Performance Of Perovskite Solar Cells Research Articles

Analysis of strategies for improving the application performance of perovskite solar cells

Analysis of strategies for improving the application performance of perovskite solar cells

Surface Reconstruction for Efficient NiOx-based Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells.

Functional agents have been verified to efficiently enhance device performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) through surface engineering. However, the influence of intrinsic characteristics of molecules on final device performance has been overlooked. Here, we develop a surface reconstruction strategy to enhance the efficiency of inverted PSCs by mitigating the adverse effects of lead chelation (LC) molecules. We choose bathocuproine (BCP), as the representative of LC molecules for its easy accessibility and outstanding optoelectronic properties. During this strategy, BCP molecules on perovskite surface are first dissolved in solvents and then captured specially by undercoordinated Pb2+ ions, preventing adverse n-type doping by the molecules themselves. In this case, the BCP molecule exhibits outstanding passivation effect on perovskite surface, which leads to an obviously increased open-circuit voltage (VOC). Therefore, a record PCE of 25.64% for NiOx-based inverted PSCs is achieved, maintaining over 80% of initial efficiency after exposure to ambient condition for ∼1500 hours. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Development of Superior Nickel Oxide Layer for Boosted Hole‐Transport Performance in Perovskite Solar Cells

Although revolutionary power conversion efficiency progress has been realized for inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the selection and optimization of the hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) are still crucial for fabricating high‐efficiency, stable, and low‐cost PSCs. Nickel oxide (NiOx) is widely used in the PSCs community for material design and modification. However, various NiOx synthesis processes lead to kinds of NiOx, and it is difficult to determine which NiOx is suitable for application in PSCs. Herein, two kinds of NiOx HTMs are synthesized using sol–gel processed and chemical‐calcination‐processed (CCP) routes for the preparation of PSCs. Based on the physical properties of two kinds of NiOx HTMs as well as the corresponding photovoltaic parameters of PSCs, it is demonstrated that superior NiOx HTMs is obtained by the CCP method with the following properties: high transmittance to ensure sufficient sunlight capture of perovskite, appropriate energy levels to promote hole extraction and transfer, high conductivity to support charge transfer, and a good wetting surface to boost perovskite spreading and film formation. Thus, in this study, the direction for the reasonable selection of HTMs is pointed out to prepare efficient PSCs.

Measurement of information content of Perovskite solar cell’s synthesis descriptors related to performance parameters

AbstractPerovskite solar cells (PSC) are formed by different layers composed of thin films of various materials, in which the properties of every thin layer affect the performance of the cell. The identification of those most relevant properties (or descriptors) has a significant impact on the optimization and cost reduction of the Perovskite solar cell. This relevance is typically evaluated by adjusting a model using subsets of features, but in the present work, we propose to use the mutual information measure to quantify the statistical association between input descriptors and Perovskite solar cell performance parameters (Voc, Jsc, FF, PCE). As a result, it is found that ion X is the factor that most impacts the performance of the solar cell. On the other hand, variables such as band gap, Perovskite layer thickness, and A and B ions are also important. In this work, we identify some of the most important factors affecting Perovskite solar cells’ performance, and it could help to improve the efficiency of Perovskite solar cells. In addition, this proposed method could also be applied to other types of functional coatings, thin films, and surfaces.

Fabrication of Efficient and Simple-Structured Perovskite Solar Cells Using a Multifunctional Biocolina Surface Treatment.

The electron transport layer (ETL)-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained significant interest by simplifying the manufacture process and reducing the time/energy required for the fabrication of ETLs. Unfortunately, the performance of these ETL-free PSCs still lags behind those of the conventional counterparts due to the slow electron extraction and undesired interfacial charge recombination loss at the buried interface. In this work, a facile and multifunctional biocolina thin layer is incorporated on the bottom electrodes to regulate the interface energy level alignment by forming an interface dipole layer, resulting in a suppressed nonradiative recombination and an improved charge extraction. Furthermore, the biocolina thin layer possess the capability to passivate the surface defects within the perovskite films while simultaneously facilitate the formation of perovskite crystals. Consequently, a remarkable enhancement in photovoltaic performance is observed in the biocolina-based ETL-free PSCs with an increase from 15.96% to an outstanding 20.01%. Additionally, the biocolina extends the stability and relieves the hysteresis effect through the interface defect passivation and inhibition of interface charge accumulation. This research contributes to the development of cost-effective, simplified designs for highly efficient ETL-free PSCs by modifying the bottom electrodes.

Multifunctional Hydroxylamine‐O‐Sulfonic Acid as Additives for Highly‐Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Despite the rapid development of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), defects in the devices continue to impede further improvements in power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability. This work describes the use of hydroxylamine‐O‐sulfonic acid (HOSA) as a bifunctional molecule to enhance the performance of PSCs. Strong coordination between the sulfonic acid group and uncoordinated Pb2+, while the N‐H bond on amino group and uncoordinated I‐ are observed. Thus, due to the synergistic contribution of sulfonic acid group and amino groups, the high‐quality perovskite film with good crystallinity and low defect density is achieved. As a result, the optimal devices exhibit an enhanced efficiency of 23.33%, which is much higher than that of the control device (21.53%). Notably, the optimized target device exhibited excellent long‐term operational stability, retaining over 90% of its initial efficiency after 480 hours at 65 °C, over 93% after a continuous illumination test for 650 hours, and over 96% after nearly 1400 hours of air storage. In contrast, the control device demonstrated poorer stability. These results suggest that selecting a dual‐functional additive is a promising approach to enhance efficiency and maintain stability in PSCs.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Improvement of Photovoltaic Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells by Synergistic Modulation of SnO2 and Perovskite via Interfacial Modification.

In the past decade, perovskite solar cell (PSC) photoelectric conversion efficiency has advanced significantly, and tin dioxide (SnO2) has been extensively used as the electron transport layer (ETL). Due to its high electron mobility, strong chemical stability, energy level matching with perovskite, and easy low-temperature fabrication, SnO2 is one of the most effective ETL materials. However, the SnO2 material as an ETL has its limitations. For example, SnO2 films prepared by low-temperature spin-coating contain a large number of oxygen vacancies, resulting in energy loss and high open-circuit voltage (VOC) loss. In addition, the crystal quality of perovskites is closely related to the substrate, and the disordered crystal orientation will lead to ion migration, resulting in a large number of uncoordinated Pb2+ defects. Therefore, interface optimization is essential to improve the efficiency and stability of the PSC. In this work, 2-(5-chloro-2-benzotriazolyl)-6-tert-butyl-p-cresol (CBTBC) was introduced for ETL modification. On the one hand, the hydroxyl group of CBTBC forms a Lewis mixture with the Sn atom, which reduces the oxygen vacancy defect and prevents nonradiative recombination. On the other hand, the SnO2/CBTBC interface can effectively improve the crystal orientation of perovskite by influencing the crystallization kinetics of perovskite, and the nitrogen element in CBTBC can effectively passivate the uncoordinated Pb2+ defects at the SnO2/perovskite interface. Finally, the prevailing PCE of PSC (1.68 eV) modified by CBTBC was 20.34% (VOC = 1.214 V, JSC = 20.49 mA/cm2, FF = 82.49%).

Maximizing photovoltaic performance of all-inorganic perovskite CsSnI3-xBrx solar cells through bandgap grading and material design

In the modern era of technology, worldwide paradigms have been shifted toward the utilization of green energy. Sun energy is the most astonishing eco-friendly resource of energy and can be harnessed with the help of photovoltaic cells. Hybrid (Organic-Inorganic) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are emerged with incredible photovoltaic (PV) performance. Nevertheless, a significant challenge lies in their lower stability under diverse environmental conditions. To deal with this challenge, all inorganic cesium-based PSC has been studied and analyzed, results improved stability in comparison to hybrid PSC. However, the noxious nature of lead is deleterious to the environment. So, this work primarily aimed, to study lead-free all inorganic tin-based perovskite compound CsSnI3-xBrx, as the main light absorber layer. Further, to elevate the PV performance of PSC, bandgap grading is performed on CsSnI3-xBrx by varying bromide concentration x from 0 to 3. Bandgap grading encourages the absorption of a wide range of the light spectrum, by modulating bandgap (Eg) / affinity(χ) through the distance of the CsSnI3-xBrx layer. Additionally, it enhances light-generated charge carrier separation and collection by end electrodes. In this work, two different strategies have been adopted, linear and parabolic. During linear grading, the impact of variation in x (0 to 3) has been analyzed over the thickness 50–––500 nm in 10 linear steps for CsSnI3-xBrx. The highest PCE fetched from linearly graded layered FTO / CeO2 / CsSnI3-xBrx / CFTS / Gold PSC is 21.68 %. Similarly, in the parabolic graded absorber layer, the influence of change in the bowing factor (0 to 1), has been analyzed relative to different values of x (0 to 3). With improvement in PV performance, the maximum PCE delivered by parabolic-graded PSC is 23.61 %. Additionally, this work extends to check the compatibility of distinct electron transport layers (ETLs) and hole transport layers (HTLs). Upon analysis, it has been found that the best PV performance was obtained while selecting SnO2 / PEDOT as ETL / HTL respectively.

Elimination of Intragrain Defect to Enhance the Performance of FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells by Ionic Liquid.

Ionic liquids have been widely used to improve the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and are generally believed to passivate defects on the grain boundaries of perovskites. However, few studies have focused on the relevant effects of ionic liquids on intragrain defects in perovskites which have been shown to be critical for the performance of PSCs. In this work, the effect of ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide (HMII) on intragrain defects of formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) perovskite is investigated. Abundant {111}c intragrain planar defects in pure FAPbI3 grains are found to be significantly reduced by the addition of the ionic liquid HMII, shown by using ultra-low-dose selected area electron diffraction. As a result, longer charge carrier lifetimes, higher photoluminescence quantum yield, better charge carrier transport properties, lower Urbach energy, and current-voltage hysteresis are achieved, and the champion power conversion efficiency of 24.09% is demonstrated. These observations suggest that ionic liquids significantly improve device performance resulting from the elimination of {111}c intragrain planar defects.

Perovskite solar cells with ferroelectricity

AbstractHalide perovskites show excellent optoelectronic properties for solar cell application. Notably, perovskite crystalline structures have been widely reported to deliver superior ferroelectric properties. As a result, the integration of the ferroelectric process with the photon‐to‐electron energy conversion process becomes feasible to generate interesting photo‐physical properties and further boost the device performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which have started to attract more and more attention in recent years. Here, we have reviewed the recent progress in PSCs with ferroelectricity (FE‐PSCs), by classifying them into three regimes according to the degree of phase segregation, for example, the layer‐structured ferroelectric/halide perovskite composite, micro phase‐separated ferroelectric/halide perovskite composite, and the intrinsic ferroelectric halide perovskite composite. The different composite structures enable a large range of interesting optoelectronic properties and the specific structure significantly enhances the device performance of PSCs. The most prominent contribution of ferroelectricity is that it can provide an extra electrical field to drive charge generation, transport, and collection. Further, key challenges and opportunities of the integration of ferroelectricity with photovoltaics are discussed. We hope our work can draw intensive attention in this field to accelerate the establishment of the basic theories in ferroelectricity and the commercialization of PSCs.

Simultaneous Defect Passivation and Electric Level Regulation with Rubidium Fluoride for High-Efficiency CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells.

Due to the good balance of efficiency and stability, CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs) recently have attracted widespread attention. However, the improvement in photovoltaic performance for CsPbI2Br PSCs was mainly limited by massive defects and unmatched energy levels. Surface modification is the most convenient and effective strategy to decrease defect densities of perovskite films. Herein, we deposited rubidium fluoride (RbF) onto the surface of CsPbI2Br perovskite films by spin-coating. The numerous defects could be significantly passivated by RbF, resulting in suppressed nonradiative recombination. Furthermore, the CsPbI2Br perovskite film after RbF treatment exhibits a deeper Fermi level, and an additional built-in electric field forms to promote charge transport. Consequently, the champion device achieves a high efficiency of 10.82% with an improved VOC of 1.14 V, and it also exhibits excellent stability after long-term storage. This work offers a simple and effective approach to enhance the photovoltaic performance and stability of PSCs for broader applications in the future.

Design and optimization of Cs2SnI6 based inorganic perovskite solar cell model: numerical simulation

Abstract To overcome the drawbacks of high lead toxicity and poor corrosion resistance of lead-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and to compensate for the poor air stability of Sn2+ compound-based perovskite, Cs2SnI6 (Sn4+ compound) is selected as the absorber for the PSC in this study. Using FTO/ETL/Cs2SnI6/HTL/Au as the model, the high-performance non-toxic inorganic PSC structure is explored through theoretical simulation and calculation by SCAPS-1D. The conduction band offsets (CBO) and valence band offsets (VBO) of commonly used electron transport layer materials (ETMs), hole transport layer materials (HTMs), and Cs2SnI6 are calculated based on electron affinity potential (χ) and bandgap (Eg). Then, by analyzing the pn junction composed of ETL and HTL and the bandgap structure at the n-i, i-p interfaces, the most matching n-i-p planar heterojunction model, FTO/IGZO/Cs2SnI6/Cu2BaSnS4/Au, was selected. Finally, by analyzing and adjusting the material thickness, defect density of each layer, operation temperature, the optimal performance of PSC was determined to be 30.39% power conversion efficiency (PCE), 1.27 V open circuit voltage (Voc), 28.46 mA/cm2 short circuit current (Jsc), and 84.02% fill factor (FF). A new and more efficient PSC is proposed in this study, providing some terrific clues for finding high-quality alternatives to lead-based PSCs. The judgment method proposed in this study regarding the theoretical performance of PSCs can also provide some ideas for related experimental research.

Modulating Nucleation and Crystal Growth of Tin Perovskite Films for Efficient Solar Cells.

The performance of tin halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been severely limited by the rapid crystallization of tin perovskites, which usually leads to an undesirable film quality. In this work, we tackle this issue by regulating the nucleation and crystal growth of tin perovskite films using a small Lewis base additive, urea. The urea-SnI2 interaction facilitates the formation of larger and more uniform clusters, thus accelerating the nucleation process. Additionally, the crystal growth process is extended, resulting in a high-quality tin perovskite film with compact morphology, increased crystallinity, and reduced defects. Consequently, the efficiency of tin PSCs is significantly increased from 10.42% to 14.22%. This work highlights the importance of manipulating the nucleation and crystal growth of tin perovskites to realize efficient tin PSCs.

Significance of Formamidinium Incorporation in Perovskite Composition and Its Impact on Solar Cell Efficiency: A Mini‐Review

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained tremendous research interest recently owing to several advantages, including low material cost, facile solution processability, bandgap tunability, and alluring device efficiency. The organic formamidinium (FA) cation‐based perovskites are mainly considered as one of the potential candidates for charge carrier generation due to their excellent properties, such as bandgap and thermal stability than traditional perovskites. However, the inevitable unfavorable polymorphism (i.e., α to δ) at room temperature still forms the basis for numerous research works to allow the fabrication of a high‐quality absorber and enhances the PSCs performance. The studies to resolve the polymorphism and several contemporary techniques (e.g., passivation strategy) with several recent novel fabrication methods presented in this review form the essence of the improvements in PSCs. The absorber morphology also influences the charge‐transfer behavior and the device's lifetime. Therefore, understanding these properties is essential to improve the absorber quality and avoid many defects. This review focuses on the structure and properties of pure and mixed FA perovskites with various halides, mainly the FA cation's role in the absorber composition. And a comprehensive overview of recent FA cation‐based double, triple, and quadrupole PSCs results with proper scientific explanations to understand the device physics.

Enhancing the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells via the Functional Group Synergistic Effect in Interfacial Passivation Materials.

Interfacial defects are considered to be a stumbling block in producing highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs), so a more reasonable design is required for interfacial passivation materials (IPMs) to achieve further improvements in PSC performance. Here, we use fluorine atom (-F) and methoxy (-OCH3) functional groups to modify the same molecular fragment, obtaining three kinds of IPMs named YZ-301, YZ-302, and YZ-303, respectively. Through the subtle combination of -F and -OCH3, the fragment in YZ-302 exhibits an enhanced electronegativity, rendering the correlative IPM with a stronger interaction with the perovskite layer. As a result, YZ-302 shows the best defect passivation and hole transport effect at the interface, and the PSC based on YZ-302 treatment achieves the best efficiency approaching 24%, which is better than the reference and devices with other IPMs, and it also has excellent device stability.

Analysis and optimization of lead-free perovskite solar cells: investigating performance and electrical characteristics

AbstractSeveral studies on solar cells using SCAPS-1D were conducted to investigate their performance, which are typically limited to I–V analysis for DC characterization. Therefore, in the present study, a very wide frequency range from 10–2 Hz to 1012 Hz was employed to explore diffusion processes and investigate the performance of lead-free Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) featuring as a novel heterostructure. These investigations concern the optimization of MASnI3 thickness as an absorber. Additionally, the impact of series (Rs) and shunt (Rsh) resistances is also examined. From the I–V analysis, it was determined that the power efficiency (PCE) could be achieved at a thickness of 0.6 µm. Increasing the series resistance (Rs) led to a significant decrease in the fill factor (FF) and (PCE), whereas the shunt resistance (Rsh) demonstrated a notable improvement in both (FF) and (PCE). Analysis of AC characteristics revealed complex impedance (Z*) and modulus (M*) indicative of main ionic transport, recombination, and diffusion processes crucial for optimization. An appropriate equivalent circuit model was developed and validated through deconvolution and theoretical considerations, yielding parameters such as the time constant for each process. It was observed that ionic conductivity and electronic diffusion play key roles in balancing charge collection and recombination losses. The critical influence of series and shunt resistance on low and high-frequency processes was emphasized, underscoring their significance in solar cell efficiency. A strong correlation was established between the evolution of time constants for each process and power conversion efficiency (PCE).

Silane Doping for Efficient Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells with Improved Defect Passivation and Device Stability.

In this work, doping 3-amino-propyl triethoxysilane (APTES) into a perovskite precursor is proven to be an effective strategy, which can passivate crystal defects, control the crystallization rate, and improve the morphology. APTES can form oligomers through hydrolysis and a condensation reaction, thus blocking the invasion of external water molecules. In addition, the lone pair electrons on the N atom in the amino group of APTES form a coordination bond with perovskite by sharing the empty 6p orbital on Pb2+, which can effectively passivate the defects of the film and realize a highly uniform and dense perovskite film with preferential crystal growth orientation. The film exhibits high (110) crystal plane orientation and long carrier lifetime and mobility, which improves the performance of flexible perovskite solar cells. Using this approach, the champion device presents an optimal power conversion efficiency of 19.84% with much promoted air stability. Moreover, the efficiency of flexible devices does not decrease after maximum power point irradiation for 360 s.

Polyfluorinated Organic Diammonium Induced Lead Iodide​Arrangement for Efficient Two-Step-Processed Perovskite Solar Cells.

The inefficient conversion of lead iodide to perovskite has become one of the major challenges in further improving the performance of perovskite solar cells fabricated by the two-step method. Herein, the discontinuous lead iodide layer realized by introduction of a polyfluorinated organic diammonium salt, octafluoro-([1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diyl)-dimethanaminium (OFPP) iodide which does not form low-dimensional perovskites, can enable the satisfactory conversion of lead iodide into perovskite, leading to meliorated crystallinity and enlarged grains in the OFPP modulated perovskite (OFPP-PVK) film. Combined with the effective defect passivation, the OFPP-PVK films show enhanced charge mobility and suppressed charge recombination. Accordingly, the OFPP-based perovskite solar cells exhibit a champion efficiency of 24.76% with better device stability. Moreover, a superior efficiency of 21.04% was achieved in a large-area perovskite module (100 cm2). Our work provides a unique insight into the function of organic diammonium additive in boosting photovoltaic performance.

Polyfluorinated Organic Diammonium Induced Lead Iodide ​ Arrangement for Efficient Two‐Step‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells

The inefficient conversion of lead iodide to perovskite has become one of the major challenges in further improving the performance of perovskite solar cells fabricated by the two‐step method. Herein, the discontinuous lead iodide layer realized by introduction of a polyfluorinated organic diammonium salt, octafluoro‐([1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4,4′‐diyl)‐dimethanaminium (OFPP) iodide which does not form low‐dimensional perovskites, can enable the satisfactory conversion of lead iodide into perovskite, leading to meliorated crystallinity and enlarged grains in the OFPP modulated perovskite (OFPP‐PVK) film. Combined with the effective defect passivation, the OFPP‐PVK films show enhanced charge mobility and suppressed charge recombination. Accordingly, the OFPP‐based perovskite solar cells exhibit a champion efficiency of 24.76% with better device stability. Moreover, a superior efficiency of 21.04% was achieved in a large‐area perovskite module (100 cm2). Our work provides a unique insight into the function of organic diammonium additive in boosting photovoltaic performance.

Tailoring interface and morphology of TiO2 electron transport layer with potassium bitartrate for high-performance perovskite solar cells

The performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has rapidly improved, largely due to advancements in mitigating inherent defects and enhancing interface carrier transport properties. Herein, we provide a facile method to improve the morphology of TiO2 ETLs, suppress defects at interface, and tailor energy level alignment to enhance carrier separation and extraction efficiency by introducing potassium bitartrate (KBT) into the TiO2 electron transport layers (ETLs), achieving high-efficiency and stable PSCs. KBT molecules can enhance the surface smoothness of TiO2 ETLs, resulting in denser and more uniform perovskite films. In addition, the carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups, and potassium cations containing in KBT improve charge transport efficiency at TiO2/perovskite interface by reducing non-radiative recombination centers in TiO2 and perovskite bottom as well as improving energy level matching. As a result, the target PSC exhibits an obvious improvement in performance with a champion efficiency of 23.35 %, which is greatly improved relative to the control (21.66 %). The long-term operational stability is also remarkably enhanced, after 800 h MPPT, PSCs with KBT remain over 80 % of its initial efficiency. PSCs with KBT-doped ETLs exhibit increased efficiency and stability, highlighting potential of KBT as an interface engineering tool for enhancing PSCs performance.