Single-crystal perovskites for photovoltaic and high-energy detection applications

Metal halide perovskites have garnered widespread attention for optoelectronic applications, owing to their high optical absorption coefficients, tunable bandgaps, long carrier diffusion lengths, and high carrier mobilities. Their compatibility with simple, low-temperature processing methods further establishes them as promising next-generation semiconductors. However, the numerous defects present in the bulk and at the interfaces of polycrystalline perovskites lead to poor stability, hindering their commercialization. In contrast, single-crystal (SC) perovskites contain far fewer defects and thus exhibit inherently superior stability and optoelectronic properties, making them a promising platform for developing advanced perovskite-based devices. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the advantages of SC perovskites, evaluates the merits and limitations of various crystal growth methods, and highlights their use in photovoltaics and high-energy radiation detection. Finally, we discuss the challenges that hinder the practical implementation of SC perovskites and propose strategies to facilitate their large-scale commercialization.