Lead free CH3NH3SnI3 perovskite thin-film with p-type semiconducting nature and metal-like conductivity

Abstract

Lead free CH3NH3SnI3 perovskite thin film was prepared by low temperature solution processing and characterized using current sensing atomic force microscopy (CS-AFM). Analysis of electrical, optical, and optoelectrical properties reveals unique p-type semiconducting nature and metal like conductivity of this material. CH3NH3SnI3 film also showed a strong absorption in visible and near infrared spectrum with absorption onset of 1.3 eV. X-ray Diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed a structure of this compound and uniform film formation. The morphology, film uniformity, light harvesting and electrical properties strongly depend on preparation method and precursor solution. CH3NH3SnI3 films prepared based on dimethylformamide (DMF) showed higher crystallinity and light harvesting capability compared to the film based on combination of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). Local photocurrent mapping analysis showed that CH3NH3SnI3 can be used as an active layer and have a potential to fabricate lead free photovoltaic devices.