Researchers from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) have observed and identified the water-induced degradation mechanism of perovskite in real time at the atomic scale.
Image from: Matter
This recent study presents key strategies for enhancing the stability of perovskite materials and could accelerate their commercialization.
The research team used an in-situ liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique to observe the structural changes of perovskite when exposed to water at the atomic level. They discovered that reaction rates differ depending on the crystal facet, and that specific surfaces selectively dissolve, leading to a gradual transformation from a cubic to a spherical structure. This degradation process was successfully visualized in real time.
Furthermore, the team proposed strategies to suppress the surface degradation of perovskite materials. They found that coating nanocrystal surfaces with ligands or hydrophobic polymers that form strong bonds with perovskite effectively prevents structural transformation and significantly slows the overall degradation rate.
Professor Jiwoong Yang of the Department of Energy Science & Engineering at DGIST, who led the study, stated: "This is the first study to visualize the water-induced degradation of perovskite in real time at the atomic level, providing critical insights into the fundamental stability issues of the material. Based on our findings, we anticipate significant improvements in perovskite stability, which will help accelerate its path to commercialization."
