Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Mixed-cation perovskites achieve over 26% PCE but suffer from element and phase segregation that degrades device performance and stability. • Segregation occurs during fabrication and aging, influenced by precursor colloidal properties, crystallization kinetics, and processing conditions. • Understanding the mechanisms of inhomogeneity is crucial for developing nanoscale regulatory strategies to improve MCP quality. • Achieving uniform cation distribution and stable phases is essential for overcoming stability challenges in perovskite solar cells.
Abstract
In recent years, research advancements have highlighted the critical role of the A-site cation in determining the optoelectronic and physicochemical properties of organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites. Mixed-cation perovskites (MCPs) have been extensively used as absorber thin films in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), achieving high power conversion efficiencies (PCE) over 26%. The incorporation of mixed cations has led to a more optimal tolerance factor for the crystal structure, enhancing structural stability and providing additional functionalities to improve the chemical stability of the absorber thin films. However, mixed-cation perovskite absorbers often experience element and phase segregation, which can reduce device efficiency and operational lifespan. This segregation is a widespread phenomenon observed across various types of MCPs, whether in 2D or 3D structures. Therefore, understanding the fundamental causes of non-uniformity and phase segregation, as well as effective nanoscale regulatory strategies, is essential for enhancing the performance of PSCs. The development of high-quality MCPs with highly uniform cation distribution and stable phases is critical for addressing the stability challenges in PSCs.
1. Introduction
In recent years, the research advancements have highlighted the critical role of the A-site cation in determining the optoelectronic and physicochemical properties of organic−inorganic lead halide perovskites. Mixed-cation perovskites (MCPs) have been extensively used as absorber thin films in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), achieving high power conversion efficiencies (PCE) over 26% [1, 2]. The incorporation of mixed cations has led to a more optimal tolerance factor for the crystal structure, enhancing structural stability and providing additional functionalities to improve the chemical stability of the absorber thin films.
However, mixed-cation perovskite absorbers often experience element and phase segregation, which can reduce device efficiency and operational lifespan. This segregation is a widespread phenomenon observed across various types of MCPs, whether in 2D or 3D structures. Therefore, understanding the fundamental causes of non-uniformity and phase segregation, as well as effective nanoscale regulatory strategies, is essential for enhancing the performance of PSCs. The development of high-quality MCPs with highly uniform cation distribution and stable phases is critical for addressing the stability challenges in PSCs.
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Jiale Sun, Xuxia Shai, Weitao Chen, Shenchao Li, Jinlan He, Xinxing Liu, Dongmei He, Yue Yu, Jiangzhao Chen (2025). Manipulation strategy of cation inhomogeneity in perovskite solar cells. SinoTechIntel Verified Research. https://doi.org/10.1088/1674-4926/25030012
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are mixed-cation perovskites and why are they important?
Mixed-cation perovskites (MCPs) are perovskite materials that incorporate multiple A-site cations, which improve the tolerance factor, structural stability, and chemical stability of the absorber layer. They are crucial for achieving high power conversion efficiencies exceeding 26% in perovskite solar cells.
What is cation inhomogeneity and why does it matter?
Cation inhomogeneity refers to the non-uniform distribution of A-site cations within the perovskite film, leading to element and phase segregation. This can degrade device efficiency and operational lifespan, making it a key challenge for the stability of perovskite solar cells.
What causes element and phase segregation in mixed-cation perovskites?
Segregation can occur during material fabrication and aging. During fabrication, factors such as precursor colloidal properties, crystallization kinetics, and processing conditions (e.g., temperature and solvent composition) influence the uniformity of the final film. Aging can also induce segregation over time.
How can cation inhomogeneity be manipulated to improve perovskite solar cells?
By understanding the mechanisms of segregation, researchers can develop nanoscale regulatory strategies to achieve highly uniform cation distribution and stable phases. This involves optimizing precursor formulations, processing conditions, and post-treatment methods to enhance film quality and device stability.
What are the future directions for research on cation inhomogeneity in perovskites?
Future research should focus on advanced characterization techniques to monitor segregation in real time, development of additives or processing methods to suppress segregation, and integration of these strategies into scalable manufacturing to produce stable and efficient perovskite solar cells.
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