Proceedings of Perovskite Thin Film Photovoltaics (ABXPV17)
Publication date: 18th December 2016
Solution based processes show great potential for synthesis of mixed-halide perovskite thin-films, as they do not need cost intensive vacuum technology and no high-temperature annealing steps. However little is known about the exact mechanisms during film formation. We present a detailed investigation of the chlorine derived synthesis of MAPbI3 perovskite. By simultaneously applying synchrotron based in-situ quick scanning X-ray absorption spectroscopy (QEXAFS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) as well as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in combination with in-situ optical reflection and photoluminescence spectroscopy a conclusive picture of the film formation can be drawn. The reaction is conducted in a custom designed in-situ reactor with control of temperature and atmosphere. Using this set of complementary real-time time -resolved characterization techniques simultaneously, we can correlate the evolution of the chemical reaction from XAS, the formation of crystalline phases from XRD and the chemical composition from XRF with the evolution of the optoelectronic properties of the film on one single timeline. Furthermore, the combination of compositional and structural properties with the evolution of optoelectronic properties allows a meaningful interpretation of the optoelectronic data. Hence, we are able to correlate the delayed formation of crystalline MAPbI3 with the decreasing chlorine content of the sample. Correlating changes of the optoelectronic properties with simultaneously measured structural and compositional properties allows an interpretation of lab-based in-situ optical spectroscopy. Our results give insight into the detailed formation process and can help to provide a mechanistic understanding of the reactions and intermediates involved in the formation of MAPbI3 from Cl-containing precursors. This knowledge could be utilized to optimize synthesis strategies and tunability of the optoelectronic properties of organic-metal-halide perovskite semiconductors.