Lattice Strain Regulation and Halogen Vacancies Passivation Enable High-Performance Formamidine-Based Perovskite Solar Cells

Formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI₃) perovskite has lately surfaced as the preferred contender for highly proficient and robust perovskite solar cells (PSCs), owing to its favorable bandgap and superior thermal stability. Nevertheless, volatilization and migration of iodide ions (I⁻) result in non-radiating recombination centers, and the presence of large formamidine (FA) cations tends to cause lattice strain, thereby reducing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of PSCs. To solve these problems, the lead formate (PbFa) is added into the perovskite solution, which effectively mitigates the halogen vacancy and provides tensile strain outside the perovskite lattice, thereby enhancing its properties. The strong coordination between the C═O of HCOO⁻ and Pb–I backbones effectively immobilizes anions, significantly increases the energy barrier for anion vacancy formation and migration, and reduces the risk of lead ion (Pb²⁺) leakage, thereby improving the operation and environmental safety of the device. Consequently, the champion PCE of devices with Ag electrodes can be increased from 22.15% to 24.32%. The unencapsulated PSCs can still maintain 90% of the original PCE even be stored in an N₂ atmosphere for 1440 h. Moreover, the target devices have significantly improved performance in terms of light exposure, heat, or humidity.