Performance and stability enhancement of perovskite photodetectors by additive and interface engineering using a dual-functional PPS zwitterion†

Hybrid organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites (HOIPs) have gained significant research interest due to their tunable optoelectronic properties and ease of fabrication. Enhancing the stability and efficiency of perovskite materials can be achieved through the passivation of defective surfaces and the improvement of interfacial properties. In this study, we introduce a zwitterionic compound, PPS (3-(1-pyridinio)-1-propanesulfonate), as a bifunctional material that serves as an additive and an interlayer. Incorporating PPS into the perovskite film effectively reduces both positively and negatively charged defects, leading to improved surface morphology and a reduction in undesired charge carrier recombination. Additionally, the formation of a PPS interlayer on SnO₂ improves the SnO₂/perovskite interfacial characteristics, thereby enhancing charge carrier extraction. As a result, the photodetector exhibits a low dark current of 6.05 × 10⁻¹¹ A, an excellent responsivity of 5.93 A W⁻¹, a detectivity of 1.51 × 10¹³ J, and an on/off ratio of 1.2 × 10⁴ under open-air conditions. Moreover, the device demonstrates outstanding stability, retaining 80% of its original responsivity in an ambient environment. This work highlights the great potential of dual-functional materials for defect passivation in future optoelectronic devices, emphasizing the importance of surface modification and interface engineering for improved performance and stability.