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  • Influence of intrinsic defects on the structure and dynamics of the mixed Pb–Sn perovskite: first-principles DFT and NAMD simulations
Title: Influence of intrinsic defects on the structure and dynamics of the mixed Pb–Sn perovskite: first-principles DFT and NAMD simulations
The mixed tin (Sn) and lead (Pb) perovskite compositions have shown great potential in perovskite photovoltaic devices due to the significantly enhanced material stability and prolonged carrier lifetime, compared to the pure Sn halide perovskites. In spite of the increasing interest, the behaviors of photo-generated charges and of the intrinsic point defects, such as the metal cation vacancies (V Sn and V Pb ) and the interstitial halogen (i I ), have not been well understood in this class of materials. We report first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations combined with ab initio non-adiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) simulations on the static and dynamic structures of MA 2 SnPbI 6 with and without these intrinsic defects. We discuss the nature of the defect states and unveil the influence of the intrinsic point defects on the structure, optoelectronic properties, and charge carrier dynamics of MA 2 SnPbI 6 . The i I defect significantly shortens the carrier lifetime by creating mid-gap states that provide new recombination pathways. In comparison, the vacancy defects have much weaker influence on the carrier lifetime. Both V Sn and V Pb produce the defect states just below the valence band maxima (VBMs), and do not alter the band gap. They affect the carrier lifetime through changing the energy dispersions of VBMs and the conduction band minima (CBMs). We suggest that excess cations should be used in the synthesis of perovskites to avoid the appearance of interstitial halogen defects.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1900510
PAR ID:
10337644
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Volume:
10
Issue:
1
ISSN:
2050-7488
Page Range / eLocation ID:
234 to 244
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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