Optical Optimization of the TiO2 Mesoporous Layer in Perovskite Solar Cells by the Addition of SiO2 Nanoparticles

Abstract

In this work, SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were integrated into the mesoporous TiO2 layer of a perovskite solar cell to investigate their effect on cell performance. Different concentrations of SiO2/ethanol have been combined in TiO2/ethanol to prepare pastes for the fabrication of the mesoporous layer with which perovskite solar cells have been fabricated. Addition of SiO2 NPs of 50 and 100 nm sizes produces an enhancement of cell performance mainly because of an improvement of the photocurrent. This increment is in good agreement with the theoretical predictions based on light scattering induced by dielectric SiO2 NPs. The samples using modified scaffolds with NPs also present a significant lower current–potential hysteresis indicating that NP incorporation also affects the ion accumulation at the perovskite interface, providing an additional beneficial effect. The results stress the importance of the appropriated management of the optical properties on further optimization of perovskite solar cell technology.