(230i) Mechanically Robust Polymer-Perovskite Hybrid Solar Cells

Self-healing semiconducting materials have had limited successes due to the tradeoff between excellent electronic properties and suitable rheology properties. This is because the highly ordered structure required for high performance inorganic semiconductor materials does not allow for the same self-healing ability as seen in fluidic amorphous polymers. However, hybrid inorganic-organic halide perovskites have been highlighted as high performing semiconducting materials with crystal-liquid-like behaviors. Their fluidic crystal lattice features a large combination of bonding interactions, giving perovskites their remarkable electronic properties, defect tolerance, and low formation energy. Though a promising self-healing material, there have been no reports on the topic. Here, we discuss our investigations in creating the first mechanically self-healing hybrid inorganic-organic halide perovskite semiconductor. A molecularly tailored self-healing polymer is coupled with fluidic methylammonium lead iodide perovskite to form bi-continuous composites capable of healing mechanical damage through synergistic grain growth and solid diffusion processes at slightly elevated temperatures. These self-healing composites are demonstrated in solar cell devices with power conversion efficiencies reaching ~10% with improved thermal stability. Furthermore, the composites are investigated in ultra-flexible solar cells to demonstrate the performance healing ability after mechanical damage from extreme bending. This pioneer research showcases joining perovskite and organic materials to create a unique composite with first-of-its-kind functionalities.