Mixed-Organic-Cation (FA)x(MA)1–xPbI3 Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with 16.48% Efficiency via a Low-Pressure Vapor-Assisted Solution Process

Compared to that of methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (MAPbI3), formamidinium lead iodide perovskite (FAPbI3) has a smaller energy band gap and greater potential efficiency. To prevent the transformation of α-FAPbI3 to δ-FAPbI3, preparation of (FA)x(MA)1–xPbI3 was regarded as an effective route. Usually, the planar (FA)x(MA)1–xPbI3 perovskite solar cells are fabricated by a solution process. Herein, we report a low-pressure vapor-assisted solution process (LP-VASP) for the growth of (FA)x(MA)1–xPbI3 perovskite solar cells that features improved electron transportation, uniform morphology, high power conversion efficiency (PCE), and better crystal stability. In LP-VASP, the (FA)x(MA)1–xPbI3 films were formed by the reaction between the PbI2 film with FAI and MAI vapor in a very simple vacuum oven. LP-VASP is an inexpensive way to batch-process solar cells, avoiding the repeated deposition solution process for PbI2 films, and the device had a low cost. We demonstrate that, with an increase in the MAI content, the (101) peak position of FAPbI3 shifts toward the (110) peak position of MAPbI3, the (FA)x(MA)1–xPbI3 perovskites are stable, and no decomposition or phase transition is observed after 14 days. The photovoltaic performance was effectively improved by the introduction of MA+ with the highest efficiency being 16.48% under conditions of 40 wt % MAI. The carrier lifetime of (FA)x(MA)1–xPbI3 perovskite films is approximately three times longer than that of pure FAPbI3. Using this process, solar cells with a large area of 1.00 cm2 were fabricated with the PCE of 8.0%.