LAUSR

Semitransparent perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have excellent potential for solar window applications. A major challenge exists, however, in achieving uniform coverage for thin perovskite films. Unfortunately, uncontrolled pinhole formation is a common problem for such films that obstructs development, especially for large area devices. In this study, we used very small (submicrometer) swellable polymer colloid particles (microgels) as additives to prepare uniform thin CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPI) perovskite films. Microgels (MGs) are good film-formers and promoted formation of semitransparent (ST) perovskite films with improved coverage. The MGs act as colloidal sponges and delayed release of perovskite precursors, thereby delaying perovskite crystallization. The ST films prepared using MGs had fewer pinholes compared to the MG-free control films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed evidence of Pb coordination by the MGs and they were shown to passivate MAPI. Remarkably, the submicrometer MGs used in this study ...