Supramolecular Engineering of Hybrid Materials in Photovoltaics and Beyond

Abstract

Solar-to-electric energy conversion has provided one of the most powerful renewable energy technologies. In particular, hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskites have recently emerged as leading thin-film semiconductors for new generation photovoltaics. However, their instability under operating conditions remains an obstacle to their application. To address this, we relied on supramolecular engineering in the development of organic systems that can interact with the surface of hybrid perovskites through different noncovalent interactions and enhance their operational stabilities. Moreover, we have utilized the uniquely soft yet crystalline structure of hybrid perovskites and their mixed ionic-electronic conductivity to provide a platform for advancing their functionality beyond photovoltaics. This account reviews our recent progress in supramolecular engineering of hybrid perovskites in photovoltaics and discusses their perspectives in the development of smart technologies.