Molecules, Vol. 28, Pages 1288: IR Spectroscopic Degradation Study of Thin Organometal Halide Perovskite Films (Molecules)

The advantages of IR spectroscopy include relatively fast analysis and sensitivity, which facilitate its wide application in the pharmaceutical, chemical and polymer sectors. Thus, IR spectroscopy provides an excellent opportunity to monitor the degradation and concomitant evolution of the molecular structure within a perovskite layer. As is well-known, one of the main limitations preventing the industrialization of perovskite solar cells is the relatively low resistance to various degradation factors. The aim of this work was to study the degradation of the surface of a perovskite thin film CH3NH3PbI3-xClx caused by atmosphere and light. To study the surface of CH3NH3PbI3-xClx, a scanning electron microscope, infrared (IR) spectroscopy and optical absorption were used. It is shown that the degradation of the functional layer of perovskite proceeds differently depending on the acting factor present in the surrounding atmosphere, whilst the chemical bonds are maintained within the perovskite crystal structure under nitrogen. However, when exposed to an ambient atmosphere, an expansion of the NH3+ band is observed, which is accompanied by a shift in the N–H stretching mode toward higher frequencies; this can be explained by the degradation of the perovskite surface due to hydration. This paper shows that the dissociation of H2O molecules under the influence of sunlight can adversely affect the efficiency and stability of the absorbing layer. This work presents an approach to the study of perovskite structural stability with the aim of developing alternative concepts to the fabrication of stable and sustainable perovskite solar cells.