The self-healing and robust photostability of (PEA)2PbI4 perovskite via pressure-induced amorphization and recrystallization

The photostability of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) is an important criterion due to unavoidability of light in photoelectric elements of solar cells, light emitting diodes (LEDs) or photo detectors. This research aims to explore the photostability of a compressed two-dimensional (2D) (PEA)2PbI4 crystal. The structural and compositional responses of the sample to laser illumination under pressure were recorded via in-situ photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and morphological analysis methods. The enhancement in laser endurance limit from 3 to 11 mW and long-duration photostablity were achieved along with structural self-healing in the recrystallized (PEA)2PbI4 sample. The robust stability of the material was ascribed to pressure-induced suppression of the nonradiative decay and grain boundary minimization in the rebirthed crystal. A similar result was also obtained in compressed (BA)2PbI4 and MAPbI3 crystals. Therefore, high pressure offers an effective and green method to improve the photostability of HOIP crystals and has a profound significance in the widespread application of HOIP-based photoelectric devices. [Display omitted] •The photostability of a compressed 2D (PEA)2PbI4 crystal was explored.•The laser endurance limit of the sample was enhanced from 3 to 11 mW.•Long-time photostablity under intense laser was achieved in the treated sample.•A structural self-healing occurs upon decompression in the light-burnt sample.•Compact structure & minimized grain boundaries facilitate the robust stability.