Band-gap-engineered mixed-halide perovskite films through vacuum-based deposition approach

Abstract

Mixed-halide perovskites offer the important characteristic of band-gap tunability, which is essential for tandem solar cells. Herein, the single-source vapor deposition method is reported for MAPbBr2Cl1 (MA (methyl ammonium) = CH3NH3), MAPbBr1.5Cl1.5 and MAPbBr1Cl2 perovskite films utilizing the corresponding mixed-halide perovskite nanoparticles as a source for thermal evaporation. Further, band-gap tuning in vacuum-deposited MAPbBr3 thin films is performed through MACl treatment with successful band-gap tuning from 2.37 to 2.48 eV. The limitation of chlorine (Cl) incorporation into the perovskite structure at room temperature is tackled by MACl treatment of vapor-deposited MAPbBr2Cl1, MAPbBr1.5Cl1.5 and MAPbBr1Cl2 films. The structural properties of MAPbBr3−x Cl x films show a continuous shift in the X-ray diffraction peak toward a higher 2θ value, confirming chlorine incorporation into the perovskite structure. Band-gap tuning in MAPbBr3−x Cl x films, from 2.37 to 2.86 eV, is confirmed by absorption spectroscopy. The mixed-halide perovskite films show an improved microstructure with MACl treatment, as observed from the increased grain size of the films. Further, emission studies show good stability of MAPbBr3−x Cl x films against phase segregation under continuous exposure to 325 nm wavelength illumination of 100 mW/cm2 for more than 60 min. The diminished phase segregation might help in advancing the application of mixed-halide perovskites for reliable optoelectronic devices.