In-Situ Growth of Lead-Free Perovskite on Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) Fibers Using Forcespinning Technology for Photovoltaic Applications

Author

• Julia Isidora Salas Toledo, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-1-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Materials Science and Engineering

First Advisor

Victoria Padilla

Second Advisor

M. Jasim Uddin

Third Advisor

Tülay A. Ateşin

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the synthesis and optimization of tin-based halide perovskite materials for photovoltaic applications, with a focus on in-situ crystallization on polymeric fibers, solvent engineering and theoretical modeling. Tin-based perovskites have emerged as promising alternatives to lead-based perovskites providing a lower toxicity and suitable optoelectronic properties. However, their practical implementation remains limited by challenges, particularly their poor environmental stability, quick oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+, defect formation, and the resulting loss of photovoltaic performance. Addressing these obstacles is central to this work, which aims to improve stability, crystallization control, and device potential.

In this dissertation, halide perovskite with the general formula MASnIxCl3-x were synthesized via one step on polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) fibers produced via Forcespinning®. This approach enabled the investigation of polymer-assisted stabilization and the influence of centrifugal forces on crystal formation and optoelectronic properties. Dimethyl formamide (DMF) was investigated as a solvent, followed by the incorporation of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as co-solvent in different ratios to understand their effects on crystallization, fiber formation, and optoelectronic properties.

Structural characterization was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the morphology of the fibers, X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate the crystallinity, phase formation and crystallite size. The thermal properties of the fibers were evaluated through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The chemical interaction was studied through Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and the tin stability was measured through X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The optoelectrical properties were measured through UV-Vis and Photoluminescence (PL). Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations supported experimental findings and to better understand the halide composition of the perovskite and the preferred bonding of the tin with the polymer.

This work demonstrates the possibility of doing a one-step (in-situ) growth of perovskite on polymeric fibers produced with centrifugal spinning, which provides a safer and faster alternative to electrospinning. The addition of polymer to the perovskite formation, and solvent engineering are effective strategies to improve the structural stability, optical properties and processability of tin-based perovskite. These findings contribute to the development of more stable, lead-free perovskite materials for potential applications in solar cells, photodetectors, and light-emitting devices.

Comments

Copyright 2026 Julia Isidora Salas Toledo. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3371418161

Recommended Citation

Salas Toledo, J. I. (2026). In-Situ Growth of Lead-Free Perovskite on Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) Fibers Using Forcespinning Technology for Photovoltaic Applications [Doctoral dissertation, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1958