Carbon-based Perovskite Solar Cells Research Articles

Enhanced the efficiency of carbon based perovskite solar cells via g-C3N4 as functional additives

The quality of perovskite layer plays an important role in the performance of perovskite solar cells. Various defects can arise during the crystal growth process of Perovskite thin film. However, by using additives. It is possible to effectively enhance crystallize and form high-quality perovskite films with improved morphology. g-C3N4, a carbon–nitrogen ring with delocalized π electrons and certain conductivity, facilitates the transport of charge carriers. When it is utilized as an additive in perovskite solar cells, g-C3N4 not only improves the quality and crystallinity of perovskite films, but also passivates defects. As a result of these improvements, the optimal efficiency for preparing carbon-based perovskite solar cells is 13.74 %. This represents a significant increase in photoelectric conversion efficiency from 10.39 % to 13.74 %, corresponding to a remarkable enhancement of 32.24 %. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential application of two-dimensional materials and carbon nitrogen ring for enhancing the performance of perovskite solar cells.

Optimal Dispersion of Antimony-Doped Tin Oxide (ATO NPs) in Different NMP Solvent Ratios for Maximizing Photovoltaic Efficiency of Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells

This study addresses interface defects in tin oxide (SnO₂) electron transport layers (ETLs) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by doping SnO₂ with antimony (12.9% Sb/Sn). Using a diffusion-precipitation method with varying ratios of N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) and distilled water (DW) as solvents, antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticle layers were formed and deposited on FTO substrates. Structural and compositional analyses (XPS, EDX, and XRD) confirmed successful Sb incorporation, maintaining the SnO₂ lattice with reduced particle size. Higher NMP ratios improved conductivity to 12 S/cm, enhanced charge transport, and raised the bandgap from 3.67 eV to 3.84 eV. Optimal 100% NMP conditions yielded ATO-based ETLs achieving a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.645%, with a fill factor (FF) of 43.681%, open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.202 V, and short-circuit current density (JSC) of 23.87 mA/cm2, underscoring the potential of ATO layers for high-performance PSCs.

Dielectric screening modulating charge carrier recombination in high-performance of CsPbI2Br carbon-based perovskite solar cells

As a type of ionic crystal, CsPbI2Br perovskite inevitably generates a significant number of defects during the rapid crystallization process that occurs from deposition to annealing. The non-radiative recombination of charge carriers caused by these defects severely limits the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, 2,2,2-trifluoroethylamine hydrochloride (F3EACl) with permanent dipole moment is devised to modify the perovskite interface. Highly electronegative trifluoro groups can accelerate the dielectric response of perovskite films, intensify the dielectric screening effect, and significantly suppress non-radiative recombination of charge carriers. Meanwhile, the –NH3+ group in F3EACl effectively passivates the defects at the perovskite surface, further alleviating the defect-induced carrier recombination loss. Consequently, the CsPbI2Br carbon-based PSCs treated with F3EACl achieved an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.69 % at a higher open-circuit voltage (1.28 V), along with excellent environmental stability. This work demonstrates a unique tactic to achieve efficient and stable PSCs by modulating charge carrier recombination utilizing the synergistic effects of dielectric screening and defect passivation.

Enhancing efficiency through surface passivation of carbon-based perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have made significant strides in power conversion efficiency (PCE), but their commercialization remains limited by stability issues. Additionally, the high cost of electrodes like gold necessitates the exploration of more affordable alternatives such as carbon (graphene). In this study, we present an approach that combines material dimensionality control and interfacial passivation using post-device treatment with phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI), an organic halide salt, to enhance the efficiency of carbon-based PSCs. Effective defect passivation is key to further improving the PCE and open-circuit voltage (VOC) of PSCs. Our results show that PEAI successfully passivates defects on the perovskite surface, significantly reducing non-radiative recombination. As a result, we achieved carbon-based PSCs with an impressive efficiency of 19.3%, demonstrating excellent stability under maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for over 900 h.

Augmentation of Halide Vacancy Rectification through Copper Ion Polarization in Nonsubstituted Porphyrin for Printable Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells

Augmentation of Halide Vacancy Rectification through Copper Ion Polarization in Nonsubstituted Porphyrin for Printable Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells

Hierarchical Nanostructures CuBi2O4 Integrated with Polyaniline Nanofibrous for Boosting Hole Extraction in Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells.

Toward commercialization of carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs), it is crucial to innovatively design inorganic hole transport layer materials that excel in extracting and transporting charge carriers to promote their photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE). In this work, a novel and high-connectivity CuBi2O4-polyaniline nanofibrous (CuBi2O4-PN) reticular structure is created by integrating CuBi2O4 hierarchical microspheres (CuBi2O4 MS) with polyaniline nanofibrous. The introduction of CuBi2O4-PN as a hole transport layer (HTL) notably enhances the contact quality of the devices and substantially reduces the surface defects of C-PSCs. In a comparative analysis under identical experimental conditions, MAPbI3 devices incorporating CuBi2O4-PN HTL demonstrated a PCE of 14.79%, achieving a 44.3% increase over the reference device (10.25%). CuBi2O4-treated C-PSCs retained 89.9% of their original PCE after 45 days in storage, and they demonstrated improved stability over a longer time frame. This remarkable improvement in device performance can be attributed to the effective suppression of nonradiative recombination and the enhancement of the carrier transfer process in the device. Additionally, the unique interconnected reticular structure of CuBi2O4-PN provides efficient pathways for hole transfer, significantly contributing to the enhanced efficiency of the device.

Single‐Atom Ti Decorated Carbon Black and Carbon Nanotubes: Modular Dual‐Carbon Electrode for Optimizing the Charge Transport Kinetics of Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractIn the landscape of photovoltaic research, carbon‐based perovskite solar cells (C‐PSCs) have attracted widespread attention due to their outstanding stability. However, compared to metal‐based PSCs, their power conversion efficiency (PCE) lags markedly behind. The key lies in two primary factors: First, the inefficiency of the carbon electrode in transporting and collecting carriers; second, the energy level mismatch with adjacent functional layers. These problems increase both the charge transport resistance and the charge injection barriers, thereby diminishing the overall efficiency of the device. In this study, an effective strategy is presented to tackle this issue by developing modular C‐PSCs that utilize dual carbon electrodes and implement multiscale modulation. This approach specifically focuses on three crucial aspects: establishing a highly conductive network, ensuring sufficient interfacial contact, and achieving well‐matched energy band alignment. By synergistically incorporating 0D carbon black (CB) and 1D carbon nanotube (CNT) into dual carbon electrodes, a resilient conductive network with enhanced interfacial contact is established, creating favorable conditions for efficient carrier transfer. Additionally, the energy level structure of CB is meticulously adjusted at the molecular scale by introducing individually adsorbed titanium (Ti) atoms, effectively addressing the energy level mismatch with the hole transport layer (spiro‐OMeTAD), and notably reducing the charge injection barrier at the interface. Based on the above strategy, the PCE of the C‐PSCs has undergone a remarkable enhancement from 15.27% to 22.45%. Moreover, the device shows excellent stability, with its PCE retaining over 95% of the initial value even after 1000 h of continuous operation under one‐sun intensity.

Hybrid Aromatic Fluoro Amine‐Modified SnO2 Electron Transport Layers in Perovskite Solar Cells for Enhanced Efficiency and Stability

SnO2 is a widely used electron‐transporting layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells. Despite the high compatibility with the perovskite absorber layers, the presence of traps at the perovskite|SnO2 interface results in performance losses; hence, their modification to improve the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is therefore important. Herein, the SnO2 ETL is enhanced by incorporating a bifunctional aromatic amino fluorine molecule into the SnO2 precursor solution. The fluorine molecule is found to partially substitute the Sn and alter the energy levels while the aniline group aids in regulating the nucleation/growth rate of the perovskite crystalline films. Herein, a hole transporting material‐free carbon‐based PSCs (CPSCs) is fabricated. It is found that perovskite absorber layers deposited on these modified SnO2 hybrid layers have higher optoelectronic quality, resulting in enhanced photovoltaic performance, device stability, and reduced hysteresis in CPSCs. Devices made with the modified hybrid SnO2 layers exhibit power conversion efficiencies of 15.6% significantly better than unmodified SnO2 with 13.5%. CPSCs with these modified SnO2 films also exhibit remarkable retention of 88.7% of their initial PCE for a shelf‐life period (ISOS‐D1I) exceeding 1200 h.

Additive-assisted passivating manipulation for printable carbon-based CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots solar cells with stacked structure

Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted attention as low-cost and facile fabrication process. However, the ionic nature of perovskite and nonradiative recombination at perovskite/carbon interface are present inevitable obstacles in approaching their highly efficiency. Herein, the multifunctional molecules of zinc oxalate is implanted into the precursor of perovskite to passivate defects and narrowing the interface energy barrier, and a flexible method of screen-printing employed in prepare stacked structure device ITO/SnO2/CsPbBr3•x % ZnOX //CQDs/ITO. In this regard, CQDs are used as carbon electrodes to replace expensive materials of hole transport layer and precious metal electrode, in which CQDs extracted from sugarcane molasses, a cheap by-product of native sugar industry. Additionally, the stacked structure composed of a photoanode (ITO/SnO2/CsPbBr3•x % ZnOX) and back electrode (CQDs/ITO) exhibits a promising prospect in photovoltaic application. Finally, the power conversion efficiency of 2 % ZnOX modified PSCs increases to 1.96 %, and the improvement rate has reached 1.54 times. In addition, modified PSCs with a greater stability compared with that of the control device. This work presents a useful approach to passivate defects and provides a cost-effective option to fabricate devices with stacked structure.

Innovative designs for semitransparent carbon-based perovskite solar cells for building-integrated applications

Recently, semitransparent perovskite solar cells (SM-PSKs) have been developed, allowing part of the light to pass through the cell while absorbing the rest. Various strategies, including thinning the perovskite layer, innovative electrode materials, and incorporating plasmonic nanoparticles, have been explored, leading to efficiencies up to 14.78 % and transparency of 26.7 %. However, such cells face stability issues and are mostly fabricated in a controlled environment, limiting their scalability to module level and reducing their commercialization prospects. In contrast, carbon incorporation has shown potential for extending the lifespan of opaque PSKs, exhibiting remarkable stability of 1000 h and efficiencies exceeding 16 %. This study employs carbon-based perovskite solar cells fabricated using the screen printing technique with environmental conditions maintained at ambient levels for both temperature and humidity. The architecture of the cell is carefully modified to obtain several novel designs of semitransparent carbon-based perovskite solar cells (CSM-PSKs). UV–Vis spectroscopy tests are performed for each CSM-PSK, resulting in different average visible transparencies (AVT). The electrical properties of the opaque and proposed CSM-PSK designs are characterized using a Solar Simulator (Model: Solixon A-70-CU-2). Among the designs, one CSM-PSK demonstrates superior performance with an AVT of 8.65 % and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.6 %, highlighting their scalability for sustainable building-integrated energy solutions.

Machine learning driven performance for hole transport layer free carbon-based perovskite solar cells

The rapid advancement of machine learning (ML) technology across diverse domains has provided a framework for discovering and rationalising materials and photovoltaic devices. This study introduces a five-step methodology for implementing ML models in fabricating hole transport layer (HTL) free carbon-based PSCs (C-PSC). Our approach leverages various prevalent ML models, and we curated a comprehensive dataset of 700 data points using SCAPS-1D simulation, encompassing variations in the thickness of the electron transport layer (ETL) and perovskite layers, along with bandgap characteristics. Our results indicate that the ANN-based ML model exhibits superior predictive accuracy for C-PSC device parameters, achieving a low root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.028 and a high R-squared value of 0.954. The novelty of this work lies in its systematic use of ML to streamline the optimisation process, reducing the reliance on traditional trial-and-error methods and providing a deeper understanding of the interdependence of key device parameters.

Regulating Functional Groups to Construct a Mild Passivator Enhancing the Efficiency and Stability of Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells.

The abundant defects on the perovskite surface greatly impact the efficiency improvement and long-term stability of carbon-based perovskite solar cells. Molecules with electron-donating or electron-withdrawing functional groups have been cited for passivating various defects. However, few studies have investigated the potential adverse effects arising from the synergistic interactions among functional groups. Herein, we investigate the correlation between functional group configurations and passivation strength as well as the potential adverse impacts of strong electrostatic structures by methodically designing three distinct interface molecules functionalized with different ending groups, which both belong to biguanide derivatives, including 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) biguanide hydrochloride (DBGCl), metformin hydrochloride (MFCl), and biguanide hydrochloride (BGCl). The results indicate that DBGCl establishes comparatively mild active sites, not only passivates defects but also aids in forming a surface with a uniform potential. Conversely, MFCl exerts a more pronounced adverse effect on the perovskite surface, which is attributable to the electronic state perturbations induced by its functional groups. Due to the lack of hydrophobic groups, devices treated with BGCl demonstrate insufficient moisture resistance. Devices passivated with DBGCl demonstrate superior average efficiency, showcasing a 12% enhancement relative to the pristine. Furthermore, DBGCl-treated devices exhibit enhanced stability in three different environments, respectively, achieving the highest PCE retention rates under nitrogen conditions (25 °C), room-temperature air conditions (25 °C, RH = 40 ± 2%), and high-temperature air conditions (65 °C, RH = 40 ± 2%).

Mentoring Juniors on Crafting a Bidentate Passivator for Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells Using Thiourea as a Thiol Precursor

Mentoring Juniors on Crafting a Bidentate Passivator for Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells Using Thiourea as a Thiol Precursor

Propylammonium chloride passivation for efficient carbon-electrode FA0.1MA0.9PbI3 solar cells

Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) are garnering considerable attention in the photovoltaic realm due to their cost-effectiveness, simplified fabrication processes, and improved long-term durability. Nonetheless, their efficiency often suffers from notable non-radiative recombination at the interface of the carbon electrode and the perovskite layer, as well as inherent film defects. This investigation adopts additive engineering to address these challenges by introducing propylammonium chloride (PACl) into FA0.1MA0.9PbI3 perovskite films. The resultant films exhibit larger grain sizes and smoother surface morphology, mitigating grain boundary defects and enhancing interface quality. Additionally, PACl-treated films demonstrate heightened photoluminescence intensity and prolonged carrier lifetimes, effectively suppressing non-radiative recombination. Comparative analysis with control devices showcases a noteworthy efficiency boost in PACl-treated devices, rising from 14.74 % to 16.57 %, alongside minimal hysteresis effects and exemplary long-term stability. This study presents a simple yet highly efficient approach to enhance film morphology and rectify defects in perovskite films, leading to superior efficiency and stability in hole transport layer free C-PSCs.

In-situ polymerization of dual monomers for constructing a highly elastic PAA-co-PAM network enables efficient and stable Carbon-based perovskite solar cells

During the preparation of carbon-based perovskite solar cells, the external stress applied to the carbon paste inevitably compresses the perovskite lattice, potentially damaging its structure and generating defects. This poses a significant threat to the efficiency and stability of devices. Herein, a dual monomer irregular in-situ polymerization method was developed to form a highly elastic network (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid, PAA-co-PAM) within perovskite films, serving as both a ligament to passivate defects and a buffer to improve film stability under stress. The results demonstrated that multiple active sites of PAA-co-PAM could simultaneously passivate positive and negative defects, which improved charge transport efficiency, reduced nonradiative recombination, and prolonged lifetime of carriers. Meanwhile, the cross-linking network in PAA-co-PAM exhibits high elasticity due to both internal hydrogen bonds between monomers and external hydrogen bonds between monomers and perovskite, resulting in films with exceptional structural stability and mechanical resilience. Notably, the corresponding device achieved the power conversion efficiency of 15.39%. Moreover, the unencapsulated photovoltaic device passivated by the elastic network exhibits better storage stability and mechanical stability compared to the control devices. This work provides a new perspective and insight for comprehensively enhancing the stability of carbon-based perovskite solar cells.

Improving the efficiency and stability of screen-printed carbon-based perovskite solar cells through passivation of electron transport compact-TiO2 layer with TiCl4

Improving the efficiency and stability of screen-printed carbon-based perovskite solar cells through passivation of electron transport compact-TiO2 layer with TiCl4

Device design of efficient HTL-free all carbon-based perovskite solar cell

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a very promising photovoltaic technology, however, the cost issue of their precious metal back electrodes needs to be addressed. Carbon-electrode-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) have attracted considerable attention for their superior stability, high economic efficiency, and eco-friendliness. However, compared to other types of PSCs, there is still significant potential for improving the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of C-PSCs. Moreover, if the transparent front electrode and transport layer can also be replaced by stable carbon materials to form the all-carbon-based PSCs (AC-PSCs), it will further promote their practical applications. This work proposes four types of C-PSCs (including two AC-PSCs) and conducts simulation with the SCAPS-1D program. For the four structures, the device with FASnI3 absorber layer always has better performance, and the structure of graphene/C60/FASnI3/carbon (Cell 4) attained the highest PCE of 31.62%. The optimal parameters for each layer are also determined through the simulation work. This work will promote the development of all-carbon-based perovskite solar cells.

Synergistic effects of MOF 545 and inorganic additives synchronously for enhanced performance of low-cost carbon-based perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) hold significant promise for the future of renewable energy, with their commercial viability highly anticipated. However, their limited long-term stability, mainly due to degradation from moisture, humidity, elevated temperatures, and UV-A light exposure, remains a significant obstacle. This study addresses these challenges by employing a multifaceted approach involving additive engineering and surface passivation. A novel method was used to synthesize CZTS nanoparticles, which were incorporated as an additive within the perovskite precursor solution. Additionally, MOF 545 was successfully integrated into the perovskite precursor solution, and a CdS layer was deposited at the ETL/perovskite interface. XRD analysis revealed that the combined addition of MOF 545 and CZTS enhanced the perovskite's crystallinity and surface morphology, leading to an increase in grain size and a reduction in grain boundary defects. Furthermore, these additives effectively restricted Pb2+ ion migration within the perovskite absorber layer. The champion cell, incorporating all three additives, achieved a notable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.32 %, representing a significant 70.58 % increase compared to the pristine PSC. The use of additive-treated cells demonstrated improved thermal stability compared to untreated cells, as confirmed through stress testing. These results highlight the potential of additive engineering to significantly enhance the performance and stability of PSCs. Further exploration and optimization of synergistic additive combinations to achieve even greater performance enhancements and long-term stability in PSCs can pave the way for their successful commercialization.

Interfacial engineering and defect passivation of SnO2 through agmatine sulfate in carbon-based perovskite solar cells

Electron transport layer has always played a crucial role in the performance of the perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Particularly, SnO2-based PSC has sparked considerable interest due to its superior properties. Even with such remarkable properties, certain challenges persist such as agglomeration of SnO2 particles which can lead to interfacial defects and poor morphology. To solve this problem, Agmatine Sulfate (AGTS) has been introduced as an interfacial modification agent which with the help of its active functional group including amide (-NH2) and hydroxyl (OH) has allowed to facilitate the interaction at the interface between SnO2 and perovskite. The interaction facilitates the growth of perovskite crystals while tuning the energy levels which has boosted the charge transfer capability of the layer. All these improvements in the properties have led to enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 11.17 % to 15.20 % for the encapsulated device. Furthermore, the modification also improved the long-term stability of the device as the AGTS-modified devices retained 87 % of their performance at 15–25 °C with humidity levels between 10 and 20 % for over a period of 31 days. Finally, the devices prepared with the AGTS also showed repeatability in their performance while boosting the overall performance of carbon-based PSCs (C–PSCs) and indicating a novel approach to not only increase but also accelerate the commercialization of C-PSC.

Humidity Effects on Cs0.17FA0.83Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 Thin Films for Carbon-based Perovskite Solar Cells

Org anic-inorganic hybrid perovskites have captivated the attention of researchers worldwide due to their remarkable potential for low-cost, high-efficiency solar cells. However, the reliance on controlled environments, such as dry boxes, poses a significant barrier for smaller laboratories wishing to participate in perovskite research. In this study, we investigate the influence of ambient humidity of Cs0.17FA0.83Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 during the film formation process. Our experiments involved the fabrication of perovskite films using spin-coating techniques under different controlled humidity conditions with identical precursor preparation. The results revealed a significant decrease in film thickness under higher humidity, accompanied by a noticeable alteration in perovskite grain morphology, suggesting a complex interplay between humidity and grain formation. Furthermore, the photovoltaic performance of device with perovskite film formed in different humidity was measured. Surprisingly, despite the challenges posed by high humidity during fabrication, the solar cell efficiency only moderately decreased from 13.17% to 9.55% in average, indicating a remarkable potential of the Cs0.17FA0.83Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 perovskite formula under adverse ambient conditions. These findings hint at the feasibility of their application in real-world, ambient air conditions, paving the way for their integration into diverse environmental settings, enabling a wider research community to engage in the exciting realm of perovskite solar cell technology.