Formation trajectories of solution-processed perovskite thin films from mixed solvents
<h2>Summary</h2> The engineering of mixed-solvent formulations and their evaporation conditions are key to reproducible perovskite coatings for high-performance photovoltaics. Here, we report a lumped-parameter evaporation model to predict the evolution of a perovskite ink liquid film over time (solvent ratio, solute concentration, and film thickness). The drying-rate model is validated via <i>in situ</i> film-thickness measurements, and the predicted transient liquid film state is mapped as a process path. These methods allow for the prediction of process sensitivity to local environmental factors and the understanding and visualization of a broader processing parameter space enabled through the coupling of process and ink engineering. Process maps are applied to create a new framework for scalable perovskite coating development with a goal of improving the reproducibility and transferability of perovskite fabrication. This approach is demonstrated with blade-coated FA<sub>0.83</sub>Cs<sub>0.17</sub>PbI<sub>3</sub> photovoltaic devices, improving the photovoltaic conversion efficiency from 17.5% ± 1.7% to 20.3% ± 0.6%.
Authors
- Kelly Schutt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1118-9238)
- E. Ashley Gaulding (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1772-1993)
- Richard A. Cairncross (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9478-1028)
- Amy E. Louks (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7797-4493)
- Joseph J. Berry (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3874-3582)
- Rosemary C. Bramante (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1821-1936)
- Jesse L. Starger (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2649-6281)
- Robert W. Epps (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6539-4237)
- Ross A. Kerner (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3692-6820)
- Kai Zhu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0908-3909)
- Nicolas J. Alvarez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0976-6542)
- Axel F. Palmstrom (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6633-209X)
Institutions
- National Laboratory of the Rockies (US)
- Colorado School of Mines (US)
- University of Colorado Boulder (US)
- Drexel University (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cell Reports Physical Science
- Published
- 2025-06-18
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102655
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Perovskite Materials and Applications
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.46
Funders
- National Science Foundation
- U.S. Department of Energy
- Office of Science
- Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
- Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation
- Office of Energy Efficiency
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory