Theoretical investigation of the role of the organic cation in methylammonium lead iodide perovskite

The hybrid halide perovskite $$\hbox {CH}_3\hbox {NH}_3\hbox {PbI}_3$$ CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 is easy to manufacture and inexpensive. Despite these, its efficiency as a solar cell is comparable to today’s efficient solar cells. For these reasons, it is attracting a lot of attention today. However, the effects of the $$\hbox {CH}_3\hbox {NH}_3^+$$ CH 3 NH 3 + (MA) cation in the perovskite structure on the electronic and structural properties are still a matter of debate. Previous studies have generally focused on the rotation of the MA cation. In this study, from a different perspective, the effects of the movement of the MA cation along the C–N axis are investigated. With this method, the effects of the MA cation were examined in a more controlled way. In this study, density functional theory that accounts for van der Waals interactions was used in the calculations for the cases. According to the data obtained, H–I bonds are formed between the MA cation and the inorganic framework. Although these bonds are predominantly hydrogen bonds, they also have ionic bond characteristics. Within the structure, the H–I-bond length tends to be preserved, although the position of the MA changes. In this mechanism, the I ion plays an important role by moving away from its place in the Pb–I–Pb alignment. The position of the I ion determines the nature of the band-gap transition. Another effect is on the value of the band gap. Depending on the position of the I ion, the band gap may narrow by about 0.26 eV. The separation of the I ion from the Pb–I–Pb alignment by the effect of the MA cation breaks the inverse symmetry. According to the data obtained from this study, this mechanism in the band gap is due to the breaking of the inverse symmetry in the crystal structure. Graphic abstract