Abstract:

An important property of hybrid layered perovskite is the possibility to reduce
its dimensionality to provide wider band gap and better stability. In this work,
2D perovskite of the structure (PEA)2(MA)n–1PbnBr3n+1 has been sensitized,
where PEA is phenyl ethyl-ammonium, MA is methyl-ammonium, and using
only bromide as the halide. The number of the perovskite layers has been
varied (n) from n = 1 through n = ∞. Optical and physical characterization
verify the layered structure and the increase in the band gap. The photovoltaic
performance shows higher open circuit voltage (Voc) for the quasi 2D perovskite
(i.e., n = 40, 50, 60) compared to the 3D perovskite. Voc of 1.3 V without
hole transport material (HTM) and Voc of 1.46 V using HTM have been
demonstrated, with corresponding efficiency of 6.3% and 8.5%, among the
highest reported. The lower mobility and transport in the quasi 2D perovskites
have been proved effective to gain high Voc with high efficiency, further
supported by ab initio calculations and charge extraction measurements. Bromide
is the only halide used in these quasi 2D perovskites, as mixing halides
have recently revealed instability of the perovskite structure. These quasi 2D
materials are promising candidates for use in optoelectronic applications that
simultaneously require high voltage and high efficiency.