Layered metal halide perovskite solar cells: A review from structure-properties perspective towards maximization of their performance and stability

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) technology is now reaching its full potential in terms of power conversion efficiency, but still presenting problems related to long-term stability under operating conditions. One of the most promising alternatives to PSCs is the layered PSCs (2D-PSCs). Layered perovskites present a huge compositional variety, which can be used to directly tune photophysical characteristics that influence the operational mechanisms of the devices. This review addresses the structural organization of both the organic and inorganic sublattices, focusing on how the structure influences the quantum and dielectric confinement, phonons and charge carriers' dynamics, charge mobility, and structural defects. We discuss the relation between the structure-properties of layered perovskites with the performance of solar cells. We, then, offer insights into how these characteristics have been controlled in the assembly of 2D-PSCs to improve their efficiency and stability. We conclude by giving a perspective of future developments and open areas of exploration that might impact the progress of this rapidly growing technology. (Figure presented.).