biostudies-literatureDing SDiscovery Early Career Researcher AwardUniversity of QueenslandDiscovery ProjectAustralian Research Councile2204476https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9762318biostudies-literatureUnknown9(35)Quantum dots (QDs) of formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI₃ ) perovskite hold great potential, outperforming their inorganic counterparts in terms of phase stability and carrier lifetime, for high-performance solar cells. However, the highly dynamic nature of FAPbI₃ QDs, which mainly originates from the proton exchange between oleic acid and oleylamine (OAm) surface ligands, is a key hurdle that impedes the fabrication of high-efficiency solar cells. To tackle such an issue, here, protonated-OAm in situ to strengthen the ligand binding at the surface of FAPbI₃ QDs, which can effectively suppress the defect formation during QD synthesis and purification processes is selectively introduced. In addition, by forming a halide-rich surface environment, the ligand density in a broader range for FAPbI₃ QDs without compromising their structural integrity, which significantly improves their optoelectronic properties can be modulated. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of FAPbI₃ QD solar cells (QDSCs) is enhanced from 7.4% to 13.8%, a record for FAPbI₃ QDSCs. Furthermore, the suppressed proton exchange and reduced surface defects in FAPbI₃ QDs also enhance the stability of QDSCs, which retain 80% of the initial efficiency upon exposure to ambient air for 3000 hours.Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)In Situ Bonding Regulation of Surface Ligands for Efficient and Stable FAPbI₃ Quantum Dot Solar Cells.PMC9762318DP200101900DP190102507FL190100139DE190101351Fu CChen PHe DWhittaker AKDing SLin THao MChen WZhang CBai YBaktash AWang LfalseIn Situ Bonding Regulation of Surface Ligands for Efficient and Stable FAPbI₃ Quantum Dot Solar Cells.Quantum dots (QDs) of formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI₃ ) perovskite hold great potential, outperforming their inorganic counterparts in terms of phase stability and carrier lifetime, for high-performance solar cells. However, the highly dynamic nature of FAPbI₃ QDs, which mainly originates from the proton exchange between oleic acid and oleylamine (OAm) surface ligands, is a key hurdle that impedes the fabrication of high-efficiency solar cells. To tackle such an issue, here, protonated-OAm in situ to strengthen the ligand binding at the surface of FAPbI₃ QDs, which can effectively suppress the defect formation during QD synthesis and purification processes is selectively introduced. In addition, by forming a halide-rich surface environment, the ligand density in a broader range for FAPbI₃ QDs without compromising their structural integrity, which significantly improves their optoelectronic properties can be modulated. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of FAPbI₃ QD solar cells (QDSCs) is enhanced from 7.4% to 13.8%, a record for FAPbI₃ QDSCs. Furthermore, the suppressed proton exchange and reduced surface defects in FAPbI₃ QDs also enhance the stability of QDSCs, which retain 80% of the initial efficiency upon exposure to ambient air for 3000 hours.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Dec2025-04-26T00:47:37.716Z2025-04-26T00:47:37.716ZS-EPMC97623183631624810.1002/advs.202204476