Water-Based Perovskite Solar Cells: Precursor Chemistry, Reaction-Diffusion Kinetics, Processing Strategies, and Device Performance.

Authors

Zhongjun Dai, Mengnan Li, Yulin Zhang, Xiaofeng He, Jiasheng Chen, Yu Jiao, Qunliang Song

Published in

Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland). Volume 16. Issue 17. Sep 04, 2026. Epub Sep 04, 2026.

Abstract

Water-based perovskite solar cells (W-PSCs) provide a promising route toward reducing the use of hazardous organic solvents during perovskite fabrication. However, their development remains limited by sluggish precursor conversion, incomplete phase transformation, and poor control over film morphology. This review summarizes recent progress in W-PSCs, with particular emphasis on aqueous lead precursors and the subsequent conversion from precursor films to perovskite absorbers. The selection criteria for aqueous lead sources are first discussed in terms of water solubility, anion-Pb²⁺ interactions, precursor-solution stability, and ion-exchange behavior. Thermodynamic and kinetic considerations, including nucleation, crystal growth, reaction-diffusion coupling, and ion transport, are then discussed to provide a framework for understanding the conversion of aqueous precursor films into perovskites. Strategies for improving film formation are further classified into precursor-film and substrate engineering, conversion-process regulation, and ionic/compositional engineering. Particular attention is given to the role of precursor-film microstructure in regulating organic ammonium salt transport and conversion completeness. The photovoltaic performance of regular and inverted W-PSCs is subsequently compared, and the possible origins of their performance differences are discussed from the perspectives of precursor-film formation, perovskite conversion, film morphology, and interfacial properties. Finally, future opportunities in substrate-interface regulation, scalable aqueous processing, precursor and additive design, and life-cycle assessment are outlined. This review provides a reaction-diffusion-based perspective for understanding and improving water-based perovskite photovoltaics.

PMID:
42726590
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 12 Sep 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.