Phenylethylammonium bromide-assisted solution-phase ligand exchange in CsPbBr3 quantum dot solar cells

Abstract CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) have excellent optical properties and good phase stability, but the long-chain ligands on their surfaces affect the charge transfer between QDs. Here, we propose a simple ligand exchange strategy: solution-phase ligand exchange. By adding an acetone solution of phenylethylammonium bromide to the purification process of CsPbBr3 QDs, the long-chain ligands were effectively replaced and the electric coupling between QDs was improved. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of the solar cell was increased from 1.95% to 2.83%. Meanwhile, the stability of the devices was significantly improved in the unencapsulated case.