Study Of Perovskite Solar Cells Research Articles

Low melting point metal alloys for cost-efficient deposition of electrodes in perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells represent a promising emerging photovoltaic technology. However, commercial application of perovskite solar cells requires scalable and low-cost solutions for all device components, including the top electrode. Herein, we present a proof-of-concept study of perovskite solar cells with top metal electrodes fabricated from a low melting point alloy. The electrodes were deposited by the simple lamination of Wood's alloy (Tmelt = 72 °C) foils on the surface of electron-transport layer. Perovskite solar cells fabricated in such way delivered the maximal power conversion efficiency of 14.3–14.8%, which is comparable with the reference cells with thermally evaporated contacts.

An introduction to perovskites for solar cells and their characterisation

Perovskite solar cells are one of the most active areas of renewable energy research at present. The primary research objectives are to improve their optoelectronic properties and long-term stability in different environments. In this paper, we discuss the working principles of hybrid perovskite photovoltaics and compare them to the competing photovoltaic technologies of inorganic and organic photovoltaics. The current challenges that hinder the commercialisation of perovskite solar cells are then discussed. This is followed by a description of perovskite material properties and some characterisation techniques commonly used to assess perovskite properties, fabrication processes including the use of antisolvents, and degradation mechanisms. We intend that this work should serve as a beginner’s guide to the study of perovskite solar cells.

Mechanical study of perovskite solar cells: opportunities and challenges for wearable power source

We provide a review of current understandings of mechanical properties and fracture behaviors of perovskites that are essential for flexible and stretchable solar cell (SC) applications. We first review the mechanical failure modes in perovskites. We further discuss the underlying mechanisms of mechanical failure and its impact on device degradation in flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Then, we examine the strategies to mitigate these mechanical issues in flexible PSCs. Lastly, we assess the elevated challenges and present recommendations for future research directions to advance the technology towards a fully stretchable and wearable energy source.

Synthesis and Characterization of Magnesium Acetate Doped MAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells with Carbon Electrodes

The organometal perovskite trihalide (MAPbI3) based solar cell has attracted the attention of many researchers because it has the potential to be a third-generation solar cell that has high efficiency, flexibility and transparency. However, this perovskite solar cell is sensitive to the environment and less stable. In this study, a performance study of perovskite solar cells with the addition of magnesium acetate was carried out in the MAPbI3 synthesis process and the use of carbon electrodes. In general, the perovskite solar cell arrangement in this study consisted of ITO/TiO2 mp/MAPbI3/carbon paste. Mesoporous TiO2 (mp) coating was carried out using the screen printing method, while MAPbI3 coating was carried out with a two-stage spin coating with the addition of magnesium acetate after PbI2 coating in the first stage. The samples obtained were then characterized using an X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD). Analysis of the performance of solar cells was carried out by measuring I-V and photoresponses using a solar simulator. XRD results show that MAPbI3 film has been formed even though there is still impurity of PbI2. The resulting solar cell performance has a value of Voc equals 3.45 V and Jsc equals 0.04 with an efficiency of around 0.09 per cent. In the measurement of the response photo, the increase in time value was 7.29 s and the decay time was 34.38 s. The low-efficiency value is probably due to the absence of a layer of hole transfer materials (HTM) and the presence of PbI2 impurities. However, the stability of the photoresponse pattern against time has shown quite good results even though the response is increased or the decay is slow.

Water, a Green Solvent for Fabrication of High-Quality CsPbBr3 Films for Efficient Solar Cells.

Water has been labeled as a devil in fabrication and stability of perovskite solar cells. The inherent cognition impels researchers to prepare perovskite films in water-controlled conditions. Herein, water is used as a green solvent to prepare CsPbBr3 films through a two-step spin-coating method. Due to the high solubility of CsBr but low solubility of PbBr2 in water, it provides a possibility to deposit CsBr onto PbBr2 from water solution without destroying the film. Here, high-quality CsPbBr3 films are fabricated by spin-coating concentrated CsBr/H2O solution onto the PbBr2 film followed by annealing. As a result, the solar cells basing on a configuration of FTO/TiO2/CsPbBr3/Carbon exhibit a power conversion efficiency of 6.12%. This work provides a simple and easy way to prepare high-quality CsPbBr3 films for efficient solar cells. It makes a solid step toward reducing the solvent toxicity in the fabrication process of perovskite solar cells. It also breaks the forbidden zone for fabricating perovskite films from water and updates the inherent understanding of water in the research study of perovskite solar cells.

Investigation of Rbx(MA)1−xPbI3(x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.75, 1) perovskites as a potential source of P- and N-type materials for PN-junction solar cell

We report the investigation of monovalent cation rubidium (Rb+)-doped methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3; MAPbI3; CH3NH3=MA)-based perovskites. The perovskite MAPbI3 have large absorber coefficient than silicon and gallium arsenide, long carrier life, and optimal bandgap, low exciton binding energy, and low manufacturing cost make this material ideal for photovoltaic applications. However, material stability is prime concern and major limitation towards the commercialization of perovskite solar cell. The organic part, i.e., MA, is volatile and subject to degradation in humid/oxygen environment. Here, an effort is made to replace the organic part in MAPbI3 with oxidation stable Rb cation. The Rbx(MA)1−xPbI3 (x = 0–1) materials were synthesized by solution process method followed by thin-film deposition. The post-deposition annealing of all Rbx(MA)1−xPbI3 (x = 0–1) films is carried out at optimized temperature of 100 °C in argon-filled glove box. The pristine MAPbI3 films have shown tetragonal structure, whereas orthorhombic distortion is observed in all Rb-doped samples. The electron micrographs of doped films have shown dendritic structures which converted into a beautiful thread/wire like structures in all inorganic RbPbI3 films. Optical studies also show phase transition in Rb-doped samples in two different regions. The absorption intensity observed by photoluminescence studies is increased by six orders of magnitude in partially doped samples. It is observed that the carrier concentration and mobility of the material can be controlled and the conductivity type of the material could be tuned from n-type to p-type by doping with Rb doping. The X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) showed the oxidation states of Pb and I are + 2 and − 1 in all samples. The intercalation of inadvertent carbon and oxygen in Rbx(MA)1−xPbI3 films was also investigated by XPS. It is observed that respective oxygen and carbon-related peaks responsible for decomposition of MAPbI3 material decrease in intensity in all partially doped samples, showing the stability of the material by introducing oxidation stable Rb. This study also opens a way to the future study of perovskite solar cells with perovskite film as a P–N junction. These partially doped perovskites with enhanced stability and improved optoelectronic properties could be an attractive candidate as light harvesters for photovoltaic device application.

Organohalide Lead Perovskites: More Stable than Glass under Gamma-Ray Radiation.

Organohalide metal perovskites have emerged as promising semiconductor materials for use as space solar cells and radiation detectors. However, there is a lack of study of their stability under operational conditions. Here a stability study of perovskite solar cells under gamma-rays and visible light simultaneously is reported. The perovskite active layers are shown to retain 96.8% of their initial power conversion efficiency under continuous irradiation of gamma-rays and light for 1535 h, where gamma-rays have an accumulated dose of 2.3 Mrad. In striking contrast, a glass substrate shows obvious loss of transmittance under the same irradiation conditions. The excellent stability of the perovskite solar cells benefits from the self-healing behavior to recover its efficiency loss from the early degradation induced by gamma-ray irradiation. Defect density characterization reveals that gamma-ray irradiation does not induce electronic trap states. These observations demonstrate the prospects of perovskite materials in applications of radiation detectors and space solar cells.

Analysing the Prospects of Perovskite Solar Cells within the Purview of Recent Scientific Advancements

For any given technology to be successful, its ability to compete with the other existing technologies is the key. Over the last five years, perovskite solar cells have entered the research spectrum with tremendous market prospects. These cells provide easy and low cost processability and are an efficient alternative to the existing solar cell technologies in the market. In this review article, we first go over the innovation and the scientific findings that have been going on in the field of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and then present a short case study of perovskite solar cells based on their energy payback time. Our review aims to be comprehensive, considering the cost, the efficiency, and the stability of the PSCs. Later, we suggest areas for improvement in the field, and how the future might be shaped.

Low-Temperature Combustion Synthesis of a Spinel NiCo2O4 Hole Transport Layer for Perovskite Photovoltaics.

The synthesis and characterization of low‐temperature solution‐processable monodispersed nickel cobaltite (NiCo2O4) nanoparticles (NPs) via a combustion synthesis is reported using tartaric acid as fuel and the performance as a hole transport layer (HTL) for perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) is demonstrated. NiCo2O4 is a p‐type semiconductor consisting of environmentally friendly, abundant elements and higher conductivity compared to NiO. It is shown that the combustion synthesis of spinel NiCo2O4 using tartaric acid as fuel can be used to control the NPs size and provide smooth, compact, and homogeneous functional HTLs processed by blade coating. Study of PVSCs with different NiCo2O4 thickness as HTL reveals a difference on hole extraction efficiency, and for 15 nm, optimized thickness enhanced hole carrier collection is achieved. As a result, p‐i‐n structure of PVSCs with 15 nm NiCo2O4 HTLs shows reliable performance and power conversion efficiency values in the range of 15.5% with negligible hysteresis.

Charge transport study of perovskite solar cells through constructing electron transport channels

Perovskite solar cells (PSC) have attracted much attention in the recent years. It is important to understand their working principle in order to uncover the reasons behind their high efficiency. In this study, the carrier transport mechanism of PSC by controlling the structure of a scaffold is investigated. CeO2 is used as an electron blocking material in PSCs to study the electron transport behavior for the first time. The influence of light absorption can be excluded because CeO2 has a similar bandgap to TiO2. A variety of scaffolds are constructed using nano‐TiO2 and CeO2. The results show that electrons can transport from light absober (perovskite) to FTO electrode (external circuit) through two kinds of channels. The energy band level, as well as the electronic conductivity of the scaffolds, is are key issues that affect electron transport. Although perovskites are able to transport both electrons and holes, it is still necessary to have effective electron transport channels (ETCs) between perovskite and external circuit for the sake of high efficiency. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis suggests that the lack of such channels will result in high recombination. The number of ETCs and effecient electron‐hole separation are also proven to be important for cell performance.

Low temperature processed, high-performance and stable NiOx based inverted planar perovskite solar cells via a poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) nanodots cathode electron-extraction layer

High conversion efficiency and stability are above all important topics in the current study of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which determine the future of their commercialization. According to the intrinsic characters of PSCs, interface engineering plays a key role in enhancing both conversion efficiency and stability of PSCs. In this work, we developed a robust interface engineering for “inverted” planar heterojunction PSCs of low temperature and faCELe solution processed PEOz nanodots film. The PEOz nanodots film acts as electron extraction layer and NiOx nanostructured film acts as a hole transport layer in a configuration of ITO/NiOx/Perovskite/PCBM/PEOz/Ag. Such design results in an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.07 V, a short-circuit current (Jsc) of 21.93 mA/cm2, and a fill factor (FF) of 77.9%, corresponding to a maximum PCE of 18.28%, in contrast to a conversion efficiency of 11.98% for the same structure devices without PEOz cathode electron-extraction layer. Moreover, the combination of the two layers leads to highly stable planar PSCs and hence high durability. A series of experiments and characterizations were performed and collected to support the discovery. Our results provide a scientific basis for the scale-up production of future PSCs.

Chemical Stability Issue and Its Research Process of Perovskite Solar Cells with High Efficiency

Perovskite solar cells have recently achieved photo-electric conversion efficiency over 19% showing a promis- ing future for a cost-competitive potovoltaic technology. However, the study of perovskite solar cells' stability didn't catch up with the step of efficiency's process, which is the key issue for commercial application of perovskite solar cells. This re- view discussed the basic issues of the perovskite solar cells' stability under different circumstances, such as oxygen and moisture, UV light, solution process (solvents, solutes, additives), and temperature etc. and summarized how to control the perovskite solar cells' stability under the conditions above. The purpose is to provide a better understanding about perovskite solar cells'stability and the methods to increase the stability of perovskite solar cells under different circumstances. Keywords perovskite solar cells; high efficiency; chemical stability; circumstances; control

Study of perovskite solar cells synthesized under ambient conditions and of the performance of small cell modules

Solid state hybrid organic–inorganic solar cells have been made by employing a layer structure of nanoparticulate titania, organometal halide perovskite and spiro-MeOTAD as hole transporter. The cells were made and studied under ambient conditions of mild relative humidity (spring–summer in Patras, Greece). Maximum unit cell efficiency was 7%. The electric characteristics of the cells were monitored for several days by storing under ambient conditions without encapsulation. Cells passed through an incubation period of several days during which efficiency increased every day. A limited upscaling was attempted by constructing small cell modules comprising several unit cells of 15mm2 each in parallel and in series. Connection in parallel increased current but not correspondingly to a single unit cell. However, connection in series did provide a voltage multiplication. The results encourage construction of solid state perovskite solar cells and upscaling by connection in series.