Expanding the Solvent Library for Halide Perovskites via Amine Additives

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Authors: Ayan A. Zhumekenov, Aakash Sharma, Azimjon Jamolov, Abhishek Nambiar, Hesham R. Abuzeid, Emha Bayu Miftahullatif, Neha Singhal, Sumod A. Pullarkat, Kedar Hippalgaonkar, Nripan Mathews
Cited by: 1
References: 35

Abstract

Processing halide perovskites from solution is central to their development in optoelectronic devices, yet their solubility has traditionally been limited to a narrow set of solvents. Here, we demonstrate that primary alkylamine (RNH 2 ) additives can greatly expand the solvent space. By screening 24 unconventional solvent systems, including nitriles, sulfites, carbonates, and others, we identify 13 that dissolve perovskite precursors (MAI and PbI 2 ) in the presence of amine additives. Using acetonitrile (ACN) as a model system, we show that amines promote dissolution through Pb-coordination, while excess amine induces the deprotonation of methylammonium (MA) cations, directing the formation of 2D Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskite phases. Robot-assisted precipitation and thin-film deposition experiments validate our theoretical predictions, revealing a systematic shift toward lower- n RP phases with an increasing amine amount. This work presents alternative solvent systems and provides mechanistic insights into amine-assisted perovskite processing, offering opportunities for sustainable device fabrication.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Perovskite Materials and Applications Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells

Publication details

Journal / source
ACS Materials Letters
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Volume
8
Issue
2
Pages
446–454
Publication date
2 January 2026
Language
EN