(409c) Engineering the Interface Geometry and Intra-Crystal Disorder for Perovskite Solar Cells

Interface geometry (ING) and intra-crystal disorder (ICD) in perovskites are two prominent microstructural factors influencing the properties and performance of resultant solar cells and optoelectronics, which remain terra incognita. In my talk, I will discuss our recent developments on the novel characterization and tailoring of these two microstructural types, which contribute to elevating our fundamental understanding of microscopic structure-property-performance relationship in perovskites. Specifically, I will introduce a prototypical perovskite ING design featuring engineered grain-boundary grooves. Then, we will illustrate our findings on performance-limiting ICDs and their intriguing structural dynamics, enabled by our latest innovations in scanning transmission electron microscopy methodologies. The unprecedented microstructural designs of INGs and ICDs contribute to improved carrier injection, chemical stability, and mechanical reliability of perovskite solar cells. Finally, I will provide the perspectives and current group efforts pushing the frontier of perovskite knowledge as well as the broad materials research via unravelling emergent microstructure phenomena.