Strain-induced rubidium incorporation into wide-bandgap perovskites reduces photovoltage loss.

Zheng, Likai; Wei, Mingyang; Eickemeyer, Felix T; Gao, Jing; Huang, Bin; Gunes, Ummugulsum; Schouwink, Pascal; Bi, David Wenhua et al. · Science · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

A-site cation mixing can enhance the photovoltaic performance of a wide-bandgap (WBG) perovskite, but rubidium (Rb) cation mixing generally forms a nonperovskite phase. We report that lattice strain locks Rb ions into the α-phase of the lattice of a triple-halide WBG perovskite, preventing phase segregation into a nonperovskite Rb-cesium-rich phase. This process cooperates with chloride accommodation and promotes halide homogenization across the entire film volume. The resulting 1.67-electron volt WBG perovskite exhibits photoluminescence quantum yields exceeding 14% under 1-sun-equivalent irradiation, corresponding to a quasi-Fermi level splitting of ~1.34 electron volts. A WBG perovskite solar cell with an open-circuit voltage (<i>V</i><sub>OC</sub>) of 1.30 volts was prepared, corresponding to 93.5% of the radiative <i>V</i><sub>OC</sub> limit and representing the lowest photovoltage loss relative to the theoretical limit observed in WBG perovskites.