Efficiency enhancement of planar perovskite solar cells by adding zwitterion/LiF double interlayers for electron collection

Defect Passivation and Stress Release Strategies for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells Based on the Low-Pressure-Assisted Solution Process

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted much attention in the global photovoltaic field due to their excellent optoelectronic properties. However, the intrinsic crystalline properties and the preparation methods of perovskites result in numerous defects and residual stress in the perovskite film. To address this issue, the additive 3-methylthio-1-propylammonium bromide (3MeSPABr) was added to the perovskite precursor solution, and PSCs with an inverted structure via a low-pressure-assisted solution process were fabricated. The additive was found to interact with the perovskite through strong coordination and hydrogen bonding, passivate defects, and alleviate residual tensile stress. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSCs as high as 21.99% was obtained. Besides, the addition of 3MeSPABr also increases the hydrophobicity of the perovskite film and improves the stability of the PSCs.

Electrochemically Prepared Polyaniline as an Alternative to Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

The goal of this work is to substitute the conventional high-cost poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with an efficient and conducting polyaniline (PANI) polymer. The reported use of PANI in PSCs involves a chemical synthesis method which is prone to contamination with impurities as it requires several materials for polymerization and adhesion improvement with substrates, contributing to low device efficiencies. This work mitigates this issue using an electrochemical method that is low cost, less time consuming, and capable of producing thin films of PANI with excellent adhesion to substrates. Results demonstrated that the power conversion efficiency of the electrochemically synthesized PANI-based PSC is 16.94% versus 15.11% for the PEDOT:PSS-based device. It was observed that the work function of PANI was lower compared to that of PEDOT:PSS which decreased V _OC but enhanced hole extraction at the hole transport layer/perovskite interface, thus increasing J _SC. Doping electrolyte solution with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide LiTFSI increased the work function of PANI, thus increasing V _OC from 0.87 to 0.93 V. This method enables simple and scalable synthesis of PANI as a competitive hole transport material to replace rather expensive PEDOT:PSS, thus enabling an important step toward low-cost inverted perovskite photovoltaic devices.

Review on Tailoring PEDOT:PSS Layer for Improved Device Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has high optical transparency in the visible light range and low-temperature processing condition, making it one of the most widely used polymer hole transport materials inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs), because of its high optical transparency in the visible light range and low-temperature processing condition. However, the stability of PSCs based on pristine PEDOT:PSS is far from satisfactory, which is ascribed to the acidic and hygroscopic nature of PEDOT:PSS, and property differences between PEDOT:PSS and perovskite materials, such as conductivity, work function and surface morphology. This review summaries recent efficient strategies to improve the stability of PEDOT:PSS in PSCs and discusses the underlying mechanisms. This review is expected to provide helpful insights for further increasing the stability of PSCs based on commercial PEDOT:PSS.

Perovskite indoor photovoltaics: opportunity and challenges

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoTs), photovoltaics (PVs) has a vast market supply gap of billion dollars. Moreover, it also puts forward new requirements for the development of indoor photovoltaic devices (IPVs). In recent years, PVs represented by organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), silicon solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), etc. considered for use in IoTs mechanisms have also been extensively investigated. However, there are few reports on the indoor applications of perovskite devices, even though it has the advantages of better performance. In fact, perovskite has the advantages of better bandgap adjustability, lower cost, and easier preparation of large-area on flexible substrates, compared with other types of IPVs. This review starts from the development status of IoTs and investigates the cost, technology, and future trends of IPVs. We believe that perovskite photovoltaics is more suitable for indoor applications and review some strategies for fabricating high-performance perovskite indoor photovoltaic devices (IPVs). Finally, we also put forward a perspective for the long-term development of perovskite IPVs.

Highly stable and efficient cathode-buffer-layer-free inverted perovskite solar cells

A simpler and less expensive fabrication process is one of the essential demands for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PeSCs). Especially, inverted PeSCs (I-PeSCs) require a cathode buffer layer (CBL) for fabricating highly efficient and stable PeSCs. However, this increases the number of fabrication step. Here, we demonstrate highly stable and efficient cathode-buffer-layer-free I-PeSCs via additive engineering on an ETL, which is based on phenyl-C₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PC₆₁BM) with a small amount of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). This modified ETL shows not only a simplified fabrication process but also effective extraction of charge from the perovskite to a high work function copper electrode (Cu) by formation of an interfacial dipole at the interfaces between the ETL and the Cu. Additionally, it exhibits good passivation of the trap density existing along the grain boundaries and surface of the perovskite layer, reducing the non-radiative recombination and consistent with the increases in open-circuit voltage (V_oc). As a result, I-PeSCs with a blend PC₆₁BM : PMMA ETL demonstrate an enhancement in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 13.55% (without PMMA) to 18.38%. Furthermore, they exhibit both burn-in-free behaviour in photostability measurements by maximum power-point tracking (MPPT) method and long-term air-stability (30 days for T₉₀) in ambient air. Lastly, we obtained PCE of 15.03% and 16.83% for large-area (1 cm²) I-PeSCs with PC₆₁BM and PC₆₁BM : PMMA, respectively. This method provides an alternative route to reduce the fabrication time and budget for commercialization of I-PeSCs without sacrificing device performance.

GABr Post-Treatment for High-Performance MAPbI3 Solar Cells on Rigid Glass and Flexible Substrate

Perovskite solar cells have exhibited astonishing photoelectric conversion efficiency and have shown a promising future owing to the tunable content and outstanding optoelectrical property of hybrid perovskite. However, the devices with planar architecture still suffer from huge Voc loss and severe hysteresis effect. In this research, Guanidine hydrobromide (GABr) post-treatment is carried out to enhance the performance of MAPbI3 n-i-p planar perovskite solar cells. The detailed characterization of perovskite suggests that GABr post-treatment results in a smoother absorber layer, an obvious reduction of trap states and optimized energy level alignment. By utilizing GABr post-treatment, the Voc loss is reduced, and the hysteresis effect is alleviated effectively in MAPbI3 solar cells. As a result, solar cells based on glass substrate with efficiency exceeding 20%, Voc of 1.13 V and significantly mitigated hysteresis are fabricated successfully. Significantly, we also demonstrate the effectiveness of GABr post-treatment in flexible device, whose efficiency is enhanced from 15.77% to 17.57% mainly due to the elimination of Voc loss.

Zwitterions: promising interfacial/doping materials for organic/perovskite solar cells

This review summarizes the recent progress in zwitterionic materials through the concepts of interfacial dipoles and passivating defects.

Advent of alkali metal doping: a roadmap for the evolution of perovskite solar cells

Metal–halide hybrid perovskites have prompted the prosperity of the sustainable energy field and simultaneously demonstrated their great potential in meeting both the growing consumption of energy and the increasing social development requirements.

Simultaneously Passivating Cation and Anion Defects in Metal Halide Perovskite Solar Cells Using a Zwitterionic Amino Acid Additive

Ionic defects (e.g., organic cations and halide anions), preferably residing along grain boundaries (GBs) and on perovskite film surfaces, are known to be a major source of the notorious environmental instability of perovskite solar cells (PeSCs). Although passivating ionic defects is desirable, previous approaches using Lewis base or acid molecules as additives suppress only the negatively or positively charged defects, thus leaving oppositely charged defects. In this work, both the cationic and anionic defects inside methyl ammonium lead tri-iodide (MAPbI₃ ) are simultaneously passivated by introducing a zwitterionic form of the amino acid, L-alanine, into the precursor solution as an additive. L-alanine has both positive (NH₃⁺ ) and negative (COO^- ) functional groups at a specific solvent pH, thereby passivating both the cation and anion defects in MAPbI₃ . The addition of L-alanine increases the grain size of the perovskite crystals and lengthens the charge carrier lifetime (τ > 1 µs), leading to improved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 20.3% (from 18.3% without an additive) for small-area (4.64 mm² ) devices and 15.6% (from 13.5%) for large-area submodules (9.06 cm² ). More importantly, the authors' approach also significantly enhances the shelf storage and photoirradiation stabilities of PeSCs.

Interfacial and structural modifications in perovskite solar cells

The rapid and continuous progress made in perovskite solar cell (PSC) technology has drawn considerable attention from the photovoltaic research community, and the application of perovskites in other electronic devices (such as photodetectors, light-emitting diodes, and batteries) has become imminent. Because of the diversity in device configurations, optimization of film deposition, and exploration of material systems, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs has been certified to be as high as 25.2%, making this type of solar cells the fastest advancing technology until now. As demonstrated by researchers worldwide, controlling the morphology and defects in perovskite films is essential for attaining high-performance PSCs. In this regard, interface engineering has proven to be a very efficient way to address these issues, obtaining better charge collection efficiency, and reducing recombination losses. In this review, the interfacial modification between perovskite films and charge-transport layers (CTLs) as well as CTLs and electrodes of PSCs has been widely summarized. Grain boundary (GB) engineering and stress engineering are also included since they are closely related to the improvement in device performance and stability.

Improving the Performances of Perovskite Solar Cells via Modification of Electron Transport Layer

The commonly used electron transport material (6,6)-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) for perovskite solar cells (PSC) with inverted planar structures suffers from properties such as poor film-forming. In this manuscript, we demonstrate a simple method to improve the film-forming properties of PCBM by doping PCBM with poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) as the electron transport layer (ETL), which effectively enhances the performance of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ based solar cells. With 5 wt % F8BT in PCBM, the short circuit current (JSC) and fill factor (FF) of PSC both significantly increased from 17.21 ± 0.15 mA·cm-2 and 71.1 ± 0.07% to 19.28 ± 0.22 mA·cm-2 and 74.7 ± 0.21%, respectively, which led to a power conversion efficiency (PCE) improvement from 12.6 ± 0.24% to 15 ± 0.26%. The morphology investigation suggested that doping with F8BT facilitated the formation of a smooth and uniform ETL, which was favorable for the separation of electron-hole pairs, and therefore, an improved performance of PSC.

Naphthodiperylenetetraimide-Based Polymer as Electron-Transporting Material for Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

An n-type conjugated polymer NDP-V [poly(naphthodiperylenetetraimide-vinylene)] with a backbone of alternating naphthodiperylenetetraimide and vinylene is successfully used as an efficient electron-transporting layer (ETL) material in inverted planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). It was found that device based on NDP-V exhibits a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.54%, whereas a maximum PCE of 15.27% is obtained based on the fullerene derivative [6,6]-phenyl-C₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PC₆₁BM). The interfacial effect induced by NDP-V is studied using atomic force microscopy images, and NDP-V ensures good selective contact between the perovskite material and the metal electrode. Through steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence, we find that NDP-V acts as an efficient electron extraction material. Additionally, compared with PC₆₁BM, NDP-V shows higher electron mobility, more hydrophobicity, and compatible energy levels with perovskite materials, thus providing higher device performance and better device stability. This work highlights the great potential of perylenediimide derivatives to replace the most popular PC₆₁BM ETL for inverted PSCs.

Recent Advance in Solution-Processed Organic Interlayers for High-Performance Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells (PSCs) provide great potential for fabricating high-efficiency, low-cost, large-area, and flexible photovoltaic devices. In planar PSCs, a perovskite absorber is sandwiched between hole and electron transport materials. The charge-transporting interlayers play an important role in enhancing charge extraction, transport, and collection. Organic interlayers including small molecules and polymers offer great advantages for their tunable chemical/electronic structures and low-temperature solution processibility. Here, recent progress of organic interlayers in planar heterojunction PSCs is discussed, and the effect of chemical structures on device performance is also illuminated. Finally, the main challenges in developing planar heterojunction PSCs based on organic interlayers are identified, and strategies for enhancing the device performance are also proposed.

Spray coating of the PCBM electron transport layer significantly improves the efficiency of p-i-n planar perovskite solar cells

The p-i-n structure for perovskite solar cells has recently shown significant advantages in minimal hysteresis effects, and scalable manufacturing potential using low-temperature solution processing. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the perovskite p-i-n structure remains low mainly due to limitations using a flat electron transport layer (ETL). In this work, we demonstrate a new approach using spray coating to fabricate the [6,6]-phenyl-C(61)-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) ETL. By creating a rough surface, we effectively improve the light trapping properties inside the PCBM ETL. We reveal that the spray coated PCBM can form a cross-linked network, which may facilitate better charge transport and enhance extraction efficiency. By improving the contact between the perovskite film and the PCBM ETL, a reduction in the trap states is observed resulting in a PCE increase from 13% to >17%.

Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with a High Fill Factor and Negligible Hysteresis by the Dual Effect of NaCl-Doped PEDOT:PSS

The performance of inverted perovskite solar cells is highly dependent on hole extraction and surface properties of hole transport layers. To highlight the important role of hole transport layers, a facile and simple method is developed by adding sodium chloride (NaCl) into poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). The average power conversion efficiency of the perovskite solar cells prepared on NaCl-doped PEDOT:PSS is 17.1% with negligible hysteresis, compared favorably to the control devices (15.1%). Particularly, they exhibit markedly improved V_oc and fill factor (FF), with the best FF as high as 81.9%. The enhancement of photovoltaic performance is ascribed to two effects. Better conductivity and hole extraction of PEDOT:PSS are observed after NaCl doping. More intriguingly, the perovskite polycrystalline film shows a preferred orientation along the (001) direction on NaCl-doped PEDOT:PSS, leading to a more uniform thin film. The comparison of the crystal structure between NaCl and MAPbCl₃ indicates a lattice constant mismatch less than 2% and a matched chlorine atom arrangement on the (001) surface, which implies that the NaCl crystallites on the top surface of PEDOT:PSS might serve as seeds guiding the growth of perovskite crystals. This simple method is fully compatible with printing technologies to mass-produce perovskite solar cells with high efficiency and tunable crystal orientations.

Enhanced efficiency and air-stability of NiOX-based perovskite solar cells via PCBM electron transport layer modification with Triton X-100

We modified phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) for use as a stable, efficient electron transport layer (ETL) in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). PCBM containing a surfactant Triton X-100 acts as the ETL and NiO_X nanocrystals act as a hole transport layer (HTL). Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images showed that surfactant-modified PCBM (s-PCBM) forms a high-quality, uniform, and dense ETL on the rough perovskite layer. This layer effectively blocks holes and reduces interfacial recombination. Steady-state photoluminescence and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses confirmed that Triton X-100 improved the electron extraction performance of PCBM. When the s-PCBM ETL was used, the average power conversion efficiency increased from 10.76% to 15.68%. This improvement was primarily caused by the increases in the open-circuit voltage and fill factor. s-PCBM-based PSCs also showed good air-stability, retaining 83.8% of their initial performance after 800 h under ambient conditions.

Environmentally Friendly Plasma-Treated PEDOT:PSS as Electrodes for ITO-Free Perovskite Solar Cells

Solution processed poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) transparent electrodes (TEs) offer great potential as a low cost alternative to expensive indium tin oxide (ITO). However, strong acids are typically used for enhancing the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS TEs, which produce processing complexity and environmental issues. This work presents an environmentally friendly acid free approach to enhance the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS using a light oxygen plasma treatment, in addition to solvent blend additives and post treatments. The plasma treatment was found to significantly reduce the sheet resistance of PEDOT:PSS TEs from 85 to as low as 15 Ω sq^-1, which translates to the highest reported conductivity of 5012 S/cm for PEDOT:PSS TEs. The plasma treated PEDOT:PSS TE resulted in an ITO-free perovskite solar cell efficiency of 10.5%, which is the highest reported efficiency for ITO-free perovskite solar cells with a PEDOT:PSS electrode that excludes the use of acid treatments. This research presents the first demonstration of this technology. Moreover, the PEDOT:PSS TEs enabled better charge extraction from the perovskite solar cells and reduced hysteresis in the current density-voltage (J-V) curves.

Optimization of the Ag/PCBM interface by a rhodamine interlayer to enhance the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells

Effective control of the interface between the metal cathode and the electron transport layer (ETL) is critical for achieving high performance p-i-n planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Several organic molecules have been explored as interlayers between the silver (Ag) electrode and the ETL for the improvement in the photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of p-i-n planar PSCs. However, the role of these organic molecules in the charge transfer at the metal/ETL interface and the chemical degradation processes of PSCs has not yet been fully understood. In this work, we systematically explore the effects of the interfacial modification of the Ag/ETL interface on PSCs using rhodamine 101 as a model molecule. By the insertion of rhodamine 101 as an interlayer between Ag and fullerene derivatives (PC60BM and PC70BM) ETLs improve the PCE as well as the stability of p-i-n planar PSCs. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization reveals that rhodamine passivates the defects at the PCBM layer and reduces the band bending at the PCBM surface. In consequence, charge transfer from the PCBM towards the Ag electrode is enhanced leading to an increased fill factor (FF) resulting in a PCE up to 16.6%. Moreover, rhodamine acts as a permeation barrier hindering the penetration of moisture towards the perovskite layer as well as preventing the chemical interaction of perovskite with the Ag electrode. Interestingly, the work function of the metal cathode remains more stable due to the rhodamine incorporation. Consequently, a better alignment between the quasi-Fermi level of PCBM and the Ag work function is achieved minimizing the energy barrier for charge extraction. This work contributes to reveal the relevance of proper interfacial engineering at the metal-cathode/organic-semiconductor interface.

Diffusion engineering of ions and charge carriers for stable efficient perovskite solar cells

Long-term stability is crucial for the future application of perovskite solar cells, a promising low-cost photovoltaic technology that has rapidly advanced in the recent years. Here, we designed a nanostructured carbon layer to suppress the diffusion of ions/molecules within perovskite solar cells, an important degradation process in the device. Furthermore, this nanocarbon layer benefited the diffusion of electron charge carriers to enable a high-energy conversion efficiency. Finally, the efficiency on a perovskite solar cell with an aperture area of 1.02 cm², after a thermal aging test at 85 °C for over 500 h, or light soaking for 1,000 h, was stable of over 15% during the entire test. The present diffusion engineering of ions/molecules and photo generated charges paves a way to realizing long-term stable and highly efficient perovskite solar cells.

Ion migration in perovskite solar cells are known to cause hysteresis and instability. Bi et al., report a charge extraction layer based on graphene, fullerenes and carbon quantum dots which suppresses ion diffusion and enhances charge carrier diffusion leading to efficient devices with improved stability.

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.

Current status of electron transport layers in perovskite solar cells: materials and properties

Methyl ammonium lead halide-based hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been intensively studied in recent years because of their high efficiency and low processing costs.

Simultaneously enhanced Jsc and FF by employing two solution-processed interfacial layers for inverted planar perovskite solar cells

A high-performance perovskite solar cell has been achieved by embedding s-MoO_x and TOPD buffer layers between active layer and electrodes, showing a remarkable enhancement in FF from 69.2% to 80.7%, and in efficiency from 11.2% to 16.04%.

2D/3D perovskite hybrids as moisture-tolerant and efficient light absorbers for solar cells

The lifetime and power conversion efficiency are the key issues for the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this paper, the development of 2D/3D perovskite hybrids (CA₂PbI₄/MAPbI_xCl_3-x) was firstly demonstrated to be a reliable method to combine their advantages, and provided a new concept for achieving both stable and efficient PSCs through the hybridization of perovskites. 2D/3D perovskite hybrids afforded significantly-improved moisture stability of films and devices without encapsulation in a high humidity of 63 ± 5%, as compared with the 3D perovskite (MAPbI_xCl_3-x). The 2D/3D perovskite-hybrid film did not undergo any degradation after 40 days, while the 3D perovskite decomposed completely under the same conditions after 8 days. The 2D/3D perovskite-hybrid device maintained 54% of the original efficiency after 220 hours, whereas the 3D perovskite device lost all the efficiency within only 50 hours. Moreover, the 2D/3D perovskite hybrid achieved comparable device performances (PCE: 13.86%) to the 3D perovskite (PCE: 13.12%) after the optimization of device fabrication conditions.

Critical kinetic control of non-stoichiometric intermediate phase transformation for efficient perovskite solar cells

Organometal trihalide perovskites (OTP) have attracted significant attention as a low-cost and high-efficiency solar cell material. Due to the strong coordination between lead iodide (PbI2) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent, a non-stoichiometric intermediate phase of MA2Pb3I8(DMSO)2 (MA = CH3NH3(+)) usually forms in the one-step deposition method that plays a critical role in attaining high power conversion efficiency. However, the kinetic understanding of how the non-stoichiometric intermediate phase transforms during thermal annealing is currently absent. In this work, we investigated such a phase transformation and provided a clear picture of three phase transition pathways as a function of annealing conditions. The interdiffusion of MAI and DMSO varies strongly with the annealing temperature and time, thus determining the final film composition and morphology. A surprising finding reveals that the best performing cells contain ∼18% of the non-stoichiometric intermediate phase, instead of pure phase OTP. The presence of such an intermediate phase enables smooth surface morphology and enhances the charge carrier lifetime. Our results highlight the importance of the intermediate phase growth kinetics that could lead to large-scale production of efficient solution processed perovskite solar cells.

Highly Efficient Reproducible Perovskite Solar Cells Prepared by Low-Temperature Processing

In this work, we describe the role of the different layers in perovskite solar cells to achieve reproducible, ~16% efficient perovskite solar cells. We used a planar device architecture with PEDOT:PSS on the bottom, followed by the perovskite layer and an evaporated C₆₀ layer before deposition of the top electrode. No high temperature annealing step is needed, which also allows processing on flexible plastic substrates. Only the optimization of all of these layers leads to highly efficient and reproducible results. In this work, we describe the effects of different processing conditions, especially the influence of the C₆₀ top layer on the device performance.

Null current hysteresis for acetylacetonate electron extraction layer in perovskite solar cells

Solution processed zirconium acetylacetonate (Zr(acac)) is successfully employed as an electron extraction layer, replacing conventional titanium oxide, in planar CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells. The as-prepared Zr(acac) film possesses high transparency, high conductivity, a smooth morphology, high wettability, compatibility with PbI2 DMF solution, and an energy level matching that of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite material. An average power conversion efficiency of about 11.93%, along with a high fill factor of 74.36%, an open circuit voltage of 1.03 V, and a short-circuit current density of 15.58 mA cm(-2) is achieved. The overall performance of the devices is slight better than that of cells using ruthenium acetylacetonate (Ru(acac)). The differences between solar cells with different electron extraction layers in charge recombination, charge transport and transfer and lifetime are further explored and it is demonstrate that Zr(acac) is a more effective and promising electron extraction layer. This work provides a simple, and cost effective route for the preparation of an effective hole extraction layer.

Recent progress and challenges of organometal halide perovskite solar cells

We review recent progress in the development of organometal halide perovskite solar cells. We discuss different compounds used to construct perovskite photoactive layers, as well as the optoelectronic properties of this system. The factors that affect the morphology of the perovskite active layer are explored, e.g. material composition, film deposition methods, casting solvent and various post-treatments. Different strategies are reviewed that have recently emerged to prepare high performing perovskite films, creating polycrystalline films having either large or small grain size. Devices that are constructed using meso-superstructured and planar architectures are summarized and the impact of the fabrication process on operational efficiency is discussed. Finally, important research challenges (hysteresis, thermal and moisture instability, mechanical flexibility, as well as the development of lead-free materials) in the development of perovskite solar cells are outlined and their potential solutions are discussed.

Low temperature synthesis of hierarchical TiO2 nanostructures for high performance perovskite solar cells by pulsed laser deposition

High aspect-ratio TiO₂ nanostructures directly assembled with pulsed laser deposition could improve interfacial contact for superior perovskite photovoltaic cells.

Highly reproducible perovskite solar cells with excellent CH3NH3PbI3−xClx film morphology fabricated via high precursor concentration

A novel method was proposed to achieve excellent CH₃NH₃PbI_3−xClx films based on a high concentration spinning process, which offered an effective strategy for highly reproducible perovskite solar cells with excellent morphology.

Transparent conductive oxide-free perovskite solar cells with PEDOT:PSS as transparent electrode

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been attracting considerable attention because of their low fabrication cost and impressive energy conversion efficiency. Most PSCs are built on transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) such as fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) or indium tin oxide (ITO), which are costly and rigid. Therefore, it is significant to explore alternative materials as the transparent electrode of PSCs. In this study, highly conductive and highly transparent poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (

PEDOT

PSS) films were investigated as the transparent electrode of both rigid and flexible PSCs. The conductivity of

PEDOT

PSS films on rigid glass or flexible poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate is significantly enhanced through a treatment with methanesulfonic acid (MSA). The optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE) is close to 11% for the rigid PSCs with an MSA-treated

PEDOT

PSS film as the transparent electrode on glass, and it is more than 8% for the flexible PSCs with a MSA-treated

PEDOT

PSS film as the transparent electrode on PET. The flexible PSCs exhibit excellent mechanical flexibility in the bending test.

Efficient and stable planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells with an MoO3/PEDOT:PSS hole transporting layer

A solution processed MoO3/PEDOT:PSS bilayer structure is used as the hole transporting layer to improve the efficiency and stability of planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells. Increased hole extraction efficiency and restrained erosion of ITO by

PEDOT

PSS are demonstrated in the optimized device due to the incorporation of an MoO3 layer.

Ferroelectricity of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite

Ferroelectricity has been believed to be an important but controversial origin of the excellent photovoltaic performance of organometal trihalide perovskites (OTPs). Here we investigate the ferroelectricity of a prototype OTP, CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3), both theoretically and experimentally. Our first-principles calculations based on 3-D periodic boundary conditions reveal that a ferroelectric structure with polarization of ∼8 μC/cm(2) is the globally stable one among all possible tetragonal structures; however, experimentally no room-temperature ferroelectricity is observed by using polarization-electric field hysteresis measurements and piezoresponse force microscopy. The discrepancy between our theoretical and experimental results is attributed to the dynamic orientational disorder of MA(+) groups and the semiconducting nature of MAPbI3 at room temperature. Therefore, we conclude that MAPbI3 is not ferroelectric at room temperature; however, it is possible to induce and experimentally observe apparent ferroelectric behavior through our proposed ways. Our results clarify the controversy of the ferroelectricity in MAPbI3 and also provide valuable guidance for future studies on this active topic.

Triple cathode buffer layers composed of PCBM, C60, and LiF for high-performance planar perovskite solar cells

In this paper, triple cathode buffer layers (CBLs) composed of phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), C60, and LiF layers were introduced into the planar p-i-n perovskite solar cells (p-i-n PSCs) with a device structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/CH3NH3PbI3-xClx/CBLs/Al. For comparison, a single CBL of PCBM and a double CBL of PCBM/LiF were also investigated in the p-i-n PSCs. On the basis of the PCBM buffer layer, the addition of a thin LiF layer facilitated the charge collection process and led to the dramatic improvement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSCs up to 14.69% under an illumination of AM 1.5G, 100 mW/cm(2), which is to date one of the highest efficiencies of the p-i-n PSCs. By further insertion of a C60 layer between PCBM and LiF in the triple CBLs, a PCE of 14.24% was obtained, and more importantly, the PCBM/C60/LiF triple CBLs are very helpful for improving the stability of the devices and making the LiF layer less thickness-sensitive for achieving high performances of the p-i-n PSCs.