Layer For Perovskite Solar Cells Research Articles

Getting to the Heart of the Matter: Control over the Photolysis of PbI2 Through Partial Lead Substitution

A crucial problem of the photoinduced degradation of perovskite semiconductors based on complex lead halides has been addressed here by suppressing PbI2 photolysis to metallic lead. The systematic screening of >30 modifying cations introduced as substituents for 5% of Pb2+ in the PbI2 composition has revealed their tremendous effects on the rate of material degradation under light exposure. Thus, the most successful stabilizing cations could maintain a high absorbance of the Pb0.95M0.1/nI2 films and block Pb0 formation after 400 h of continuous illumination, when the non-modified PbI2 films completely decomposed to Pb0 and I2. The obtained results present a promising solution for the problem of metallic lead formation in the active layer of perovskite solar cells during their operation, which can pave the way for the development of a new generation of highly efficient and stable perovskite photovoltaics.

Vacuum preparation of charge transport layers for perovskite solar cells and modules

This review examines various vacuum deposition techniques utilized for the fabrication of charge transport layers (CTLs) in perovskite solar cells and modules, providing an analysis of the advantages, limitations, and thin film characteristics.

Application of advanced quantum dots in perovskite solar cells: synthesis, characterization, mechanism, and performance enhancement.

Quantum dots have garnered significant interest in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to their stable chemical properties, high carrier mobility, and unique features such as multiple exciton generation and excellent optoelectronic characteristics resulting from quantum confinement effects. This review explores quantum dot properties and their applications in photoelectronic devices, including their synthesis and deposition processes. This sets the stage for discussing their diverse roles in the carrier transport, absorber, and interfacial layers of PSCs. We thoroughly examine advances in defect passivation, energy band alignment, perovskite crystallinity, device stability, and broader light absorption. In particular, novel approaches to enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of quantum dot-enhanced perovskite solar cells are highlighted. Lastly, based on a comprehensive overview, we provide a forward-looking outlook on advanced quantum dot fabrication and its impact on enhancing the photovoltaic performance of solar cells. This review offers insights into fundamental mechanisms that endorse quantum dots for improved PSC performance, paving the way for further development of quantum dot-integrated PSCs.

Heptamethine Cyanine Dye-Doped Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Electrodes for Improving Performance of HTL-Free Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology holds great promise with continuously improving power conversion efficiency; however, the use of metal electrodes hinders its commercialization and the development of tandem designs. Although single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), as one-dimensional materials, have the potential to replace metal electrodes in PSCs, their poor conductivity still limits their application. In this study, the near-infrared (NIR)-absorbing anionic heptamethine cyanine dye-doped SWCNTs functioned in a dual role as an efficient charge-selective layer and electrode in PSCs. Benefiting from the improvement in conductivities and matched energy level of doped-SWCNT, the dual-role SWCNT electrodes applied to PSCs achieved a better performance than the undoped PSCs with a higher short circuit current (JSC) and fill factor (FF).

Deciphering the Impact of Aromatic Linkers in Self‐Assembled Monolayers on the Performance of Monolithic Perovskite/Si Tandem Photovoltaic

Aromatic linker‐constructed self‐assembled monolayers (Ar‐SAMs) can modulate the work function of indium tin oxide (ITO), thereby improving hole extraction/transport efficiency. However, the specific role of the aromatic linkers between the polycyclic head and the anchoring groups of SAMs in determining the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) remains unclear. In this study, we developed a series of phenothiazine‐based Ar‐SAMs to investigate how different aromatic linkers could affect molecular stacking, the regulation of substrate work function, and charge carrier dynamics. When served as hole‐selective layers (HSLs) in PSCs and monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (P/S‐TSCs), we found that the Ar‐SAM with naphthalene linker along the 2,6‐position axis (β‐Nap) could form dense and highly ordered HSLs, enhancing interfacial interactions and favoring optimal energy level alignment with the perovskite films. Using this strategy, the optimized wide‐bandgap PSCs achieved an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.86% with negligible hysteresis, utilizing a 1.68 eV perovskite. Additionally, the encapsulated devices demonstrated enhanced stability under damp‐heat conditions (ISOS‐D‐2, 50% RH, 65°C) with a T91 of 1000 hours. Notably, the fabricated P/S‐TSCs, based on solution‐processed micron‐scale textured silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells, achieved an efficiency of 28.89% with outstanding reproducibility.

Deciphering the Impact of Aromatic Linkers in Self-Assembled Monolayers on the Performance of Monolithic Perovskite/Si Tandem Photovoltaic.

Aromatic linker-constructed self-assembled monolayers (Ar-SAMs) can modulate thework function of indium tin oxide (ITO), thereby improving hole extraction/transportefficiency. However, the specific role of the aromatic linkers between the polycyclichead and the anchoring groups of SAMs in determining the performance of perovskitesolar cells (PSCs) remains unclear. In this study, we developed a series ofphenothiazine-based Ar-SAMs to investigate how different aromatic linkers could affectmolecular stacking, the regulation of substrate work function, and charge carrierdynamics. When served as hole-selective layers (HSLs) in PSCs and monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (P/S-TSCs), we found that the Ar-SAM withnaphthalene linker along the 2,6-position axis (β-Nap) could form dense and highlyordered HSLs, enhancing interfacial interactions and favoring optimal energy levelalignment with the perovskite films. Using this strategy, the optimized wide-bandgap PSCs achieved an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.86% withnegligible hysteresis, utilizing a 1.68 eV perovskite. Additionally, the encapsulateddevices demonstrated enhanced stability under damp-heat conditions (ISOS-D-2, 50%RH, 65°C) with a T91 of 1000 hours. Notably, the fabricated P/S-TSCs, based onsolution-processed micron-scale textured silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells,achieved an efficiency of 28.89% with outstanding reproducibility.

CH3NH3PbI3 deposited on rubrene/pentacene bilayer by two-step method and its photovoltaic performance

Abstract Optimizing the underlayer used as an active layer in perovskite solar cells is important for improving their cell performance. We previously demonstrated the usefulness of a rubrene/pentacene bilayer as an underlayer in CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) cells prepared by alternative vapor deposition of PbI2 and CH3NH3I (MAI). In the present work, to examine the applicability of this rubrene/pentacene bilayer for the deposition of MAPbI3 via a new method involving immersing a PbI2 evaporated film into an MAI solution is used to prepare MAPbI3 films; this method is referred to as a two-step method. Adjustment of the parameters of the two-step method used to prepare MAPbI3 films on rubrene/pentacene bilayers led to cells with a higher power conversion efficiency compared with that of cells with MAPbI3 films deposited directly onto poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate), without rubrene/pentacene bilayers. The rubrene/pentacene presumably promotes the suppression of recombination at the interface between MAPbI3 and the hole transport layer.

First-principles study of novel non-toxic trigonal KGeX3 (X=Br, I) perovskites: A potential for optoelectronic applications

In this study, structural, mechanical, electronic and optical properties of non-toxic inorganic trigonal-KGeX3 (X = Br, I) perovskites are investigated by first-principles method. The trigonal-KGeX3 (X = Br, I) perovskites are found to be thermodynamically and mechanically stable. Both trigonal perovskites, KGeBr3 and KGeI3 are direct band gap semiconductors with band gaps of 2.46 eV and 1.45 eV respectively. KGeBr3 is well-suited for optoelectronic devices that operate in the ultraviolet (UV) range, while KGeI3 is very promising as a solar absorber layer in perovskite solar cells. The KGeI3 is found to be ductile and provides good optical absorbance in visible region. The findings presented in this article align well with the previous literature published on similar crystal structures. This study suggests that trigonal non-toxic K-based inorganic perovskites can be very good candidates for optoelectronic applications.

2,2′‐Bipyridyl‐4,4′‐Dicarboxylic Acid Modified Buried Interface of High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractThe regulation of interfaces remains a critical and challenging aspect in the pursuit of highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, 2,2′‐bipyridyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid (HBPDC) is incorporated as an interfacial layer between SnO2 and perovskite layers in PSCs. The two carboxylic acid moieties on HBPDC bind to SnO2 through esterification, while its nitrogen atoms, possessing lone electron pairs, interact with uncoordinated lead (Pb2+) atoms through Lewis acid‐base interactions. This dual functionality enables simultaneous passivation of surface defects on both the SnO2 and buried perovskite layers. In addition, the electron‐deficient nature of HBPDC enhances interfacial energy band alignment and facilitates electron transfer from the perovskite to SnO2. Furthermore, the incorporation of HBPDC strengthens the interfacial adhesion, improving mechanical reliability. As a result, the PSCs exhibited an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.41 % under standard AM 1.5G conditions, along with remarkable environmental stability.

Compact Layer‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells with Low‐Temperature UVO Photochemical Annealed Mesoporous TiO2 Layers

In recent years, the field of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has seen rapid development, with most high‐efficiency devices incorporating dense titanium dioxide (TiO2) barrier layers and mesoporous TiO2 layers to enhance selective electron transport. However, the manufacturing process requires high‐temperature sintering steps above 450 °C, leading to significant energy consumption. In addition, this requirement greatly limits the potential applications of PSCs in the field of flexible electronics. This study introduces a new method for preparing dense‐layer‐free mesoporous PSCs using low‐temperature UVO annealing of m‐TiO2. UVO annealing effectively removes residual organic components from m‐TiO2 precursor films, enhances the conductivity and wettability of the films, thereby reducing carrier recombination and improving the performance of PSCs. Research has shown that PSC with a 40 min UVO annealed m‐TiO2 layer exhibits a final photoelectric conversion efficiency of 17.79%, comparable to devices with traditional high‐temperature annealed m‐TiO2 PSCs. In addition, after 7 days at room temperature and ambient humidity, the unpackaged device maintains a maximum conversion efficiency of 84%. These findings indicate that UVO light annealing is a feasible alternative to high‐temperature annealing, providing a simpler, more cost‐effective, and energy‐saving method for the preparation of metal oxide electron transport layer in PSCs.

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.

Metal–Organic Frameworks and Derivative Materials in Perovskite Solar Cells: Recent Advances, Emerging Trends, and Perspectives

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has reached an impressive value of 26.1%. While several initiatives such as structural modification and fabrication techniques helped steadily increase the PCE and stability of PSCs in recent years, the incorporation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in PSCs stands out among other innovations and has emerged as a promising path forward to make this technology the front‐runner for realizing next‐generation low‐cost photovoltaic technologies. Owing to their unique physiochemical properties and extraordinary advantages such as large specific surface area and tunable pore structures, incorporating them as/in different functional layers of PSCs endows the devices with extraordinary optoelectronic properties. This article reviews the latest research practices adapted in integrating MOFs and derivative materials into the constituent blocks of PSCs such as photoactive perovskite absorber, electron‐transport layer, hole‐transport layer, and interfacial layer. Notably, a special emphasis is placed on the aspect of stability improvement in PSCs by incorporating MOFs and derivative materials. Also, the potential of MOFs as lead absorbents in PSCs is highlighted. Finally, an outlook on the critical challenges faced and future perspectives for employing MOFs in PSCs in light of the commercialization of PSCs is provided.

Molybdenum-Oxide-Modified PEDOT:PSS as Efficient Hole Transport Layer in Perovskite Solar Cells.

Over the last ten years, there has been a remarkable enhancement in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), with poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiohene):poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) emerging as a prevalent choice for the hole transport layer (HTL). Nevertheless, the evolution of the widely utilized PEDOT:PSS HTL has not kept pace with the swift advancements in PSC technology, attributed to its suboptimal electrical conductivity, acidic nature, and inadequate electron-blocking performance. This study presents a novel approach to enhance the HTL by introducing molybdenum oxide (MoO3) into the PEDOT:PSS, leveraging the conductivity and solution processing compatibility of MoO3. Two methods for MoO3 integration were explored: an ammonium molybdate tetrahydrate (AMT) precursor and the direct addition of MoO3 nanoparticles. The carrier dynamics of PSCs modified by MoO3 are significantly optimized. Therefore, the PCE of the device modified by AMT and molybdenum oxide is increased to 18.23 and 19.64%, respectively, and the stability of the device is also improved. This study emphasizes the potential of MoO3 in contributing to the development of more efficient and stable PSCs.

Enhanced optoelectronic characteristics of La-doped ZnO and its compatibility with Cs-doped MAPbI3 perovskite absorber material

Abstract The present study investigates the structural, electrical and optical characteristics of pristine and lanthanum (La)-doped zinc oxide electron transport layers (ETLs) fabricated by the sol gel method and their compatibility with Cs0.10MA0.90Pb(I0.9Br0.10)3 absorber layer for perovskite solar cells. All the ETLs were deposited under same deposition conditions, with the only difference in La percentage in the precursor solutions, ranging from 0 to 6%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated the presence of crystalline ZnO thin films and the absence of any impurity phases after La-doping. The calculated crystallite size, determined using Scherrer’s equation, increased from 11.13 to 21.76 nm after the introduction of dopant. The doping with 4% La led to the decrease in the optical bandgap from 3.32 eV of pristine ZnO to 3.23 eV. SEM analysis revealed better morphology of perovskite/4% La:ZnO specimen, which facilitated the absorbance and reduced the charge carrier recombination. It also exhibited superior resilience towards moisture and humidity which will eventually contribute to the development of more stable and efficient planar perovskite solar cells (PCSs).

Triphenylamine-Appended Carbazole-Based Hole-Transport Layer for Perovskite Solar Cells Fabricated under Low Humidity

Triphenylamine-Appended Carbazole-Based Hole-Transport Layer for Perovskite Solar Cells Fabricated under Low Humidity

Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2 Nanorods for Efficient Electronic Transport Layer of Perovskite Solar Cells

Synthesis and Characterization of TiO2 Nanorods for Efficient Electronic Transport Layer of Perovskite Solar Cells

2,2'-Bipyridyl-4,4'-Dicarboxylic Acid Modified Buried Interface of High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells.

The regulation of interfaces remains a critical and challenging aspect in the pursuit of highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, 2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (HBPDC) is incorporated as an interfacial layer between SnO2 and perovskite layers in PSCs. The two carboxylic acid moieties on HBPDC bind to SnO2 through esterification, while its nitrogen atoms, possessing lone electron pairs, interact with uncoordinated lead (Pb2+) atoms through Lewis acid-base interactions. This dual functionality enables simultaneous passivation of surface defects on both the SnO2 and buried perovskite layers. In addition, the electron-deficient nature of HBPDC enhances interfacial energy band alignment and facilitates electron transfer from the perovskite to SnO2. Furthermore, the incorporation of HBPDC strengthens the interfacial adhesion, improving mechanical reliability. As a result, the PSCs exhibited an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.41 % under standard AM 1.5G conditions, along with remarkable environmental stability.

Synthesis and scalable process for fabrication of Perovskite Solar Cells using organic and inorganic hole transport materials

The Organic Inorganic Lead Iodide perovskite material has emerged as a pioneer in being an active material for third-generation solar cells. Apart from the synthesis, the scalable mechanism which is being used for the deposition process, greatly influences the performance of the cell owing to its impact on the morphology, uniform thickness, and interface between two functional layers. This study briefly discusses the various deposition processes involved in assembling the layers of perovskite solar cells (PSC). Hole transport materials (HTM) are a crucial part of the PSC providing efficient transport of the charge carriers. However, the effect of organic and inorganic HTMs is highly pronounced in the PSCs. This study also discusses the effect of organic and inorganic HTM on the stability and efficiency of the sandwich-structured PSC.

Reaction Dynamics between Formamidinium Lead Iodide and Copper Oxide.

Copper oxide (CuOx) has been announced as a very promising hole-transporting layer for perovskite solar cells. However, in our previous work, we have shown that once a formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPI) perovskite is spin-coated on a spray-coated cuprous oxide (Cu2O) substrate, the Cu2O diffuses into and reacts with the FAPI film. In order to verify if the degradation products are related to the oxidation state of CuOx and/or its preparation method, in this work, we first prepared CuOx films by thermal oxidation at temperatures ranging from 120 to 300 °C. While increasing the process temperature, a transformation from copper I (Cu2O) to copper II (CuO) oxidation states was observed. For both oxidation states of copper, FAPI perovskite degradation was found; however, some alterations in the reaction products were noticed. In contrast to our expectations, the introduction of an ultrathin plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposited Al2O3 layer in between both films only partially blocked the CuOx migration into the FAPI film. It can be concluded that regardless of the chemical composition and/or preparation method of CuOx, the overlayered FAPI film gets decomposed. In order to use CuOx as a hole-transporting layer in solar cells, new strategies must be developed to limit these unwanted chemical reactions.

Buried interface management for FAPbI3-based perovskite solar cells via multifunctional benzothiadiazole derivatives

Attaining high efficiency in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) often necessitates effective interfacial passivation, which poses challenges, especially concerning the buried interface due to the dissolution of passivation agents during perovskite deposition. In this work, we report a multifunctional modification strategy by introducing the variations of benzothiadiazole (BTD) derivatives to function as interface-modified layers in PSCs. This buried interface modification mitigates oxygen vacancies on the SnO2 surface and fine-tunes the energy level of the electron transport layer, resulting in an improved alignment with the FAPbI3 layer. Furthermore, the introduced BTD derivatives led to the improved crystallinity of FAPbI3 films as well as suppressed the non-radiative recombination losses through passivating the interfacial defects. Consequently, a device with modified SnO2 exhibited an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.04% along with an improved long-term device stability.