Progress of Pb-Sn Mixed Perovskites for Photovoltaics: A Review

Abstract

Pb-Sn mixed perovskites are becoming increasingly popular as narrow-bandgap (1.2–1.3 eV) light absorbers in single-junction perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and as bottom cells for all-perovskite tandem solar cells, for high-efficiency, low-cost, lightweight, roll-to-roll printable photovoltaic (PV) applications. From the first report of planar Pb:Sn mixed PSCs in 2014, the power conversion efficiencies (PCE) have increased from 10% to 21% by the end of 2020 with an exponential growth in research conducted in this field. Despite much effort, the performance and stability of Pb-Sn mixed PSCs are still limited, which constrains their long-term use in all-perovskite tandem devices. This review highlights the avenues explored in improving different aspects of Pb-Sn mixed PSCs and provides a comprehensive discussion of the interdependent factors affecting the device performance. This includes compositional engineering of the perovskite crystal, absorber layer fabrication and crystallization methods, bandgap tuning, Sn4+ reduction, and surface passivation of the absorber layer, as well as the selection of interlayers and electrodes of the final PSC.