Layer In Solar Cells Research Articles

Molecular Design of Active Layer for High-Performance Stretchable Organic Solar Cells.

Stretchable organic solar cells (SOSCs) have advanced rapidly in the last few years as power sources required to realize portable and wearable electronics become available. Through rational material and device engineering, SOSCs are now able to retain their photovoltaic performance even when subjected to repeated mechanical deformations. However, reconciling a high efficiency and an excellent stretchability is still a huge challenge, and the development of SOSCs has lagged far behind that of flexible OSCs. In this perspective article, recent strategies for imparting mechanical robustness to SOSCs while maintaining high power conversion efficiency are reviewed, with emphasis on the molecular design of active layers. Initially, an overview of molecular design approaches and recent research advances is provided in improving the stretchability of active layers, including donors, acceptors, and single-component materials. Subsequently, another common strategy for regulating photovoltaic and mechanical properties of SOSCs, namely multi-component system, is summarized and analyzed. Lastly, considering that SOSCs research is in its infancy, the current challenges and future directions are pointed out.

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.

The importance of enhancing D-Dand A-Astacking simultaneously for the balance of hole and electron mobility of small molecule single-component organic solar cells.

Single-component organic solar cells (SCOSCs) have attracted extensive attention due to their simplified device manufacturing and excellent stability. However, the relationship between morphology and charge carrier mobility in the active layers of SCOSCs is not well understood. In this work, we present a comprehensive investigation on this issue by studying four dyads (fullerenes as acceptor units) used as materials of active layers in small-molecule single-component organic solar cells (SM-SCOSCs), in which dyad 4 created the record of power conversion efficiency (PCE) of SM-SCOSC until now. Utilizing a multiscale theoretical approach, the results identify that the acceptor-acceptor stacking is dominant in amorphous films, significantly improving electron mobility and lowering hole mobility. We also find the importance of achieving a balance between electron and hole mobility to further improve PCE of SM-SCOSC because dyad 4 exhibits a more balanced electron/hole mobility than the other three molecules. These findings indicate the importance of tuning and enhancing donor-donor and acceptor-acceptor stacking simultaneously, offering insights for the design and optimization of future SM-SCOSC.

Reduced graphene oxide as the electron transport layer in perovskite solar cell: effect on the photovoltaic performance

Reduced graphene oxide as the electron transport layer in perovskite solar cell: effect on the photovoltaic performance

Fine Tuning the Work Function of ZnO Cathode Buffer Layers in Organic Solar Cells by Phenanthroline Coordination

Fine Tuning the Work Function of ZnO Cathode Buffer Layers in Organic Solar Cells by Phenanthroline Coordination

Investigation of thermally induced surface composition and morphology variation of magnetron sputtered Sb2Se3 absorber layer for thin film solar cells

One of the most promising semiconductor materials for the development of sustainable thin-film solar cell technology is antimony selenide (Sb2Se3). Its excellent optical and electrical properties have drawn attention lately for potential application in thin-film solar cells. In this study, Sb2Se3 films deposited using the direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering technique have been subjected to a post-annealing process without an extra selenium supply at temperatures between 150 and 450 °C. Without an extra selenium supply, the impact of post-annealing temperature on the surface composition as well as the physical properties of the fabricated films was investigated. The overall evaluations revealed that the post-annealing temperature is highly efficient in altering the physical properties of the Sb2Se3 absorber thin films. We further observed that the post-annealing process improved the crystallization and the heat treatment temperature quite affected preferential orientation. The surface morphology of films exhibited structural deformation at high post-annealing temperatures (> 350 °C). According to optical and electrical characterizations, respectively, the optical energy gap and the resistivity of Sb2Se3 films reduced with an increment in the post-annealing temperature. Based on the XPS result, the variation in temperature of post-annealing led to a change in the surface composition of the films. The findings on the growth of Sb2Se3 thin films indicate the existence of an intermediate growth temperature that permits the growth of Sb2Se3 films to be optimized. The study’s conclusions can serve as a guide to the growth of Sb2Se3 thin films with the desired crystallinity, surface morphology, and composition for thin film solar cell applications.

Innovations in Interconnecting Layers for Perovskite-Based Tandem Solar Cells

Innovations in Interconnecting Layers for Perovskite-Based Tandem Solar Cells

Theoretical Investigation on Carbazole Derivatives as Charge Carriers for Perovskite Solar Cell

The study explores carbazole‐based organic molecules as transport layers in durable perovskite solar cells, focusing on their optoelectronic and charge transfer properties. Thirteen carbazole derivatives are systematically analyzed via density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand their structure and optoelectronic characteristics. Substituents like bromo, phenyl, thiophenyl, and pyridyl at positions 3,6‐ and 2,7‐ of carbazole were studied. Phenyl and thiophenyl substitutions lowered highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels, while bromo and pyridyl increased them, tuning HOMO energies from −5.45 to −6.03 eV. These energies align well with perovskite materials valence bands, with absorbance primarily below 400 nm, complementing perovskite absorption. The compounds showed high light‐harvesting efficiencies (LHEs) (0.22 to 0.94) and improved radiative lifetimes. Theoretical investigations identified most compounds as effective p‐type hole‐transport materials (HTM), except 3,6‐ and 2,7‐dithiophenyl carbazoles, which exhibited n‐type behavior due to low hole reorganization energies. Overall, the study highlights computational design's role in developing carbazole derivatives as promising charge carrier precursors for perovskite solar cells.

Enhancing the Performance of Nanocrystalline SnO2 for Solar Cells through Photonic Curing Using Impedance Spectroscopy Analysis.

Wide-bandgap tin oxide (SnO2) thin-films are frequently used as an electron-transporting layers in perovskite solar cells due to their superior thermal and environmental stabilities. However, its crystallization by conventional thermal methods typically requires high temperatures and long periods of time. These post-processing conditions severely limit the choice of substrates and reduce the large-scale manufacturing capabilities. This work describes the intense-pulsed-light-induced crystallization of SnO2 thin-films using only 500 μs of exposure time. The thin-films' properties are investigated using both impedance spectroscopy and photoconductivity characteristic measurements. A Nyquist plot analysis establishes that the process parameters have a significant impact on the electronic and ionic behaviors of the SnO2 films. Most importantly, we demonstrate that light-induced crystallization yields improved topography and excellent electrical properties through enhanced charge transfer, improved interfacial morphology, and better ohmic contact compared to thermally annealed (TA) SnO2 films.

Enhancement of Electron Transport Characteristics Using MXene-MnFeO3 Nanocomposite Integration with Fullerene Derivatives for the Perovskite-Based Solar Cells and Detectors.

In this study, we prepared a hybrid film incorporating the MnFeO3-decorated conducting two-dimensional (2D) MXene sheet-suspended [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) electron transfer layer (ETL) for the perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and detectors. The incorporation of MXene-MnFeO3 with the PCBM ETL could drive exceptional conducting features for the PSCs. Moreover, the presence of MXene-MnFeO3 facilitated superior charge transfer pathways, thereby enhancing the electron extraction and collection processes. This enhancement was directed to improve the electron mobility within the device, resulting in high photocurrents. The designed interface engineering with the MXene-MnFeO3 nanocomposite-tuned PCBM ETL has produced a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 17.79% ± 0.27. Moreover, X-ray detectors employing PCBM modulated with the MXene-MnFeO3 ETL achieved notable performance metrics including 18.47 μA/cm2 CCD-DCD, 5.53 mA/Gy·cm2 sensitivity, 7.64 × 10-4 cm2/V·s electron mobility, and 1.51 × 1015 cm2/V·s trap density.

Buried interface modification of condensation reflux-processed SnO2 electron transport layers for CsPbBr3 perovskite solar cells

Low temperature solution-processed SnO2 is favorable for electron transport layer (ETL) of flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) owing to their process compatibility. Here, we propose a route of condensation reflux-processed SnO2 ETLs for PSCs using SnCl2 source. However, the low temperature SnCl2-derived SnO2 ETLs are inherently associated with a high defect state density as well as a large amount of H+ and Cl- residual on the surface, which will cause open-circuit voltage (VOC) loss of the devices. To tackle this issue, aqueous solutions of KOH, CsOH, and KCl have been employed to regulate the buried interfaces. The effects of different cations (K+ and Cs+) and anions (OH- and Cl-) on the photovoltaic performance of the devices have been comparatively explored. The buried interface with KOH modification showed the best effect, which not only improved the quality and light absorption of CsPbBr3 perovskite layer but also markedly reduced the defect state density at the interface. The optimal device with an architecture of FTO/SnO2/KOH/CsPbBr3/carbon exhibited a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.80 %, VOC of 1.46 V, short-circuit current density (JSC) of 7.50 mA/cm2, and fill factor (FF) of 0.71, compared with the pristine counterpart with a PCE of 5.86 %, VOC of 1.40 V, JSC of 6.37 mA/cm2, and FF of 0.66, respectively. The strategy of low temperature-processed SnO2 ETLs by KOH interface modification may also provide an avenue for other-typed flexible PSCs manufacture.

High efficiency carbon-based CsPbI2Br solar cells achieved by bidirectional passivation of cadmium p-aminobenzoate

The tin dioxide (SnO2) layer is commonly used as a traditional electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells. However, it exists numerous defects in interior and on surface, diminishing the electron transport rate and causing energy level mismatches, thereby limiting the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE). In this study, cadmium p-aminobenzoate (PABACd) is synthesized using the displacement reaction and applied to modify the interface between the SnO2 ETL and CsPbI2Br film to achieve bidirectional passivation. Cd2+ effectively passivates defects in the ETL and penetrates perovskite crystals, contributing to defect passivation. Furthermore, PABA− stabilizes the [PbX6]4− octahedron, enhancing the stability of CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs). As a result of these interactions, the PABACd-optimized device achieved a maximum PCE of 14.34 % and an outstanding open-circuit voltage of 1.27 V. Simultaneously, the PCE of the optimized CsPbI2Br PSCs remains at 92 % of the initial efficiency after 30 days of aging in an air environment with 15–20 % humidity.

Tin oxides@stannous pyrophosphate colloidal quantum dots as multifunctional electron transporting layer for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are anticipated to spearhead the revolution in solar energy technology. Engineering the electron transporting layer (ETL)/perovskite heterointerface is known to be a key point for further high-performance PSCs because it determines the main charge transporting and energy losses. However, the most advanced SnO2 colloidal precursors tend to exhibit agglomeration and structural flaws, thereby deteriorating the morphology and electronic mass of the obtained ETL. Here, we polished the microstructure of the SnO2 surface by self-assembling SnO2@Sn2P2O7 quantum dots (SPOS), which is synthesized by the chemical reaction between hypophosphoric acid (H3PO2) and SnO2. The Sn2P2O7 was synthesized on the SnO2 surface, terminating the surface dangling bonds and resulting in steady SPOS quantum dots with smooth microstructure. The SPOS ETL with good optical and electrical properties as well as matched bandgap alignment with perovskite, yielding an improved power conversion efficiency of 23.35% for PSCs. Moreover, due to the suppression of defect-induced deprotonation reactions, the SPOS-PSCs exhibit favorablelongstability than the SnO2-PSCs. This work demonstrates that the surface reconstruction of the ETL is crucial for enhancing the power conversion efficiency and stability of PSCs.

Application of isoindigo-based small molecule conjugated electrolytes at interfaces with organic solar cells

Zwitterionic small molecule materials are widely employed in the cathode interface layer of organic solar cells (OSCs). Nevertheless, the exploration of superior cathode interface materials with the objective of enhancing the performance of OSCs remains a significant challenge. Two water/alcohol soluble n-type self-doped small molecule conjugated electrolytes were synthesized using isoindigo as the acceptor unit and triphenylamine (TPA) as the donor unit. Quaternary ammonium salts or pyridine salts were used as the polar side chains. When applied to organic solar cells (OSCs) with PTB7-Th: PC71BM as the active layer, the devices showed improved performance. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) reached 8.59 % (IIDN2TPA) and 8.81 % (IIDPy2TPA), respectively. These results demonstrate the water/alcohol-soluble D-A-D-type small-molecule conjugated electrolytes offer an effective strategy in designing cathode interlayer (CIL) and preparing the high-performance OSCs.

Synergistic Effect of Defects Passivation and Energy Level Alignment Realizing P3HT-Based High-Efficiency CsPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells.

Poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is one of the most efficient hole transport layers (HTLs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, surface and boundary defects in CsPbI3, and energy level mismatch between CsPbI3 and P3HT lead to a low power conversion efficiency (PCE) in P3HT-based CsPbI3 PSCs. Here, a synergistic strategy with anti-solvent (sec-pentyl alcohol, 2-PA) and passivators (LiX, X = F, Cl, Br, I) is developed to promote the photovoltaic performance of P3HT-based CsPbI3 PSCs. It is proved that the 2-PA washes away the residual DMF and DMAPbI3, and assists the secondary growth of CsPbI3 crystal. LiX not only can passivate iodine (I) vacancies, but also can reduce energy offset at CsPbI3/P3HT interface, accelerating hole extraction process. Finally, an impressive efficiency of 19.26% is obtained due to the synergistic effect of defects passivation and energy alignment, which is 34.4% higher than the 14.32% achieved in Control cell. These findings prove that synergistic strategy of defects passivation and energy alignment is an effective way for realizing high-efficiency in P3HT-based CsPbI3 PSCs.

Exploring the theoretical potential of tungsten oxide (WOx) as a universal electron transport layer (ETL) for various perovskite solar cells through interfacial energy band alignment modulation

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) play a pivotal role in advancing renewable energy to achieve United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which aims to ensure universal access to affordable, sustainable, reliable and modern energy services. Aiming to enhance the performance of PSCs by replacing the typically used electron transport layers (ETLs: TiO2, SnO2, ZnO etc.), we theoretically investigated the viability of tungsten oxide (WOX) as a promising ETL for PSCs. Moreover, the effect of altering the energy levels of WOX on cell performance has also been analyzed through simulation. Initially, 12 (twelve) PSC structures having the combination of different perovskite (PSK: CsPbBr3, CsPbI3, FAPbBr3, FAPbI3) absorber layers with different organic hole transport layers (HTLs: Spiro-OMeTAD, P3HT, PEDOT:PSS) and a fixed ETL of WOX were optimized numerically for comparing their performance. As CsPbBr3-based PSCs showed the best performance, further simulations were performed by varying some WOX/CsPbBr3 interface properties such as interface defect density, conduction band offset (CBO) between WOX and CsPbBr3, energy bandgap (Eg) of WOX etc. Finally, the best-performed PSCs were found for the Eg = 3.5 eV of WOX and the CBO of - 0.5 eV confirming the conduction band minimum (CBM) of WOX is lower than that of CsPbBr3 by 0.5 eV. A properly chosen WOX layer enhanced the efficiency of CsPbBr3-based PSCs up to 14.65 %, 14.52 % and 16.09 %, aproaching the Shockley-Queisser (S-Q) limit (16.37% for CsPbBr3-based solar cell) from the initial values of 11.39 %, 11.27 %, and 12.49 %, respectively. This study ensures WOX is a promising ETL for which a proper PSC structure having a suitable PSK and an HTL can improve cell performance. Moreover, the importance of modifying energy levels of ETL material in enhancing the performance of PSCs is explored. As a result, this study opens a path for the researchers to develop WOX having suitable CBM and Eg, so that it can be well-suited with a properly matched PSK material resulting in enhanced cell performance.

Atom layer deposited TiO2 electron transport layer for silicon heterojunction solar cells to achieve high performance

Silicon/compound heterojunction (SCH) solar cells based on p-type and n-type c-Si wafers using atom layer deposition-TiO2 and low work function metal as the electron transport layer and rear electrode are fabricated. Efficiencies of 20.6 % and 21.6 % are achieved on p-type and n-type silicon solar cells, respectively. High Voc exceeding 700 mV have been realized on both kinds of Si wafers. Special attention has been paid to the SCH solar cells based on p-type c-Si wafers in which the TiO2 electron transport layer serves as the emitter. Carrier transport mechanisms and junction characteristics of the SCH solar cells are analyzed based on dark J-V measurement. The formation of a strong inversion layer at the Si surface region is determined, which implies the high Voc potential of the SCH solar cells based on p-type Si. An optical loss analysis is performed along with a possible solution to further improve the Jsc. The feasibility of TiO2 applied as an efficient electron transport layer (emitter) in p-type SCH solar cells with high performance has been showed.

ZnO/SrTiO3, ZnO/WO3, and ZnO/Zn2SnO4 Bilayer as Electron Transport Layers for Lead Sulfide Colloidal Quantum Dots Solar Cells.

In order to enhance the overall efficiency of colloidal quantum dots solar cells, it is crucial to suppress the recombination of charge carriers and minimize energy loss at the interfaces between the transparent electrode, electron transport layer (ETL), and colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) light-absorbing material. In the current study, ZnO/SrTiO3(STO), ZnO/WO3(TO), and ZnO/Zn2SnO4(ZTO) bilayers are introduced as an ETL using a spin-coating technique. The ZTO interlayer exhibits a smoother surface with a root-mean-square (RMS) value of ≈ 3.28nm compared to STO and TO interlayers, which enables it to cover the surface of the ITO/ZnO substrate entirely and helps to prevent direct contact between the CQDs absorber layer and the ITO/ZnO substrate, thereby effectively preventing efficient charge recombination at the interfaces of the ETL/CQDs. Furthermore, the ZTO interlayer possesses superior electron mobility, a higher visible light transmission, and a suitable energy band structure compared to STO and TO. These characteristics are advantageous for extracting charge carriers and facilitating electron transport. The PbS CQDs solar cell based on the ITO/ZnO/ZTO/PbS-FABr/PbS-EDT/NiO/Au device configuration exhibits the highest efficiency of 15.28%, which is significantly superior than the ITO/ZnO/PbS-FABr/PbS-EDT/NiO/Au solar cell device (PCE = 14.38%). This study is anticipated to offer a practical approach to develop ultrathin and compact ETL for highly efficient CQDSCs.

Enhancing Reliability and Regeneration of Single Passivated Emitter Rear Contact Solar Cell Modules through Alternating Current Power Application to Mitigate Light and Elevated Temperature‐Induced Degradation

The study explores a novel method to combat the Light and Elevated Temperature‐Induced Degradation (LeTID) in solar cell modules, which significantly reduces their efficiency and lifespan. This method involves applying alternating current (AC) of various waveforms (triangular, sinusoidal, and square) and frequencies (5 and 100 kHz) to boron‐doped p‐type passivated emitter rear contact (p‐PERC) solar cell modules. This approach effectively lowers the series resistance at the critical junction between the silver (Ag) contact and the silicon emitter layer of the PERC solar cell, thereby reducing charge recombination hindered by high resistance, especially at elevated temperatures. As a result, there is an improved flow of electrical charges, leading to decreased energy loss and increased solar cell efficiency. The study's findings indicate that a slow, smooth sinusoidal AC waveform at 100 kHz is particularly effective, restoring about 100% of the original performance of the panel. Moreover, oscillations at 5 kHz also show considerable efficacy, recovering more than 96% of the performance. The sinusoidal waveform is noted to surpass both triangular and square waveforms in recovery efficiency. This research highlights the use of high‐frequency AC electricity as a viable strategy to extend the lifespan and enhance the performance of solar panels.

Characterization of rear-side potential-induced degradation in bifacial p-PERC solar modules

Bifacial solar modules are increasingly preferred over monofacial modules to maximize the solar power output within a limited space. Owing to their high efficiency and compatibility with existing production lines, bifacial p-type passivated emitter and rear contact (p-PERC) solar modules have dominated the market since their commercialization. This study analyzes the influence of Al2O3, a passivation layer of p-PERC solar cells, on the PID and its underlying mechanism. Experiments were conducted on bifacial p-PERC module samples to analyze their electrical properties. Additionally, cell-like samples were fabricated to measure characteristics, for example, carrier lifetime, that are difficult to assess in full modules. To accelerate module degradation, experiments were conducted at 85 °C and 85 % humidity, while a voltage of −1000 V was applied to investigate the PID phenomenon. The results reveal degradation at the rear of the module caused by polarization effects, which were confirmed through changes in solar cell parameters and recombination current. The proposed mechanism indicates that the degradation in bifacial p-PERC solar modules is caused by the field-effect deterioration of the Al₂O₃ layer caused by alkali ions diffusing from the glass. This is observed through changes in the carrier concentration within Si and the detection of alkali ions within Al2O3. Our analysis considers both module and cell structure samples to delineate the influence of Al2O3 on the PID, which has not been previously reported. This study enhances the understanding of the polarization effect in bifacial p-PERC solar cells, thus contributing to the advancement of solar cell passivation strategies.