the fundamental physical properties of FAPbI3 materials, including crystal structure, phase‐transition temperature, charge‐carrier dynamics, etc. are summarized, and establish a complete phase evolution with temperature by reviewing previous reports. The intrinsic and external factors are subsequently discussed for influencing the stability of FAPbI3 perovskite and the remarkable breakthroughs of FA‐rich PSCs in recent years are reviewed. Moreover, a series of strategies to stabilize FA‐rich perovskite is summarized, including but not limited to compositional engineering, passivating engineering, processing engineering, and strain engineering. Finally, several new viewpoints are provided for improving the efficiency and stability of PSCs. This review may be regarded as a reference project for preparing high‐efficient and stable perovskite photovoltaic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portable sensing systems have a broad application prospect in the field of personal healthcare via continuous monitoring of surroundings. Ultraviolet (UV) light, deemed to be a main inducement of skin-related cancers, calls for the development of UV detectors with properties of high sensitivity and portability. Herein, we constructed a CsPbCl 3 film-based tunneling UV sensor (CTUS) based on the photo-induced tunneling mechanism. By optimizing the thickness of the tunneling layer inserted through an atomic layer deposition process, dark current of the CTUS was suppressed by three orders of magnitude, thus obtaining a salient UV detecting performance (ultralow dark current of 100 pA, high responsivity of 285 mA/W, broad linear dynamic range of 95 dB, fast response time of 2.1 μs, and weak light detection limit of 150 nW), which is comparable to the commercial Si-based PIN-type UV detectors. A UV wristband was further built by merging the CTUS with a self-designed flexible printed circuit board. Co-assisted by a self-developed APP, real-time and continuous monitoring of sun radiation to prevent diseases due to excessive sunburn was demonstrated. The proof-of-concept system will pave the way for portable device development, thus bridging the gap between technology innovation and real life. [Display omitted] • Perovskite-based tunneling sensors were constructed by introducing an ultrathin ALD-processed Al 2 O 3 film. • The dark current of the tunneling sensors was suppressed by three orders of magnitude. • A tunneling sensor-based wristband-type ultraviolet monitoring system was built, successfully. • A function demonstration of the system in monitoring the solar ultraviolet radiation intensity has been made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-entropy oxides with complex compositions can be designed as new ferroelectric materials with interesting physical consequences. Here, a series of high-entropy perovskite ceramics (Bi 0.2 Na 0.2 Ba 0.2 Sr 0.2 Ca 0.2 TiO 3 , Bi 0.2 Li 0.2 Ba 0.2 Sr 0.2 Pb 0.2 TiO 3 , Bi 0.2 Na 0.2 Ba 0.2 Sr 0.2 Pb 0.2 TiO 3 , Bi 0.2 K 0.2 Ba 0.2 Sr 0.2 Pb 0.2 TiO 3 , and Bi 0.2 Ag 0.2 Ba 0.2 Sr 0.2 Pb 0.2 TiO 3) was proposed, which selected various elements to diminish the formational enthalpy and thus to achieve a single-phase structure. Detailed crystal structure and microstructure characterizations indicated that the high-entropy perovskites exhibited a single tetragonal phase with excellent chemical homogeneity. The equiatomic ratios of the A-site cations in perovskites could be used to maximize the entropy stabilization effect and effectively disordered the symmetry of the crystal structure. A robust ferroelectric polarization reaching 20 μC/cm2 under 50 kV/cm was achieved in Bi 0.2 Na 0.2 Ba 0.2 Sr 0.2 Pb 0.2 TiO 3 high-entropy ferroelectrics. This work provides an effortless approach to discover new high-entropy ferroelectrics in materials with unexplored compositional complexity and gives additional opportunities to design and tailor the functional properties in entropy-stabilized ferroelectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perovskite scintillators have been extensively studied recently for their merits of tunable emission spectra and simple preparation processes. However, the practical applications of perovskite scintillator-based X-ray image sensor are still impeded by inadequate radioluminescence, poor environmental stability, and low imaging resolution. Herein, we demonstrate a scalable co-firing method to fabricate high-quality lead-free Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 perovskite scintillator and an Indium (In)-doping strategy is introduced to enhance its radioluminescence performance at the same time. The In-doped Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 obtains a high PLQY of 77.9% and a relative light output of 53372 ph/MeV, which are 0.34 and 1.08 times higher than those of the undoped counterpart, respectively. The X-ray detection limit of the In:Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 can reach 150.55 nGy air /s, 36.53 times lower than the requirement for X-ray medical diagnosis. The synthesized scintillator also shows superior stability under continuous high dose X-ray irradiation of 6800 μGy air /s for 120 minutes, maintaining 95% of its initial radioluminescence intensity. Furthermore, a large-area (300 cm2) flexible perovskite scintillator film is prepared, which owns a much competitive resolution of 10 lp/mm and less distortion in X-ray imaging. This work provides a practical path for the wide application of perovskite scintillator in the field of X-ray detection and imaging in near future. [Display omitted] • A co-firing method for lead-free indium doped Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 perovskite scintillators has been proposed. • The indium doped Cs 3 Cu 2 I 5 shows superior environmental and radiation stability. • A large-area flexible scintillator film is prepared for high-resolution imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Formamidinium lead iodide (α-FAPbI 3) has become one of the most promising candidate materials for stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) owing to their outstanding optoelectronic properties and high thermal stability. The crystallinity of the active layer of perovskite is essential to the performance of perovskite solar cells. In this paper, we added lead acetate Pb(Ac) 2 as a grain growth agent into the perovskite precursor solution to prepare high-efficiency and stable perovskite solar cells. It was revealed that the crystals of Pb(Ac) 2 -modified film grew selectively along the [200] direction and that the FAPbI 3 active layer grains were arranged neatly and densely, due to the significant influence of a moderate amount of weakly acidic Ac- on the crystal growth of FAPbI 3. The relative reduction in its grain boundaries led to the decrease in the grain boundary impedance, and it was easier for electrons to perform long-range migration in the perovskite active layer. The beneficial effects of Pb(Ac) 2 were further expiored by femtosecond Fs-TA measurements and density of states (tDOS) analysis, where the carrier lifetimes τ 2 was increased from 482.4 ps to 1340 ps, and the trap density of film states was significantly reduced. The filling factor (FF) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) were increased from 76.5% and 19.7–81.1% and 21.8%, respectively, the Pb(Ac) 2 devices were placed in air for 800 h for the light aging test, and the test results still maintained 90% of the original efficiency, which improved the stability of FAPbI 3 crystals. • Pb(Ac) 2 as an additive to modulate the crystalline quality of perovskite active layer films. • Perovskite solar cell defect reduction and carrier lifetime increase by Pb(Ac) 2 modification. • The Pb(Ac) 2 -modified active layer grains have preferential orientation and orderly arrangement. • 81.1% filling factor and 21.8% efficiency are achieved for a single PSC cell with excellent stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of perovskite solar cells has improved rapidly. However, PSCs generally suffer from instability, due to the detrimental defects. Additive engineering is a favorable method for defect passivation. In this work, the linear pseudo-halogen salt, KSCN, is introduced into the MAPbI 3 perovskite film to improve the performance of PSC. The trap density of cells with SCN− is decreased significantly. The SCN− not only can fill halogen vacancies to reduce the halide-related defects, but also can interact with the uncoordinated Pb2+ via coordinate bond to stabilize perovskite lattice structure. Moreover, the performance of devices with other linear pseudo-halogen anions (OCN−, SeCN−) are also investigated. Due to the improved short circuit current density, the power conversion efficiency of devices increases from 18.02% (PVK) to 20.41% (PVK–SCN-), 19.53% (PVK–OCN-) and 19.23% (PVK–SeCN-), respectively. After introducing pseudo-halide anions, the devices showed robust stability under the ambient environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials with distinctive optoelectronic properties have attracted much interest in the field of solar cells. As the light absorber, the quality of perovskite films is crucial to the performances of perovskite solar cells. Anti-solvent engineering seems to be an efficient method in preparing high-quality perovskite films, but mostly used anti-solvents are toxic, such as chlorobenzene (CB)， which is harmful to the environmental protection. In the present work, we used the green anti-solvent diethyl carbonate (DEC) instead of CB, demonstrated that the DEC engineered CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 film exhibits improved morphology and crystallinity as well as reducing defects, which can be attributed to the interaction between DEC and the solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The DEC anti-solvent assisting yields efficient CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 perovskite solar cells with a champion power conversion efficiency of 20.20% and a steady state efficiency of 86% over a period of 20 days of storage under ambient conditions. The present study provides a viable path way to design green and effective perovskite solar cells in the future. [Display omitted] • Developed a green solvent-assisted perovskite crystallization method. • Formed uniform and compact perovskite films with large grains. • High-quality perovskite films prepared by green anti-solvent diethyl carbonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]