Formation Dynamics of Thermally Stable 1D/3D Perovskite Interfaces for High-Performance Photovoltaics

Direct understanding of the formation and crystallization of low-dimensional (LD) perovskites with varying dimensionalities employing the same bulky cations can offer insights into LD perovskites and their heterostructures with 3D perovskites. In this study, the secondary amine cation of N-methyl-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)methylammonium (M-NMA⁺) and the formation dynamics of its corresponding LD perovskite are investigated. The intermolecular π–π stacking of M-NMA⁺ and their connection with inorganic PbI₆ octahedrons within the product structures control the formation of LD perovskite. In an N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) precursor solution, both 1D and 2D products can be obtained. Interestingly, due to the strong interaction between M-NMA⁺ and the DMF solvent, compared to the 1D phase, the formation of 2D perovskites is uniquely dependent on heterogeneous nucleation. Nevertheless, post-treatment of 3D perovskite films with an isopropanol solution of M-NMAI leads to the exclusive formation of thermally stable 1D phases on the surface. The resulting 1D/3D heterostructure facilitates perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to not only achieve a record efficiency of 25.51% through 1D perovskite passivation but also significantly enhance the thermal stability of unencapsulated devices at 85 °C. This study deepens the understanding of the formation dynamics of LD perovskites and offers an efficient strategy for fabricating stable and high-performance PSCs.