The perovskite grain growth mechanism is a key factor
to be considered
for the enhancement of the photovoltaic effect in efficient self-powered
perovskite photodetectors (PDs). Among processes employed in morphology
engineering strategies, the washing process selectively removes polar
solvents, induces nucleation, and promotes the formation of intermediate
perovskite phases. In this study, by exploiting on the LaMer mechanism
and Weimarn theory, the washing solvent in the washing process is
controlled for large perovskite grains. Efficient photodetectors sensitive
to a wide range of visible light are developed using a low-density
washing solvent, namely ethyl ether, which maintains a low degree
of nucleation and delays crystal growth leading to the expansion of
perovskite grains. Perovskite processed with ethyl ether suppresses
dark current and increases the photocurrent. Notably, the suppression
of early crystal growth contributes to the enhancement of specific
detectivity under self-powered operation. The proposed method for
controlling nucleation and perovskite growth can be used to develop
highly sensitive image sensors in smart vehicles via self-powered
PDs due to reduction of fuel loss.