Yameen Ahmed, Xingnan Qi, Parinaz Moazzezi, Makhsud I. Saidaminov
The choice of the perovskite composition is pivotal for solar cells. In this Perspective, we argue that, among known perovskite compositions, formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI 3 ) stands out due to its optimal bandgap, absence of halide segregation observed in mixed-halide alloys, and immunity against oxidation unlike in tin-based perovskites. However, stabilizing the photoactive α-FAPbI 3 remains a major challenge, as it readily transforms into the thermodynamically stable δ-FAPbI 3 at room temperature. In this Perspective, we briefly review the challenges in stabilizing α-FAPbI 3, summarize strategies to address this instability with minimal and no bandgap penalty, and offer our outlook on future directions: (i) stabilization of α-FAPbI 3 without bandgap compromise; (ii) understanding the mechanisms of additive-less stabilized α-FAPbI 3 single-crystal perovskite solar cells (PSCs); (iii) development of all-ambient air fabricated tandem solar cells using α-FAPbI 3 as a narrow-bandgap subcell; and (iv) adoption of only green solvents to enable scalable, sustainable, and widespread manufacturing of perovskite solar modules.