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Halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) approaching 26%, however, the stability issue hinders their commercialization. Due to the soft ionic nature of perovskite materials, the strain effect on perovskite films has been recently recognized as one of the key factors that affects their opto-electronic properties and the device stability. Herein, we summarized the origins of strain, characterization techniques, and implications of strain on both perovskite film and solar cells as well as various strategies to control the strain. Finally, we proposed effective strategies for future strain engineering. We believe this comprehensive review could further facilitate researchers with a deeper understanding of strain effect and enhance the research activity in engineering the strain to further improve performance and especially the device stability toward commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface passivation is a critical factor for improving the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells. However, more robust principle investigations are required to build effective passivation strategies enabling high-performance perovskite solar cells. Here, it is demonstrated that a non-reactive organic polymer induces band-bending at the perovskite surface through a passivation effect, furthermore suppressing Pb0 formation at the perovskite surface. Consequently, the photovoltaic performance and stability of the perovskite solar cells can be improved. The key findings show that the polymer passivation layer can control the Fermi-level at the perovskite surface, which changes the band structure at the perovskite surface and affects carrier dynamics by suppressing non-radiative pathways. Moreover, the organic polymer can prevent degradation of the perovskite surface. By using the passivating layer, the open circuit voltage improves from 1.046 to 1.100 V, the photoconversion efficiency exceeds 21%, and the stability of the perovskite solar cells is substantially improved. The organic polymer poly(bisphenol A anhydride-co-1,3-phenylenediamine) (PEIm) was used to control the perovskite band structure, and this passivation mechanism is revealed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]