Lewis bases: promising additives for enhanced performance of perovskite solar cells

Lead halide perovskite is considered to be a very attractive photovoltaic material in the last few decades because of its rapid increase in efficiency. However, its instability under different environmental conditions and issues with its toxicity remain challenges. The approach of using multifunctional additives to increase the grain size, passivate both positively and negatively charged defects to enhance the long-term stability of perovskite has remained popular among the photovoltaic community. In this regard, a huge number of articles have been published in recent years focusing on additive engineering of perovskite. Here, we present a review on Lewis base additives in the precursor solution, anti-solvent, and interface treatment in perovskite to improve its photovoltaic properties. The grain boundaries are susceptible to decomposition because they have been found to carry the defects. To analyze the role of Lewis bases in increasing the grain size to minimize the grain boundary density in polycrystalline films for overall stability enhancement of perovskite, we detail the chelate effect and synergistic effect of additives in perovskite for solar cells. Finally, a future outlook is presented to discuss the critical challenges. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.