Comprehensive understanding of heat-induced degradation of triple-cation mixed halide perovskite for a robust solar cell

The triple-cation mixed halide perovskite Cs_0.05(MA_0.17FA_0.83)_0.95Pb(I_0.83Br_0.17)₃ emerges as one of the most promising candidates for photovoltaics due to superior optoelectronic properties, but the thermal stability is still a major challenge for the viability of perovskite solar cells towards commercialization. Herein, we firstly explore the thermal response of the photovoltaic performances to access device physical changes. It is shown that the efficiency loss originates from decreased charge mobility, increased trap density and generation of PbI₂ charge recombination centers near the interface. In-depth analysis of evolutions in morphology, chemical composition, dynamic and electronic structure of the perovskite layer at the nanometer scales indicates that it is initial dangling bonds and vacancies on the imperfect surfaces decrease the activation energy and cause the perovskite decomposition in a layer-by-layer pathway sequentially from the film surface to bulk. Based on the results, a strategy of surface passivation to improve the thermal stability is demonstrated and discussed. This work for the first time provides insights into the physical and chemical change of such triple-cation perovskite and indicates that more effort should be invested in surface treatment for enhancing perovskite device stability.