Synthesis of Multifunctional Organic Molecules via Michael Addition Reaction to Manage Perovskite Crystallization and Defect

Additive engineering plays a pivotal role in achieving high-quality light-absorbing layers for high-performance and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Various functional groups within the additives exert distinct regulatory effects on the perovskite layer. However, few additive molecules can synergistically fulfill the dual functions of regulating crystallization and passivating defects. Here, we custom-synthesized 2-ureido-4-pyrimidone (UPy) organic small molecules with diverse functional groups as additives to modulate crystallization and defects in perovskite films via the Michael addition reaction. Theoretical and experimental investigations demonstrate that the −OH groups in UPy exhibit significant effects in fixing uncoordinated Pb²⁺ ions, passivation of lead-iodide antisite defects, alleviating hysteresis, and reducing non-radiative recombination. Furthermore, the enhanced C=O and −NH₂ motifs interact with the A-site cation via hydrogen bonding, which relieves residual strain and adjusts crystal orientation. This strategy effectively controls perovskite crystallization and passivates defects, ultimately enhancing the quality of perovskite films. Consequently, the open-circuit voltage of the UPy-based p-i-n PSCs reaches 1.20 V, and the fill factor surpasses 84 %. The champion device delivers a power conversion efficiency of 25.75 %. Remarkably, the unencapsulated device maintained 96.9 % and 94.5 % of its initial efficiency following 3,360 hours of dark storage and 1,866 hours of 1-sun illumination, respectively.