Exploring Nanoscale Structure in Perovskite Precursor Solutions Using Neutron and Light Scattering
Mary O'Kane (University of Sheffield)
Joel Smith (University of Sheffield)
Rachel C. Kilbride (University of Sheffield)
Emma L.K. Spooner (University of Sheffield)
C.P. Duif (TU Delft - RST/Technici Pool)
Thomas E. Catley (University of Sheffield)
Adam Washington (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory)
Stephen M. King (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory)
S.R. Parnell (TU Delft - RID/TS/Instrumenten groep)
Andrew J. Parnell (University of Sheffield)
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Abstract
Tailoring the solution chemistry of metal halide perovskites requires a detailed understanding of precursor aggregation and coordination. In this work, we use various scattering techniques, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), small angle neutron scattering (SANS), and spin-echo SANS (SESANS) to probe the nanostructures from 1 nm to 10 μm within two different lead-halide perovskite solution inks (MAPbI
3and a triple-cation mixed-halide perovskite). We find that DLS can misrepresent the size distribution of the colloidal dispersion and use SANS/SESANS to confirm that these perovskite solutions are mostly comprised of 1-2 nm-sized particles. We further conclude that if there are larger colloids present, their concentration must be <0.005% of the total dispersion volume. With SANS, we apply a simple fitting model for two component microemulsions (Teubner-Strey), demonstrating this as a potential method to investigate the structure, chemical composition, and colloidal stability of perovskite solutions, and we here show that MAPbI
3solutions age more drastically than triple cation solutions.
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