Performance Of Solar Cells Research Articles

Fabrication of Nano-Carbon-Based Sustainable Perovskite Solar Cells

The rising need for sustainable energy solutions has fuelled considerable research into novel technologies that harness solar energy for efficient and scalable energy storage. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as feasible candidates for these applications due to their unique properties, such as high surface area, better electrical conductivity, and chemical stability.This report focuses on the design and fabrication of cost-effective nano-carbon-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and discusses their potential for clean energy generation and storage. This experimental study shows a novel technique to increase the sustainability the conventional fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate with an Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) derived from electronic waste and incorporating nanocarbon based-graphene with solution-based techniques. This addition serves as a good basis for the ITO coating, aids charge transport in the perovskite solar cell, and promotes uniform covering maximum electrical conductivity, and transparency. Being the transparent conducting electrode, the CNTs is infused with the upcycled ITO coated glass and was included in the perovskite solar cell architecture, which replaces the traditional ITO electrode, lowering material costs, and improving the circular economy for energy storage devices, and a cleaner energy future.The ITO extraction process entails recovering indium and tin from mobile phones using an environmentally friendly and economical chemical etching process using hydrochloric acid (HCl) to remove the ITO layer. To ensure the purity and structural integrity of the ITO nanoparticles, they were rigorously characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. After depositing a perovskite- CNTs precursor solution on the ITO layer glass substrate, the light-absorbing layer was annealed. Electron transport and hole-blocking layers were then deposited utilizing solution processing techniques using the PEDOT: PSS and metal electrodes were deposited to complete the device manufacturing. The current-voltage (J-V) relationship was used to compute the open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current density, fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of a solar cell. Electrical characterization allow for the calculation of solar cell performance metrics such as short-circuit current (Isc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), and open-circuit voltage (Voc). These findings imply that employing e-waste-derived ITO on graphene substrates to create high-efficiency perovskite solar cells is a realistic option. This research provides a sustainable and cost-effective method for producing high-performance perovskite solar cells by eco-friendly upcycling e-waste for ITO extraction, addressing the critical issue of e-trash management. Keywords Perovskite solar cells, CNTs, sustainable energy, energy conversion.

Enhancing efficiency and performance of Cs2TiI6-based perovskite solar cells through extensive optimization: A numerical approach

The commercial production of lead-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is hindered due to toxicity difficulty and all Ti-based all-inorganic PSCs may give a practical solution to these problems. This work optimizes the different layers of a PSC based on the Cs2TiI6 absorber layer. In order to produce four unique structures, ten distinct HTLs are considered to identify the best HTL, and after that four ETLs are utilized. These structures are then optimized using SCAPS 1D simulation software. The thickness of the absorber and electron transport layer (ETL), as well as the acceptor and defect density of the absorber, and the acceptor density of the hole transport layer (HTL), were optimized sequentially. After the optimization, the best PCE of 28.03 % along with VOC, JSC, and FF of 1.11 V, 28.39 mA/cm2, and 89.01 % were found, correspondingly for the structure of FTO/SnS2/Cs2TiI6/MoTe2/Au. Additionally, the effects of temperature, series resistance, and shunt resistance were investigated with regard to the four most promising devices. The generation and recombination rates, together with the reported properties of current-voltage density (J-V) and quantum efficiency (QE), are also relevant to the first and last optimized devices in the four-device investigation.

Design and simulation of BeSiP2-based high-performance solar cell and photosensor

This research composition provides a novel as well as non-toxic chalcopyrite-category BeSiP2 (BSP) compound-based structure that is inspected by a solar cell capacitance simulator software (SCAPS-1D) and this structure can be used for both solar cell (SC) and photosensor (PS) industries. In this structure, indium sulphide (In2S3) and molybdenum sulphide (MoS2) are exploited as window and back surface field (BSF) layers. By arranging the BSP-based photonic (photosensor and solar cell) structure, the optimized condition of different layers has been determined. Without the MoS2 layer, the value of SC and PS performance parameters are JSC of 29.75 mA/cm2, VOC of 0.84 V, FF of 83.96 %, PCE of 20.97 %, R of 0.51 AW−1 and D* of 1.68 × 1015 Jones. But with a thin MoS2 layer, the SC and PS performance parameters of the BSP compound-based photonic gadget (PG) progress meaningfully. The progress of SC and PS parameters are JSC of 34.44 mA/cm2, VOC of 0.99 V, FF of 87.45 %, PCE of 29.83 %, R of 0.64 AW−1 and D∗ of 3.63 × 1016 Jones, separately. These findings exhibit that BSP-based structure can be used for both solar cell and photodetector devices, which could be highly efficient and cost-effective fabrication in photonic industries.

Enhancing D/A Interactions via Porphyrin Isomerization to Improve Photovoltaic Performance.

The interactions between the electron donors and electron acceptors (D/A) play important roles for the performance of organic solar cells (OSCs).While the isomerization strategy is known to optimize molecular geometries and properties, the impacts of isomerization on the donors or acceptors in D/A interactions have not been extensively investigated.Here in, we innovatively investigated the impacts of donor isomerism on the D/A interactions by synthesizing two small molecule donors m-ph-ZnP2and p-ph-ZnP2by linking two functionalized porphyrins at the meta and para positions of phenyl groups, respectively.Compared with p-ph-ZnP2, m-ph-ZnP2displays reduced self-aggregation but with PC61BM.Consequently, a much higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.43% is achieved for the m-ph-ZnP2binary OSCs than the p-ph-ZnP2devices with a PCE of 2.03%.The enhanced performance of m-ph-ZnP2-based device can be primarily attributed to the stronger intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), the enhanced D/A interactions, the improved charge transfer, and the suppressed charge recombination.Furthermore, the ternary devices based on m-ph-ZnP2:Y6:PC61BM achieve a PCE of 8.34%. In short, this work elucidates the relationship among the chemical structure, D/A interactions and device performance, providing valuable guidelines for designing efficient OSCs materials.

Photocontrolled interfacial defect passivation of coumarin 151 with enhanced hydrophobicity for stable perovskite solar cell

Defect passivation has been recognized as an efficient strategy to boost the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) for commercial applications. However, most reported strategies overly emphasize passivation of undesirable defects, while ignoring the inherent instability of perovskite materials caused by environmental risks. In this study, we explore a groundbreaking strategy to integrate various functions of defect passivation, photoresponsivity and photocontrolled hydrophobicity in one device via the surface engineering of 7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin (C151). The detailed experiments demonstrate that C151 based PSCs have regulated power conversion efficiency and stability responding to UV illumination due to the photodimerization of coumarin. On the one hand, the photodimer of C151 (C151-L) can form stronger chelation with various defect sites in comparison with C151, resulting in optimized energy level arrangement, superior charge extraction/transport and significantly inhibited nonradivation recombination. One the other hand, morphological changes of the perovskite film triggered by UV illumination also bring convertible surface hydrophobicity transition. As a result, the unpackaged C151-L modified device exhibits excellent stability maintaining 91% of its initial PCE after aging for 1000 h under a relative humidity of 30%–40% at 20 °C. Moreover, C151-L plays a positive role in improving the operation stability against high humidity, continuous UV radiation, and heating stress. This work may offer more choices for materials with tunable properties in high-efficiency optoelectronic devices.

Insulating Polymer Mediated Stability and Photovoltaic Performance of Organic Solar Cells: Influence of Molecular Weight

AbstractInsulating polymers are promising components for constructing high performance organic solar cells (OSCs) due to their advantages including low cost, excellent mechanical properties, and feasibility in morphology modulation. However, few studies have been conducted on the effect of molecular weight of insulating polymers on the performance of the corresponding OSCs. In this work, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with different molecular weight (named as PMMAL and PMMAH) are incorporated into a range of polymer:nonfullerene photovoltaic systems. It is found that although both PMMAL and PMMAH can suppress the energetic disorder and the nonradiative energy loss, and lead to enhanced open‐circuit voltage in their corresponding OSCs, distinct mechanical property, operational stability as well as photovoltaic performance are observed. PMMAL can modulate the molecular packing of the host components more effectively due to its superior chain segment mobility during the film‐forming process, which can drive the host components to form more ordered molecular packing and therefore superior photovoltaic performance. On the other hand, due to the better miscibility of PMMAH with the host system, especially the C5‐16 acceptor, PMMAH can be well dispersed in the host and form a stable framework that provides superior mechanical properties and operational stability.

Investigating novel perovskites of lead-free flexible solar cell CH3NH3BiI3 and their photovoltaic performance with efficiency over 26%

Perovskite solar cells are increasing attention due to their unique characteristics in the field of photovoltaic technology. Lead-based perovskite solar cells are particularly notable for their high efficiency. However, their commercial production is limited because of the use of lead-based absorbers. As a result, research has shifted towards exploring lead-free alternatives in the realm of perovskite materials. This study utilizes SCAPS-1D simulation software to optimize the performance of a lead-free flexible solar cell. Lead (Pb), a group 14 element, is proposed to be replaced by bismuth (Bi), a group 15 element. We investigate how the selection of configurations for the Electron Transport Layer (ETL), Hole Transport Layer (HTL), and absorber layer impacts solar cell performance. This study represents a comprehensive examination of this material. The device optimization involves using a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate, cadmium sulfide (CdS), tungsten disulfide (WS2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and fullerene (C60) as ETL components, methyl ammonium bismuth iodide (CH3NH3BiI3) as the absorber, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as the HTL, and platinum (Pt) as the electrode. In addition to optimizing ETL and HTL configurations, this study explores the effects of various factors such as absorber, ETL, and HTL thickness, shunt and series resistance, temperature variations, Mott-Schottky behavior, capacitance, recombination, generation rates, J-V characteristics, and quantum energy. The results show that the solar cell configuration using FTO/CdS/CH3NH3BiI3/MoS2/Pt achieves an efficiency of 26.60 %, a current density (JSC) of 32.02 mA/cm2, an open circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.974 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 85.24 %. This represents a significant improvement compared to previous research. This detailed simulation analysis enables researchers to develop cost-effective and highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs), driving advancements in solar technology.

Multiple Impacts of the Aluminum Oxide Passivation Layer on the Properties OF Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Solar Cells

AbstractIn this study, the origins of efficiency gains in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells are investigated by introducing an Al2O3 passivation layer in terms of the oxidation condition of Mo back contact, alkali‐metal diffusion, minority carrier lifetimes (τ), and charge conditions. The study reveals that introduction of an Al2O3 back‐contact passivation layer into solar cells yields multiple impacts. Al2O3 deposition enhances the oxidation of the Mo back contacts, increasing Na solubility in Mo and Na diffusion from Mo into the CIGS layer, thereby modifying the metastable properties of CIGS. The charge condition at the CIGS/Al2O3 interface is not fixed negative charge but variable, dependent on whether electrons or holes are supplied. During solar cell operation, the interfacial charge condition is expected to be neutral or positive for Al2O3 grown using plasma or thermal atomic layer deposition techniques, respectively. Moreover, the mechanical peeling off of CIGS from Mo back contact enhanced τ in a similar way as with the insertion of Al2O3. Based on this study, the enhancement of alkali metal supply and the removal of direct contact of CIGS to the metal contact (Mo) can play crucial roles in improving the performance of CIGS solar cell.

Effect of Molecular Conformation on Intermolecular Interactions and Photovoltaic Performances of Giant Molecule Acceptors

AbstractThe molecular conformation of giant molecule acceptors (GMAs) plays a significant role in regulating the intermolecular interactions and their photovoltaic performances in organic solar cells (OSCs). For the linear GMA GT‐l, the stronger homo‐molecular interaction causes its aggregation being weakly affected by the donor, thus forming an ordered molecular stacking and proper phase separation in its blend film. The star‐shaped GMA GT‐s‐based blend film shows a dominant hetero‐molecular interaction that suppresses the aggregation of the donor and acceptor, resulting in smaller phase separation and more uniform vertical phase distribution. While for another star‐shaped GMA GTs, the weakest hetero‐molecular interaction causes its blend film to form larger phase separation. Therefore, the GT‐l based OSC with PM6 as donor shows the highest charge mobilities, the fastest charge transfer (CT) process, reduced energy loss and less charge recombination, contributing to a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.03%. Comparatively, the PCEs of the OSCs based on GTs and GT‐s are 18.05% and 17.58% respectively. Notably, all the three GMAs based OSCs show excellent thermal stability and long‐term storage stability. This study provides a facile strategy by tuning the linking unit and its connecting mode for designing highly efficient and stable organic photovoltaic materials.

Comparative examination of both spectral properties and hybrid solar cell application of 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenoxy substituted phthalocyanine dyes

In this study, novel octa 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenoxy substituted phthalocyanines, and tetra chloro and tetra 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenoxy substituted phthalocyanines were synthesized, characterized, examined their spectral properties comparatively and investigated of hybrid solar cell application of them. The spectral characterizations can be performed for all phthalocyanine compounds, solar cell application was only possible for tetra chloro tetra 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenoxy substituted phthalocyanines, the others phthalocyanines not due to their low yield.Solar cell properties of the tetra chloro tetra 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenoxy substituted phthalocyanines were studied using the ITO/ZnO/C60/ P3HT /LiF/Al structure. In order to improve and compare performance parameters of the poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) based solar cells, the tetra chloro tetra 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenoxy substituted H2Pc (2), Co(II)Pc (3) and Ni(II)Pc (4) compounds were incorporated individually into the solar cell structure between ZnO and C60 layers in which amorphous ZnO nanoparticles serves as electron transfer layer. Solar cell performance parameters such as short circuit current density (JSC), open circuit voltage (VOC), fill factor (FF) and power conversion efficiency (η) were studied as comparison parameters. Incorporation of Ni(II)Pc (4) into the reference structure between ZnO and C60 caused an increase 23.4 % in Jsc and 4.4 % in η whereas incorporation of Co(II)Pc (3) layer into the reference structure caused an increase 135.0 % in Jsc and 107.0 % in η under an illumination of 100 mW/cm2 with an AM 1.5G solar simulator. The best JSC and η (%) values were obtained for P3HT based solar cells with Co(II)Pc (3) interlayer.

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.

Semiconductor heterojunctions coated with reduced graphite oxide as electron transfer materials for high-performance perovskite solar cells

Exploring and insight into the relationship between the microstructure, light absorption performance, and carrier transport of perovskite light absorption layer materials and carrier transport layer materials is crucial for obtaining efficient and stable perovskite solar cells. We adopted a simple strategy to prepare a composite material known as reduced graphene oxide wrapped mesoporous hierarchical TiO2–CdS semiconductor heterojunctions (TiO2–CdS-RGO) as the electron transport layer in formamidine lead iodide perovskite solar cells. Compared with single TiO2 and binary composite, this composite material exhibits enhanced photoluminescence quenching, reduced photo generated carrier recombination rate, and improved electron transfer capability. Photovoltaic devices based on TiO2–CdS-RGO composite material showed a 14.5 % increase in short-circuit current density (JSC) and a 36.3 % increase in photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) compared to those with only TiO2. The improved optoelectronic properties observed with the TiO2–CdS-RGO as electron transfer layers can be attributed to several factors. On the one hand, mesoporous TiO2 with a high specific surface area is beneficial for perovskite infiltration and enhances electron transfer rate. On the other hand, the well-matching energy level structure among the three components aids in electrons extraction and reduces the recombination rate of photo generated charge carriers; In addition, RGO nanosheets with high conductivity serve as an efficient electron transfer network, providing a rapid charge transfer pathways, which is crucial for enhancing the photoelectric conversion performance of perovskite solar cells.

Investigation of structural, electronic, optical, mechanical, and solar cell performance of inorganic novel Ca3AsI3 compound through DFT and SCAPS-1D

This manuscript thoroughly examines the structural, mechanical, electrical, and optical attributes of Ca3AsI3 through first principles-based DFT simulations. The mechanical study confirms its stability and robustness despite its brittleness. The direct bandgap at the Γ-point registers at 1.577 (2.14) eV with PBE (HSE)), providing evidence of its semiconducting nature. Phonon dispersion showed that the compound is dynamically stable. Detailed optical insights were obtained, and the SnS2/Ca3AsI3 heterostructure was explored using SCAPS-1D, optimizing absorber thickness, doping density, and bulk/interface defect density. Adjusting the rear electrode’s work function enhances PV productivity. Under optimal conditions, the Ag/FTO/SnS2/Ca3AsI3/Ni structure yields a VOC of 1.11 V, JSC of 22.06 mA/cm2, FF of 85.06 %, and a PCE of 20.88 %. So, this proposed structure may be used as integrated circuit integration, waveguides, and solar cell in a near future.

NiOx Passivation in Perovskite Solar Cells: From Surface Reactivity to Device Performance.

Nonstoichiometric nickel oxide (NiOx) is one of the very few metal oxides successfully used as hole extraction layer in p-i-n type perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Its favorable optoelectronic properties and facile large-scale preparation methods are potentially relevant for future commercialization of PSCs, though currently low operational stability of PSCs is reported when a NiOx hole extraction layer is used in direct contact with the perovskite absorber. Poorly understood degradation reactions at this interface are seen as cause for the inferior stability, and a variety of interface passivation approaches have been shown to be effective in improving the overall solar cell performance. To gain a better understanding of the processes happening at this interface, we systematically passivated specific defects on NiOx with three different categories of organic/inorganic compounds. The effects on NiOx and the perovskite (MAPbI3) deposited on top were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Here, we find that the perovskite's structural stability and film formation can be significantly affected by the passivation treatment of the NiOx surface. In combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a likely origin of NiOx-perovskite degradation interactions is proposed. The surface passivated NiOx layers were incorporated into MAPbI3-based PSCs, and the influence on device performance and operational stability was investigated by current-voltage (J-V) characterization, impedance spectroscopy (IS), and open circuit voltage decay (OCVD) measurements. Interestingly, we find that a superior structural stability due to interface passivation must not relate to high operational stability. The discrepancy comes from the formation of excess ions at the interface, which negatively impacts all solar cell parameters.

Strain in Halide Perovskite Solar Cells: Origins, Impacts, and Regulation

Perovskite solar cells have made significant progress in the past decade, demonstrating promising potential for next‐generation solar technology. However, the strain‐induced intrinsic instability of mixed‐halide perovskites poses a significant obstacle to their widespread commercialization. Relaxation of the perovskite lattice strain is a crucial approach for enhancing photovoltaic performance and broadening their application potential. In this study, the authors conduct an analysis of strain progression in perovskite thin films, examining its impact on the physical properties of perovskites and the performance of perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, they explore its influence on device stability from the perspectives of phase transitions, chemical decomposition, and mechanical fragility. Additionally, they provide a summary of key advancements in strain‐relaxation strategies and offer design principles and synthetic approaches to address the issue of lattice strain in perovskites. This paper is intended to lay the groundwork for the theoretical development of effective strain‐relaxation methods, moving beyond sole reliance on empirical optimization.

Tailored nano-pillar structures on surfaces: facile formation and multifunctional properties

Nano-pillar structured surfaces have prized for exceptional optoelectronic properties and biocompatibility but commonly complex, expensive, and inflexible in production. A systematic investigation of the formation, mechanisms, and properties of nanostructures induced by nano-capillaries remains unexplored. Through this study, the facile formation of nano-pillared surfaces induced by designable nano-capillaries on AAO template demonstrated significant improvements in antibacterial effect, spectral structural color and anti-reflection characteristics. Reverse molding of nano-pillar arrays with aspect ratios of up to 1.2 on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films yielded a super-hydrophobic surface of 150° contact angle (CA). Through the utilization of computational fluid mechanics model, a direct correlation was demonstrated between the aspect ratio of nano-pillars and the viscosity of PDMS. The nano-pillared surfaces had remarkable antibacterial rates of 91% for Escherichia coli and 89% for Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the structured surfaces exhibited color spanning from light blue to light red by tuning nano-pillars dimensions, incident light angle, and/or adding reflective metallic coating, which offered unique visualization effects for anti-counterfeiting. Moreover, the superior light-trapping and anti-reflection of the nano-pillared surface significantly increased the power conversion efficiency (PCE) 19% from the base performance of the polysilicon solar cells.

Enhanced Performance of Polymer Solar Cells by Ultraviolet-Ozone Treatment of MoOX Films with non-Thermal Annealing Treatment of MoOX Films

Molybdenum oxide (MoOX) is a commonly used hole extraction material (HEL) in polymer solar cells (PSCs). Here, we perform ultraviolet ozone treatment (UVO, non-thermal annealing treatment) on MoOX film (by spin-coated (NH4)6Mo7O24-4H2O solution on the ITO top) prepared by solution processing to develop hole extraction materials for efficient PSC. After UVO treatment of MoOX films (US-MoOX), the (NH4)6Mo7O24-4H2O molecules decompose to form a denser and higher energy levels MoOX film. Compared with E-MoOX films (vacuum evaporated MoO3 powder), US-MoOX films have similar square resistance and electrical conductivity to E-MoOX films, and the photovoltaic performance of US-MoOX-based PSCs is comparable to that of E-MoOX-based PSCs and higher than that of PEDOT:PSS-based PSCs. Therefore, US-MoOX-based PSCs show the advantages of combining high photovoltaic performance with solution processing. In addition, US-MoOX-based PSCs have the advantage of not requiring thermal annealing treatment. The results indicate that US-MoOX films are promising HEL materials for the practical production of PSCs.

Obviously decreased hysteresis index originated from enhanced grain size with ETL modification for improved performance of perovskite solar cells

Obviously decreased hysteresis index originated from enhanced grain size with ETL modification for improved performance of perovskite solar cells

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.

Spiro-OMeTAD Anchoring perovskite for gradual homojunction in stable perovskite solar cells

The role of interface energetics-modification in interface-defect passivation and optimal interface energy-level matching is assumed to be a crucial aspect. Enhancing the performance and durability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) can be achieved through this strategy. Here, spiro-OMeTAD [2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis (N, N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9′-spirobifluorene] has been pipetted onto the spinning perovskite precursor film via a chlorobenzene anti-solvent strategy. It is found that spiro-OMeTAD serves as not only the filler at grain boundaries, but also the coverage on perovskite’s grain, and then forms the gradual homojunction interface from perovskite to spiro-OMeTAD hole transport layer, which can make spiro-OMeTAD anchor perovskite via the reaction between Pb2+ and C-O groups to decrease the interface barrier and obtain the optimal interface energy-level match between them for hole −migration and −collection. Moreover, these fillers or coverages can prevent moisture invading perovskite. Consequently, the counterpart PSC achieves a champion efficiency of 24.46 %, and has retained more than 88 % of the initial efficiency after 224 days of storage.