Synthesis and characterization of N,N′-Di-1-naphthyl-N,N′-diphenylbenzidine as a hole-transporting layer (HTL) for Perovskite solar cell applications

Abstract

In this communication, we report a typical structural, optical and electrical analysis of thin films of hole transport material (HTM) based on aromatic phenyl benzidine derivative (N,N[Formula: see text]-Di-1-naphthyl-N,N[Formula: see text]-diphenylbenzidine) deposited by thermal evaporation technique onto the glass substrate. The effect of substrate temperature on the physical and electronic properties of these organic thin films for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) applications has been investigated. The films have been characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, UV–Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Electrical conductivity and activation energies of films have also been calculated. From FTIR data of fabricated films and powder, it was found that the compound does not decompose during the thermal evaporation process as observed vibrational frequencies of films and the powder are the same. From the results, it has been determined that the substrate temperature has a huge impact on the physical structure and has also influenced the optical, electrical properties of the films. As observed from the studies it appears that these amorphous films with bandgap near to 3[Formula: see text]eV and suitable conductivity have potential for photovoltaics layer devices. From this study, it can be concluded that N,N[Formula: see text]-Di-1-naphthyl-N,N[Formula: see text]-diphenylbenzidine can be used as an active hole transport layer in PSCs.