A Soldering Flux Tackles Complex Defects Chemistry in Sn-Pb Perovskite Solar Cells

Developing tin-lead (Sn-Pb) narrow-bandgap perovskites is crucial for the deployment of all-perovskite tandem solar cells, which can help to exceed the limits of single-junction photovoltaics. However, the Sn-Pb perovskite suffers from a large number of bulk traps and interfacial nonradiative recombination centers, with unsatisfactory open-circuit voltage and the consequent device efficiency. Herein, for the first time, it is shown that abietic acid (AA), a commonly used flux for metal soldering, effectively tackles complex defects chemistry in Sn-Pb perovskites. The conjugated double bond within AA molecule plays a key role for self-elimination of Sn4+-Pb0 defects pair, via a redox process. In addition, C & boxH;O group is able to coordinate with Sn2+, leading to the improved antioxidative stability of Sn-Pb perovskites. Consequently, a ten-times longer carrier lifetime is observed, and the defects-associated dual-peak emission feature at low temperature is significantly inhibited. The resultant device achieves a power conversion efficiency improvement from 22.28% (Ref) to 23.42% with respectable stability under operational and illumination situations. Abietic acid (AA), a soldering flux, is introduced into Sn-Pb perovskite solar cells to tackle complex defects chemistry. The C & boxH;C bond within AA continuously eliminates Sn4+ and Pb0 defects, while the presence of C & boxH;O bond enhances the antioxidation stability of Sn2+. This innovative and effective approach leads to 23.42% power conversion efficiency of Sn-Pb perovskite solar cell. image