Electrospun Hybrid Perovskite Fibers—Flexible Networks of One-Dimensional Semiconductors for Light-Harvesting Applications

Abstract

Thin-film organic−inorganic hybrid perovskite (MeNH 3 PbI 3 ) solar cells have displayed remarkably high photoconversion efficiencies, making their net-shaping as flexible device elements desirable for a number of applications. Simulations show greatly enhanced light absorption in perovskite fibers in comparison to their thin-film counterparts, which demand the processing of hybrid perovskites in the one-dimensional morphology. We report here on the single-step fabrication of MeNH 3 PbI 3 nanofibers on a customized electrospinning process performed under inert conditions. Our results demonstrate reproducible synthesis of electrospun fiber mats in which the fiber dimensions were tailored by adjusting the polymer (PVP) content. Photoluminescence studies on the perovskite fibers revealed a blue shift of the emission peak possibly due to strain or charge confinement effects. The hybrid perovskite nanofibers offer promising applications in flexible and stretchable optoelectronics.

Triaxial Perovskite Composite Fibers Spinning the Way to Flexible Solar Cells

“…For this purpose, the previously described precursor solutions used for CuSCN fibers and a MAPbI 3 precursor sol consisting of lead (II) acetate, methylammonium iodide, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) dissolved in a N , N ‐dimethylformamide (DMF)/chloroform mixture (as extensively investigated elsewhere) were fed into different compartments of a custom built coaxial spinneret. [ 23 ] After electrospinning, the as‐obtained fibers exhibited a distinct core and shell area, unambiguously distinguishable by the contrast in the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image ( Figure a). Upon long e‐beam exposure or higher magnification, incipient beam damage was observed to occur during the TEM analysis that led to the emergence of an agglomerated, granular structure on the shell.…”

“…Apart from the desired MAPbI 3 perovskite phase, a PbI 2 ‐MAI‐DMF solvate is observed, but with a higher intensity as in the single perovskite fibers, already published. [ 23,29 ]…”

“…The coaxial fiber have been prepared with the previously reported precursor solution for CuSCN fibers (core solution) and a MAPbI 3 precursor system consisting of lead (II) acetate, methylammonium iodide and PVP dissolved in a DMF/chloroform mixture as already published elsewhere. [ 23 ] The solutions were fed into divided compartments of a custom built coaxial spinneret (inner orifice: 0.16 mm, outer orifice: 0.51 mm). The distance between spinneret and collector was chosen as 15 cm, the voltage 23 kV, and the feed rate for both solutions as 2 μL min −1 .…”

“…All samples were fabricated using the precursor solutions for CuSCN (core), MAPbI 3 (intermediate layer), as already published elsewhere, [ 23 ] and ZnO (shell material). The different precursor blends were fed into different compartments of a triaxial spinneret ( Figure ).…”

Air Stable Organic–Inorganic Perovskite Nanocrystals@Polymer Nanofibers and Waveguide Lasing

“…Mathur and co-workers fabricated MeNH 3 PbI 3 nanofiber mats under inert conditions. [16] In another work, Tsai et al exploited the core-shell electrospinning approach to fabricate perovskite@polymer core-shell nanofibers, which are highly stable in air and water environments. [17] However, no amplified emission or lasing has been realized from these perovskite-containing nanofibers.…”