Coevaporation Stabilizes Tin-Based Perovskites in a Single Sn-Oxidation State

in Nano Letters (2022)

Chemically processed methylammonium tin-triiodide (CH3NH3SnI3) films include Sn in different oxidation states, leading to poor stability and low power conversion efficiency of the resulting solar cells ... [more ▼]

Chemically processed methylammonium tin-triiodide (CH3NH3SnI3) films include Sn in different oxidation states, leading to poor stability and low power conversion efficiency of the resulting solar cells (PSCs). The development of absorbers with Sn [2+] only has been identified as one of the critical steps to develop all Sn-based devices. Here, we report on coevaporation of CH3NH3I and SnI2 to obtain absorbers with Sn being only in the preferred oxidation state [+2] as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Sn [4+]-free absorbers exhibit smooth highly crystalline surfaces and photoluminescence measurements corroborating their excellent optoelectronic properties. The films show very good stability under heat and light. Photoluminescence quantum yields up to 4 × 10^-3 translate in a quasi Fermi-level splittings exceeding 850 meV under one sun equivalent conditions showing high promise in developing lead-free, high efficiency, and stable PSCs. [less ▲]