Factors influencing the nucleation and crystal growth of solution-processed organic lead halide perovskites: a review

Abstract

The lead halide perovskite solar cells with solution processability, low defect concentration, low cost and high output manufacturing have emerged as promising third-generation photovoltaic technologies. After an unprecedented fast development, the power conversion efficiencies of small area perovskite solar cells have exceeded 25%, and meanwhile the large-scale perovskite modules are also on their rapid rise. At this stage, considering the significant progress in the fabrication of perovskite films with controllable morphology and crystallinity, it's necessary to make reviews on the updated understandings of the nucleation and crystal growth behaviours of perovskites. This review aims to clarify the related mechanisms of the complex perovskite formation process, and devoted to give a timely summary of the recent advances. Strategies for controlling perovskite nucleation and crystal growth are also discussed.