Dion–Jacobson-Phase 2D Sn-Based Perovskite Comprising a High Dipole Moment of π-Conjugated Short-Chain Organic Spacers for High-Performance Solar Cell Applications

The stability issue of Sn-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is expected to be resolved by involving a two-dimensional (2D) layered structure. However, Sn-based 2D PSCs, especially Dion-Jacobson (DJ)-phase ones with potentially good stability, have rarely been reported. Herein, superior DJ-phase Sn 2D perovskites with 3-aminobenzylamine (3ABA²⁺) or 4-aminobenzylamine (4ABA²⁺) π-conjugated short-chain ligands are reported to fabricate efficient 2D lead-free PSCs. Notably, the high dipole moment of the 3ABAI₂ organic spacer is approved to possess faster charge transfer for forming (3ABA)FA₄Sn₅I₁₆ 2D perovskite with an extremely low exciton binding energy (only 84 meV). In combination with a diacetate partial substitution and methylamine iodide/bromide (MAI/MABr) post-treatment strategy to delay crystallization and improve compactness and coverage of the perovskite film, a record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.81% and stability of 840 h (less than 5% degradation in a N₂ atmosphere for unencapsulated devices) are acquired in eventual (3ABA)FA₄Sn₅I₁₆ 2D PSCs, which are among the highest PCE and the longest stability of Sn-based 2D PSCs reported to date. Our work provides a prospective molecule design and film preparation strategy of 2D Sn perovskites toward nontoxic high-performance tin-based PSCs, which pushes the almost stagnant research forward.