Binary-metal perovskites toward high-performance planar-heterojunction hybrid solar cells

Beyond methylammonium lead iodide: prospects for the emergent field of ns2 containing solar absorbers

The field of photovoltaics is undergoing a surge of interest following the recent discovery of the lead hybrid perovskites as a remarkably efficient class of solar absorber. Of these, methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI) has garnered significant attention due to its record breaking efficiencies, however, there are growing concerns surrounding its long-term stability. Many of the excellent properties seen in hybrid perovskites are thought to derive from the 6s² electronic configuration of lead, a configuration seen in a range of post-transition metal compounds. In this review we look beyond MAPI to other ns² solar absorbers, with the aim of identifying those materials likely to achieve high efficiencies. The ideal properties essential to produce highly efficient solar cells are discussed and used as a framework to assess the broad range of compounds this field encompasses. Bringing together the lessons learned from this wide-ranging collection of materials will be essential as attention turns toward producing the next generation of solar absorbers.

UV-Sintered Low-Temperature Solution-Processed SnO2 as Robust Electron Transport Layer for Efficient Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells

Recently, low temperature solution-processed tin oxide (SnO₂) as a versatile electron transport layer (ETL) for efficient and robust planar heterojunction (PH) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has attracted particular attention due to its outstanding properties such as high optical transparency, high electron mobility, and suitable band alignment. However, for most of the reported works, an annealing temperature of 180 °C is generally required. This temperature is reluctantly considered to be a low temperature, especially with respect to the flexible application where 180 °C is still too high for the polyethylene terephthalate flexible substrate to bear. In this contribution, low temperature (about 70 °C) UV/ozone treatment was applied to in situ synthesis of SnO₂ films deposited on the fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate as ETL. This method is a facile photochemical treatment which is simple to operate and can easily eliminate the organic components. Accordingly, PH PSCs with UV-sintered SnO₂ films as ETL were successfully fabricated for the first time. The device exhibited excellent photovoltaic performance as high as 16.21%, which is even higher than the value (11.49%) reported for a counterpart device with solution-processed and high temperature annealed SnO₂ films as ETL. These low temperature solution-processed and UV-sintered SnO₂ films are suitable for the low-cost, large yield solution process on a flexible substrate for optoelectronic devices.

Halide Perovskites for Tandem Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells have become one of the strongest candidates for next-generation solar energy technologies. A myriad of beneficial optoelectronic properties of the perovskite materials have enabled superb power conversion efficiencies (PCE) exceeding 22% for a single-junction device. The high PCE achievable via low processing costs and relatively high variability in optical properties have opened new possibilities for perovskites in tandem solar cells. In this Perspective, we will discuss current research trends in fabricating tandem perovskite-based solar cells in combination with a variety of mature photovoltaic devices such as organic, silicon, and Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)₂ (CIGS) solar cells. Characteristic features and present limitations of each tandem cell will be discussed and elaborated upon. Finally, key issues for further improvement and the future outlook will be discussed.

Small Molecule-Polymer Composite Hole-Transporting Layer for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Effective and stable hole-transporting materials (HTMs) are necessary for obtaining excellent planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we reported a solution-processed composite HTM consisting of a polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and a small-molecule copper phthalocyanine-3,4',4″,4‴-tetrasulfonated acid tetrasodium salt (TS-CuPc) with optimized doping ratios. The composite HTM is crucial for not only enhancing the hole transport and extraction but also improving the perovskite crystallization. In addition, the composite HTM can weaken the indium tin oxide erosion by reducing the acidity and increasing the dispersibility of the PEDOT:PSS aqueous dispersion via incorporating suitable TS-CuPc. Consequently, a highly efficient device was fabricated with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.29%. Its short-circuit current (J_SC) is 22.23 mA/cm², and its open-circuit voltage (V_OC) is 1.01 V. Meanwhile, it exhibited a higher fill factor (FF) of 77% and improved cell stability. The developed composite HTM provides a good potential anode interfacial layer for fabricating outstanding PSCs.

SrCl2 Derived Perovskite Facilitating a High Efficiency of 16% in Hole-Conductor-Free Fully Printable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells

Despite the breakthrough of over 22% power conversion efficiency demonstrated in organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PVSCs), critical concerns pertaining to the instability and toxicity still remain that may potentially hinder their commercialization. In this study, a new chemical approach using environmentally friendly strontium chloride (SrCl₂ ) as a precursor for perovskite preparation is demonstrated to result in enhanced device performance and stability of the derived hole-conductor-free printable mesoscopic PVSCs. The CH₃ NH₃ PbI₃ perovskite is chemically modified by introducing SrCl₂ in the precursor solution. The results from structural, elemental, and morphological analyses show that the incorporation of SrCl₂ affords the formation of CH₃ NH₃ PbI₃ (SrCl₂ )_x perovskites endowed with lower defect concentration and better pore filling in the derived mesoscopic PVSCs. The optimized compositional CH₃ NH₃ PbI₃ (SrCl₂ )_0.1 perovskite can substantially enhance the photovoltaic performance of the derived hole-conductor-free device to 15.9%, outperforming the value (13.0%) of the pristine CH₃ NH₃ PbI₃ device. More importantly, the stability of the device in ambient air under illumination is also improved.

All-Vacuum-Deposited Stoichiometrically Balanced Inorganic Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells with Stabilized Efficiency Exceeding 11

Vacuum-sublimed inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite thin films are prepared and integrated in all-vacuum-deposited solar cells. Special care is taken to determine the stoichiometric balance of the sublimation precursors, which has great influence on the device performance. The mixed halide devices exhibit exceptional stabilized power conversion efficiency (11.8%) and promising thermal and long-term stabilities.

Importance of Reducing Vapor Atmosphere in the Fabrication of Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cells

Tin-based halide perovskite materials have been successfully employed in lead-free perovskite solar cells, but the tendency of these materials to form leakage pathways from p-type defect states, mainly Sn⁴⁺ and Sn vacancies, causes poor device reproducibility and limits the overall power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Here, we present an effective process that involves a reducing vapor atmosphere during the preparation of Sn-based halide perovskite solar cells to solve this problem, using MASnI₃, CsSnI₃, and CsSnBr₃ as the representative absorbers. This process enables the fabrication of remarkably improved solar cells with PCEs of 3.89%, 1.83%, and 3.04% for MASnI₃, CsSnI₃, and CsSnBr₃, respectively. The reducing vapor atmosphere process results in more than 20% reduction of Sn⁴⁺/Sn²⁺ ratios, which leads to greatly suppressed carrier recombination, to a level comparable to their lead-based counterparts. These results mark an important step toward a deeper understanding of the intrinsic Sn-based halide perovskite materials, paving the way to the realization of low-cost and lead-free Sn-based halide perovskite solar cells.

Solution processed double-decked V2Ox/PEDOT:PSS film serves as the hole transport layer of an inverted planar perovskite solar cell with high performance

Solution processed double-decked V₂O_x/PEDOT:PSS HTL film can effectively improve optoelectronic properties of PSC devices.

Improving the stability of the perovskite solar cells by V2O5 modified transport layer film

A PSC with high lifetime was prepared by inserting V₂O₅ film between the ITO electrode and PEDOT:PSS HTL.

High Open-Circuit Voltages in Tin-Rich Low-Bandgap Perovskite-Based Planar Heterojunction Photovoltaics

Low-bandgap CH₃ NH₃ (Pb_x Sn_1-x )I₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) hybrid perovskites (e.g., ≈1.5-1.1 eV) demonstrating high surface coverage and superior optoelectronic properties are fabricated. State-of-the-art photovoltaic (PV) performance is reported with power conversion efficiencies approaching 10% in planar heterojunction architecture with small (<450 meV) energy loss compared to the bandgap and high (>100 cm² V^-1 s^-1 ) intrinsic carrier mobilities.

Current progress and scientific challenges in the advancement of organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells

The solution-processed organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells have recently emerged as promising candidates for the conversion of solar power into electricity.

Fulleropyrrolidinium Iodide As an Efficient Electron Transport Layer for Air-Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells have attracted great attention in recent years. But there are still a lot of unresolved issues related to the perovskite solar cells such as the phenomenon of anomalous hysteresis characteristics and long-term stability of the devices. Here, we developed a simple three-layered efficient perovskite device by replacing the commonly employed PCBM electrical transport layer with an ultrathin fulleropyrrolidinium iodide (C₆₀-bis) in an inverted p-i-n architecture. The devices with an ultrathin C₆₀-bis electronic transport layer yield an average power conversion efficiency of 13.5% and a maximum efficiency of 15.15%. Steady-state photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements show that the high performance is attributed to the efficient blocking of holes and high extraction efficiency of electrons by C₆₀-bis, due to a favorable energy level alignment between the CH₃NH₃PbI₃ and the Ag electrodes. The hysteresis effect and stability of our perovskite solar cells with C₆₀-bis become better under indoor humidity conditions.

Stabilized Wide Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells by Tin Substitution

Wide bandgap MAPb(I_1-yBr_y)₃ perovskites show promising potential for application in tandem solar cells. However, unstable photovoltaic performance caused by phase segregation has been observed under illumination when y is above 0.2. Herein, we successfully demonstrate stabilization of the I/Br phase by partially replacing Pb²⁺ with Sn²⁺ and verify this stabilization with X-ray diffractometry and transient absorption spectroscopy. The resulting MAPb_0.75Sn_0.25(I_1-yBr_y)₃ perovskite solar cells show stable photovoltaic performance under continuous illumination. Among these cells, the one based on MAPb_0.75Sn_0.25(I_0.4Br_0.6)₃ perovskite shows the highest efficiency of 12.59% with a bandgap of 1.73 eV, which make it a promising wide bandgap candidate for application in tandem solar cells. The engineering of internal bonding environment by partial Sn substitution is believed to be the main reason for making MAPb_0.75Sn_0.25(I_1-yBr_y)₃ perovskite less vulnerable to phase segregation during the photostriction under illumination. Therefore, this study establishes composition engineering of the metal site as a promising strategy to impart phase stability in hybrid perovskites under illumination.

Exploring the Effects of the Pb2+ Substitution in MAPbI3 on the Photovoltaic Performance of the Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells

Here we report a systematic study of the Pb²⁺ substitution in the hybrid iodoplumbate MAPbI₃ with a series of elements affecting optoelectronic, structural, and morphological properties of the system. It has been shown that even partial replacement of lead with Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, In³⁺, Bi³⁺, Sn⁴⁺, and Ti⁴⁺ results in a significant deterioration of the photovoltaic characteristics. On the contrary, Hg-containing hybrid MAPb_1-xHg_xI₃ salts demonstrated a considerably improved solar cell performance at optimal mercury loading. This result opens up additional dimension in the compositional engineering of the complex lead halides for designing novel photoactive materials with advanced optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties.

Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells with Substantial Reduction of Lead Content

Despite organometal halide perovskite solar cells have recently exhibited a significant leap in efficiency, the Sn-based perovskite solar cells still suffer from low efficiency. Here, a series homogeneous CH₃NH₃Pb_(1-x)Sn_xI₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) perovskite thin films with full coverage were obtained via solvent engineering. In particular, the intermediate complexes of PbI₂/(SnI₂)∙(DMSO)_x were proved to retard the crystallization of CH₃NH₃SnI₃, thus allowing the realization of high quality Sn-introduced perovskite thin films. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) of as-prepared solar cells were demonstrated to extend a broad absorption minimum over 50% in the wavelength range from 350 to 950 nm accompanied by a noteworthy absorption onset up to 1050 nm. The CH₃NH₃Pb_0.75Sn_0.25I₃ perovskite solar cells with inverted structure were consequently realized with maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.12%.

Stable Low-Bandgap Pb-Sn Binary Perovskites for Tandem Solar Cells

A low-bandgap (1.33 eV) Sn-based MA_0.5 FA_0.5 Pb_0.75 Sn_0.25 I₃ perovskite is developed via combined compositional, process, and interfacial engineering. It can deliver a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.19%. Finally, a four-terminal all-perovskite tandem solar cell is demonstrated by combining this low-bandgap cell with a semitransparent MAPbI₃ cell to achieve a high efficiency of 19.08%.

First Principles Modeling of Perovskite Solar Cells: Interplay of Structural, Electronic and Dynamical Effects

The impressive surge of perovskite solar cells has been accompanied by a comparable effort to unveil the basics properties of this class of materials. Theoretical and computational modeling is playing a major role in providing scientists an in depth atomistic view of the intimate perovskite properties contributing to the success of this class of materials. In this chapter we discuss recent advances in our understanding of organohalide perovskites based on first principles calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. Emphasis is placed on the interplay of electronic and structural features and on the important role of the organic cation and of its dynamics in dictating the peculiar material’s properties. The role of chlorine doping in methylammonium lead iodide and of interfaces with TiO2 in solar cells models are finally described.

Optical analysis of CH3NH3Sn x Pb1-x I3 absorbers: a roadmap for perovskite-on-perovskite tandem solar cells

Organic-inorganic perovskite structures in which lead is substituted by tin are exceptional candidates for broadband light absorption. Herein we present a thorough analysis of the optical properties of CH3NH3Sn x Pb1-x I3 films, providing the field with definitive insights about the possibilities of these materials for perovskite solar cells of superior efficiency. We report a user's guide based on the first set of optical constants obtained for a series of tin/lead perovskite films, which was only possible to measure due to the preparation of optical quality thin layers. According to the Shockley-Queisser theory, CH3NH3Sn x Pb1-x I3 compounds promise a substantial enhancement of both short circuit photocurrent and power conversion efficiency in single junction solar cells. Moreover, we propose a novel tandem architecture design in which both top and bottom cells are made of perovskite absorbers. Our calculations indicate that such perovskite-on-perovskite tandem devices could reach efficiencies over 35%. Our analysis serves to establish the first roadmap for this type of cells based on actual optical characterization data. We foresee that this study will encourage the research on novel near-infrared perovskite materials for photovoltaic applications, which may have implications in the rapidly emerging field of tandem devices.

High Efficiency Pb-In Binary Metal Perovskite Solar Cells

Mixed Pb-In perovskite solar cells are fabricated by using lead(II) chloride and indium(III) chloride with methylammonium iodide. A maximum power conversion efficiency as high as 17.55% is achieved owing to the high quality of perovskites with multiple ordered crystal orientations.

Induced Crystallization of Perovskites by a Perylene Underlayer for High-Performance Solar Cells

Perovskite crystallization and interface engineering are regarded as the most crucial factors in achieving high-performance planar heterojunction (PHJ) perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we demonstrate a thin perylene underlayer via a solution-processable method. By using branch-shaped perylene film as a seed-mediated underlayer, crystalline perovskites with fabric morphology can be formed, which allows for obvious improvement in absorption by a light scattering effect. With its deep highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level, perylene also plays an important role in the energy-level tailoring of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulphonate) (

PEDOT

PSS) and CH3NH3PbIxCl3-x. In addition, perylene and perovskites form a fully crystalline heterojunction, which is beneficial for minimizing the defect and trap densities. Due to these merits, a maximum power conversion efficiency of 17.06% with improved cell stability is achieved. The finding in this work provides a simple route to control perovskite crystallizaition and to optimize the interfaces in PHJ PSCs simultaneously.

Solvent-molecule-mediated manipulation of crystalline grains for efficient planar binary lead and tin triiodide perovskite solar cells

Binary lead and tin perovskites offer the benefits of narrower band gaps for broader adsorption of solar spectrum and better charge transport for higher photocurrent density. Here, we report the growth of large, smooth crystalline grains of bianry lead and tin triiodide perovskite films via a two-step solution process with thermal plus solvent vapor-assisted thermal annealing. The crystalline SnxPb1-xI2 films formed in the first step served as the templates for the formation of crystalline CH3NH3SnxPb1-xI3 films during the second step interdiffusion of methylammonium iodide (MAI). Followed by dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) vapor-assisted thermal annealing, small, faceted perovskite grains grew into large, smooth grains via the possible mechanism involving bond breaking and reforming mediated by DMSO solvent molecules. The absorption onset was extended to 950 and 1010 nm for the CH3NH3SnxPb1-xI3 perovskites with x = 0.1 and 0.25, respectively. The highest PCE of 10.25% was achieved from the planar perovskite solar cell with the CH3NH3Sn0.1Pb0.9I3 layer prepared via the thermal plus DMSO vapor-assisted thermal annealing. This research provides a way to control and manipulate film morphology, grain size, and especially the distribution of metal cations in binary metal perovskite layers, which opens an avenue to grow perovskite materials with desired properties to enhance device performance.

Overcoming Short-Circuit in Lead-Free CH3NH3SnI3 Perovskite Solar Cells via Kinetically Controlled Gas-Solid Reaction Film Fabrication Process

The development of Sn-based perovskite solar cells has been challenging because devices often show short-circuit behavior due to poor morphologies and undesired electrical properties of the thin films. A low-temperature vapor-assisted solution process (LT-VASP) has been employed as a novel kinetically controlled gas-solid reaction film fabrication method to prepare lead-free CH3NH3SnI3 thin films. We show that the solid SnI2 substrate temperature is the key parameter in achieving perovskite films with high surface coverage and excellent uniformity. The resulting high-quality CH3NH3SnI3 films allow the successful fabrication of solar cells with drastically improved reproducibility, reaching an efficiency of 1.86%. Furthermore, our Kelvin probe studies show the VASP films have a doping level lower than that of films prepared from the conventional one-step method, effectively lowering the film conductivity. Above all, with (LT)-VASP, the short-circuit behavior often obtained from the conventional one-step-fabricated Sn-based perovskite devices has been overcome. This study facilitates the path to more successful Sn-perovskite photovoltaic research.

Direct Conversion of Perovskite Thin Films into Nanowires with Kinetic Control for Flexible Optoelectronic Devices

With significant progress in the past decade, semiconductor nanowires have demonstrated unique features compared to their thin film counterparts, such as enhanced light absorption, mechanical integrity and reduced therma conductivity, etc. However, technologies of semiconductor thin film still serve as foundations of several major industries, such as electronics, displays, energy, etc. A direct path to convert thin film to nanowires can build a bridge between these two and therefore facilitate the large-scale applications of nanowires. Here, we demonstrate that methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) nanowires can be synthesized directly from perovskite film by a scalable conversion process. In addition, with fine kinetic control, morphologies, and diameters of these nanowires can be well-controlled. Based on these perovskite nanowires with excellent optical trapping and mechanical properties, flexible photodetectors with good sensitivity are demonstrated.

An easy method to modify PEDOT:PSS/perovskite interfaces for solar cells with efficiency exceeding 15%

Surface treatment of PEDOT:PSS films using propionic acid (PA) leads to better device performance for the resulting CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite solar cells (PCE > 15%).

Material Innovation in Advancing Organometal Halide Perovskite Functionality

Organometal halide perovskites (OMHPs) have garnered much attention recently for their unprecedented rate of increasing power conversion efficiency (PCE), positioning them as a promising basis for the next-generation photovoltaic devices. However, the gap between the rapid increasing PCE and the incomplete understanding of the structure-property-performance relationship prevents the realization of the true potential of OMHPs. This Perspective aims to provide a concise overview of the current status of OMHP research, highlighting the unique properties of OMHPs that are critical for solar applications but still not adequately explained. Stability and performance challenges of OMHP solar cells are discussed, calling upon combined experimental and theoretical efforts to address these challenges for pioneering commercialization of OMHP solar cells. Various material innovation strategies for improving the performance and stability of OMHPs are surveyed, showing that the OMHP architecture can serve as a promising and robust platform for the design and optimization of materials with desired functionalities.

Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells Incorporating Metal-Organic Framework Nanocrystals

Zr-based porphyrin metal-organic framework (MOF-525) nanocrystals with a crystal size of about 140 nm are synthesized and incorporated into perovskite solar cells. The morphology and crystallinity of the perovskite thin film are enhanced since the micropores of MOF-525 allow the crystallization of perovskite to occur inside; this observation results in a higher cell efficiency of the obtained MOF/perovskite solar cell.

Antagonism between Spin-Orbit Coupling and Steric Effects Causes Anomalous Band Gap Evolution in the Perovskite Photovoltaic Materials CH3NH3Sn1-xPbxI3

Halide perovskite solar cells are a recent ground-breaking development achieving power conversion efficiencies exceeding 18%. This has become possible owing to the remarkable properties of the AMX3 perovskites, which exhibit unique semiconducting properties. The most efficient solar cells utilize the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite whose band gap, Eg, is 1.55 eV. Even higher efficiencies are anticipated, however, if the band gap of the perovskite can be pushed deeper in the near-infrared region, as in the case of CH3NH3SnI3 (Eg = 1.3 eV). A remarkable way to improve further comes from the CH3NH3Sn1-xPbxI3 solid solution, which displays an anomalous trend in the evolution of the band gap with the compositions approaching x = 0.5 displaying lower band gaps (Eg ≈ 1.1 eV) than that of the lowest of the end member, CH3NH3SnI3. Here we use first-principles calculations to show that the competition between the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and the lattice distortion is responsible for the anomalous behavior of the band gap in CH3NH3Sn1-xPbxI3. SOC causes a linear reduction as x increases, while the lattice distortion causes a nonlinear increase due to a composition-induced phase transition near x = 0.5. Our results suggest that electronic structure engineering can have a crucial role in optimizing the photovoltaic performance.

The optoelectronic role of chlorine in CH3NH3PbI3(Cl)-based perovskite solar cells

Perovskite photovoltaics offer a compelling combination of extremely low-cost, ease of processing and high device performance. The optoelectronic properties of the prototypical CH3NH3PbI3 can be further adjusted by introducing other extrinsic ions. Specifically, chlorine incorporation has been shown to affect the morphological development of perovksite films, which results in improved optoelectronic characteristics for high efficiency. However, it requires a deep understanding to the role of extrinsic halide, especially in the absence of unpredictable morphological influence during film growth. Here we report an effective strategy to investigate the role of the extrinsic ion in the context of optoelectronic properties, in which the morphological factors that closely correlate to device performance are mostly decoupled. The chlorine incorporation is found to mainly improve the carrier transport across the heterojunction interfaces, rather than within the perovskite crystals. Further optimization according this protocol leads to solar cells achieving power conversion efficiency of 17.91%.

Interfaces in perovskite solar cells

The interfacial atomic and electronic structures, charge transfer processes, and interface engineering in perovskite solar cells are discussed in this review. An effective heterojunction is found to exist at the window/perovskite absorber interface, contributing to the relatively fast extraction of free electrons. Moreover, the high photovoltage in this cell can be attributed to slow interfacial charge recombination due to the outstanding material and interfacial electronic properties. However, some fundamental questions including the interfacial atomic and electronic structures and the interface stability need to be further clarified. Designing and engineering the interfaces are also important for the next-stage development of this cell.

Improved hole interfacial layer for planar perovskite solar cells with efficiency exceeding 15%

Planar structure has been proven to be efficient and convenient in fabricating low-temperature and solution-processing perovkite solar cells (PSCs). Interface control and crystal film growth of organometal halide films are regarded as the most important factors to obtain high-performance PSCs. Herein, we report a solution-processed

PEDOT

PSS-GeO2 composite films by simply incorporating the GeO2 aqueous solution into the

PEDOT

PSS aqueous dispersion as a hole transport layer in planar PSCs. Besides the merits of high conductivity, ambient stability and interface modification of

PEDOT

PSS-GeO2 composite films, the formed island-like GeO2 particles are assumed to act as growing sites of crystal nucleus of perovskite films during annealing. By the seed-mediation of GeO2 particles, a superior CH3NH3PbI(3-x)Cl(x) crystalline film with large-scale domains and good film uniformity was obtained. The resulting PSC device with

PEDOT

PSS-GeO2 composite film as HTL shows a best performance with 15.15% PCE and a fill factor (FF) of 74%. There is a remarkable improvement (∼37%) in PCE, from 9.87% to 13.54% (in average for over 120 devices), compared with the reference pristine

PEDOT

PSS based device.

A facile, solvent vapor-fumigation-induced, self-repair recrystallization of CH3NH3PbI3 films for high-performance perovskite solar cells

A high-quality CH3NH3PbI3 film is crucial in the manufacture of a high-performance perovskite solar cell. Here, a recrystallization process via facile fumigation with DMF vapor has been successfully introduced to self-repair of CH3NH3PbI3 films with poor coverage and low crystallinity prepared by the commonly used one-step spin-coating method. We found that the CH3NH3PbI3 films with dendritic structures can spontaneously transform to the uniform ones with full coverage and high crystallinity by adjusting the cycles of the recrystallization process. The mesostructured perovskite solar cells based on these repaired CH3NH3PbI3 films showed reproducible optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.15% and average PCE of 10.25±0.90%, which are much better than that of devices based on the non-repaired CH3NH3PbI3 films. In addition, the hysteresis phenomenon in the current-voltage test can also be effectively alleviated due to the quality of the films being improved in the optimized devices. Our work proved that the fumigation of solvent vapor can modify metal organic perovskite films such as CH3NH3PbI3. It offers a novel and attractive way to fabricate high-performance perovskite solar cells.

Perovskite Solar Cells: Beyond Methylammonium Lead Iodide

Organic-inorganic lead halide based perovskites solar cells are by far the highest efficiency solution-processed solar cells, threatening to challenge thin film and polycrystalline silicon ones. Despite the intense research in this area, concerns surrounding the long-term stability as well as the toxicity of lead in the archetypal perovskite, CH3NH3PbI3, have the potential to derail commercialization. Although the search for Pb-free perovskites have naturally shifted to other transition metal cations and formulations that replace the organic moiety, efficiencies with these substitutions are still substantially lower than those of the Pb-perovskite. The perovskite family offers rich multitudes of crystal structures and substituents with the potential to uncover new and exciting photophysical phenomena that hold the promise of higher solar cell efficiencies. In addressing materials beyond CH3NH3PbI3, this Perspective will discuss a broad palette of elemental substitutions, solid solutions, and multidimensional families that will provide the next fillip toward market viability of the perovskite solar cells.

Air-Stable and Solution-Processable Perovskite Photodetectors for Solar-Blind UV and Visible Light

Stable perovskite CH3NH3PbI3-xClx for a photodetector was prepared through spin-coating of a fluorous polymer as a light protection layer. The best responsivity of photodetector was 14.5 A/W to white light and 7.85 A/W for solar-blind UV light (λ = 254 nm). The response time was in the submicrosecond range. The fluorous polymer coating increases the lifetime of the devices to almost 100 days.

High-performance and environmentally stable planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells based on a solution-processed copper-doped nickel oxide hole-transporting layer

An effective approach to significantly increase the electrical conductivity of a NiOx hole-transporting layer (HTL) to achieve high-efficiency planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells is demonstrated. Perovskite solar cells based on using Cu-doped NiOx HTL show a remarkably improved power conversion efficiency up to 15.40% due to the improved electrical conductivity and enhanced perovskite film quality. General applicability of Cu-doped NiOx to larger bandgap perovskites is also demonstrated in this study.

Morphology control of the perovskite films for efficient solar cells

In the past two years, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells has significantly increased up to 20.1%.