High-Performance Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with Sol-Gel-Processed Sliver-Doped NiO_(x)Hole Transporting Layer

Nickel oxide(NiO_(x))has been established as a highly efficient and stable holetransporting layer(HTL)in perovskite solar cells(PSCs).However,existing deposition methods for NiO_(x)have been restricted by high-vacuum processes and fail to address the energy level mismatch at the NiO_(x)/perovskite interface,which has impeded the development of PSCs.Accordingly,we explored the application of NiO_(x)as a hybrid HTL through a sol-gel process,where a NiO_(x)film was pre-doped with Ag ions,forming a p/p^(+)homojunction in the NiO_(x)-based inverted PSCs.This innovative approach offers two synergistic advantages,including the enlargement of the built-in electric field for facilitating charge separation,optimizing energy level alignment,and charge transfer efficiency at the interface between the perovskite and HTL.Incorporating this hybrid HTL featuring the p/p^(+)homojunction in the inverted PSCs resulted in a high-power conversion efficiency(PCE)of up to 19.25%,significantly narrowing the efficiency gap compared to traditional n-i-p devices.Furthermore,this innovative strategy for the HTL enhanced the environmental stability to 30 days,maintaining 90%of the initial efficiency.

Improved performance of organic light-emitting diodes with dual electron transporting layers

In this study the performance of organic light-emitting diodes （OLEDs） are enhanced significantly, which is based on dual electron transporting layers （13phen/CuPc）. By adjusting the thicknesses of Bphen and CuPc, the maximal luminescence, the maximal current efficiency, and the maximal power efficiency of the device reach 17570 cd/m^2 at 11 V, and 5.39 cd/A and 3.39 lm/W at 3.37 mA/cm^2 respectively, which are enhanced approximately by 33.4%, 39.3%, and 68.9%, respectively, compared with those of the device using Bphen only for an electron transporting layer. These results may provide some valuable references for improving the electron injection and the transportation of OLED.

Efficient and stable all-inorganic Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3)solar cells via manipulating energy levels in MnS hole transporting layers

The use of organic hole transport layer(HTL)Spiro-OMeTAD in various solar cells imposes serious stabil-ity and cost problems,and thus calls for inorganic substitute materials.In this work,a novel inorganic MnS film prepared by thermal evaporation has been demonstrated to serve as a decent HTL in high-performance Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3)solar cells,providing a cost-effective all-inorganic solution.A low-temperature air-annealing process for the evaporated MnS layer was found to result in a significant positive effect on the power conversion efficiency(PCE)of Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3)solar cells,due to its better-matched energy band alignment after partial oxidation.Impressively,the device with the optimized MnS HTL has achieved an excellent PCE of about 9.24%,which is the highest efficiency among all-inorganic Sb_(2)(S,Se)_(3)solar cells.Our result has revealed that MnS is a feasible substitute for organic HTL in Sb-based solar cells to achieve high PCE,low cost,and high stability.

TiO_(2)Electron Transport Layer with p-n Homojunctions for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Low-temperature processed electron transport layer(ETL)of TiO_(2)that is widely used in planar perovskite solar cells(PSCs)has inherent low carrier mobility,resulting in insufficient photogenerated elec-tron transport and thus recombination loss at buried interface.Herein,we demonstrate an effective strategy of laser embedding of p-n homojunctions in the TiO_(2)ETL to accelerate electron transport in PSCs,through localized build-in electric fields that enables boosted electron mobility by two orders of magnitude.Such embedding is found significantly helpful for not only the enhanced crystallization quality of TiO_(2)ETL,but the fabrication of perovskite films with larger-grain and the less-trap-states.The embedded p-n homojunction enables also the modulation of interfacial energy level between perovskite layers and ETLs,favoring for the reduced voltage deficit of PSCs.Benefiting from these merits,the formamidinium lead iodide(FAPbI_(3))PSCs employing such ETLs deliver a champion efficiency of 25.50%,along with much-improved device stability under harsh conditions,i.e.,maintain over 95%of their initial efficiency after operation at maximum power point under continuous heat and illumination for 500 h,as well as mixed-cation PSCs with a champion efficiency of 22.02%and over 3000 h of ambient storage under humidity stability of 40%.Present study offers new possibilities of regulating charge transport layers via p-n homojunction embedding for high performance optoelectronics.

Amorphous BaTiO_(3) Electron Transport Layer for Thermal Equilibrium-Governed γ-CsPbl_(3) Perovskite Solar Cell with High Power Conversion Efficiency of 19.96%

Compared to organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites,the cesium-based allinorganic lead halide perovskite(CsPbI_(3))is a promising light absorber for perovskite solar cells owing to its higher resistance to thermal stress.Nonetheless,additional research is required to reduce the nonradiative recombination to realize the full potential of CsPbI_(3).Here,the diffusion of Cs ions participating in ion exchange is proposed to be an important factor responsible for the bulk defects inγ-CsPbI_(3)perovskite.Calculations based on first-principles density functional theory reveal that the[PbI_(6)]^(4-)octahedral tilt modifies the perovskite crystallographic properties inγ-CsPbI_(3),leading to alterations in its bandgap and crystal strain.In addition,by substituting amorphous barium titanium oxide(a-BaTiO_(3))for TiO_(2)as the electron transport layer,interfacial defects caused by imperfect energy levels between the electron transport layer and perovskite are reduced.High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy demonstrate that a-BaTiO_(3)forms entirely as a single phase,as opposed to Ba-doped TiO_(2)hybrid nanoclusters or separate domains of TiO_(2)and BaTiO_(3)phases.Accordingly,inorganic perovskite solar cells based on the a-BaTiO_(3)electron transport layer achieved a power conversion efficiency of 19.96%.

Dimethyl acridine-based self-assembled monolayer as a hole transport layer for highly efficient inverted perovskite solar cells

Self-assembled monolayers(SAMs)have recently emerged as excellent hole transport materials in inverted perovskite solar cells(PSCs)owing to their ability to minimize parasitic absorption,regulate energy level alignment,and passivate perovskite defects.Herein,we design and synthesize a novel dimethyl acridinebased SAM,[2-(9,10-dihydro-9,9-dimethylacridine-10-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid(2PADmA),and employ it as a hole-transporting layer in inverted PSCs.Experimental results show that the 2PADmA SAM can modulate perovskite crystallization,facilitate carrier transport,passivate perovskite defects,and reduce nonradiative recombination.Consequently,the 2PADmA-based device achieves an enhanced power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 24.01%and an improved fill factor(FF)of 83.92%compared to the commonly reported[2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid(2PACz)-based control device with a PCE of 22.32%and FF of 78.42%,while both devices exhibit comparable open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current density.In addition,2PADmA-based devices exhibit outstanding dark storage and thermal stabilities,retaining approximately~98%and 87%of their initial PCEs after 1080 h of dark storage and 400 h of heating at 85°C,respectively,both considerably superior to the control device.

Current advancements on charge selective contact interfacial layers and electrodes in flexible hybrid perovskite photovoltaics

Perovskite-based photovoltaic materials have been attracting attention for their strikingly improved performance at converting sunlight into electricity.The beneficial and unique optoelectronic characteristics of perovskite structures enable researchers to achieve an incredibly remarkable power conversion efficiency.Flexible hybrid perovskite photovoltaics promise emerging applications in a myriad of optoelectronic and wearable/portable device applications owing to their inherent intriguing physicochemical and photophysical properties which enabled researchers to take forward advanced research in this growing field.Flexible perovskite photovoltaics have attracted significant attention owing to their fascinating material properties with combined merits of high efficiency,light-weight,flexibility,semitransparency,compatibility towards roll-to-roll printing,and large-area mass-scale production.Flexible perovskite-based solar cells comprise of 4 key components that include a flexible substrate,semi-transparent bottom contact electrode,perovskite(light absorber layer)and charge transport(electron/hole)layers and top(usually metal)electrode.Among these components,interfacial layers and contact electrodes play a pivotal role in influencing the overall photovoltaic performance.In this comprehensive review article,we focus on the current developments and latest progress achieved in perovskite photovoltaics concerning the charge selective transport layers/electrodes toward the fabrication of highly stable,efficient flexible devices.As a concluding remark,we briefly summarize the highlights of the review article and make recommendations for future outlook and investigation with perspectives on the perovskite-based optoelectronic functional devices that can be potentially utilized in smart wearable and portable devices.

Gelation of Hole Transport Layer to Improve the Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells

To achieve high power conversion efficiency(PCE) and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells(PSCs), a hole transport layer(HTL) with persistently high conductivity, good moisture/oxygen barrier ability, and adequate passivation capability is important. To achieve enough conductivity and effective hole extraction, spiro-OMe TAD, one of the most frequently used HTL in optoelectronic devices, often needs chemical doping with a lithium compound(LiTFSI). However, the lithium salt dopant induces crystallization and has a negative impact on the performance and lifetime of the device due to its hygroscopic nature. Here, we provide an easy method for creating a gel by mixing a natural small molecule additive(thioctic acid, TA) with spiro-OMe TAD. We discover that gelation effectively improves the compactness of resultant HTL and prevents moisture and oxygen infiltration. Moreover, the gelation of HTL improves not only the conductivity of spiro-OMe TAD, but also the operational robustness of the devices in the atmospheric environment. In addition, TA passivates the perovskite defects and facilitates the charge transfer from the perovskite layer to HTL. As a consequence, the optimized PSCs based on the gelated HTL exhibit an improved PCE(22.52%) with excellent device stability.

Highly efficient flexible perovskite solar cells with vacuum-assisted low-temperature annealed SnO2 electron transport layer

The demand for lightweight, flexible, and high-performance portable power sources urgently requires high-efficiency and stable flexible solar cells. In the case of perovskite solar cells(PSCs), most of the common electron transport layer(ETL) needs to be annealed for improving the optoelectronic properties,while conventional flexible substrates could barely stand the high temperature. Herein, a vacuumassisted annealing SnO_(2) ETL at low temperature(100℃) is utilized in flexible PSCs and achieved high efficiency of 20.14%. Meanwhile, the open-circuit voltage(V_(oc)) increases from 1.07 V to 1.14 V. The flexible PSCs also show robust bending stability with 86.8% of the initial efficiency is retained after 1000 bending cycles at a bending radius of 5 mm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), atomic force microscopy(AFM), and contact angle measurements show that the density of oxygen vacancies, the surface roughness of the SnO_(2) layer, and film hydrophobicity are significantly increased, respectively. These improvements could be due to the oxygen-deficient environment in a vacuum chamber, and the rapid evaporation of solvents. The proposed vacuum-assisted low-temperature annealing method not only improves the efficiency of flexible PSCs but is also compatible and promising in the large-scale commercialization of flexible PSCs.

Composite electron transport layer for efficient N-I-P type monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells with high open-circuit voltage

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells(PSTSCs) have exhibited huge technological potential for breaking the Shockley-Queisser limit of single-junction solar cells. The efficiency of P-I-N type PSTSCs has surpassed the single-junction limit, while the performance of N-I-P type PSTSCs is far below the theoretical value. Here, we developed a composite electron transport layer for N-I-P type monolithic PSTSCs with enhanced open-circuit voltage(VOC) and power conversion efficiency(PCE). Lithium chloride(Li Cl) was added into the tin oxide(SnO_(2)) precursor solution, which simultaneously passivated the defects and increased the electron injection driving force at the electron transfer layer(ETL)/perovskite interface.Eventually, we achieved monolithic PSTSCs with an efficiency of 25.42% and V_(OC) of 1.92 V, which is the highest PCE and VOCin N-I-P type perovskite/Si tandem devices. This work on interface engineering for improving the PCE of monolithic PSTSCs may bring a new hot point about perovskite-based tandem devices.

Inverted organic solar cells with solvothermal synthesized vanadium-doped TiO2 thin films as efficient electron transport layer

We investigated the effects of using different thicknesses of pure and vanadium-doped thin films of TiO2 as the electron transport layer in the inverted configuration of organic photovoltaic cells based on poly（3-hexylthiophene） P3HT：[6-6] phenyl-（6） butyric acid methyl ester（PCBM）. 1% vanadium-doped TiO2nanoparticles were synthesized via the solvothermal method. Crystalline structure, morphology, and optical properties of pure and vanadium-doped TiO2 thin films were studied by different techniques such as x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmittance electron microscopy, and UV–visible transmission spectrum. The doctor blade method which is compatible with roll-2-roll printing was used for deposition of pure and vanadium-doped TiO2 thin films with thicknesses of 30 nm and 60 nm. The final results revealed that the best thickness of TiO2 thin films for our fabricated cells was 30 nm. The cell with vanadium-doped TiO2 thin film showed slightly higher power conversion efficiency and great Jsc of 10.7 mA/cm^2 compared with its pure counterpart. In the cells using 60 nm pure and vanadium-doped TiO2 layers, the cell using the doped layer showed much higher efficiency. It is remarkable that the external quantum efficiency of vanadium-doped TiO2 thin film was better in all wavelengths.

Dependability in Future Battle Network System —Transport Layer Ability to Maintain Quality of Service

Modernization of armies is a constant process and is driven by intuitive fact that those who do not modernize will become extinct. In last five decades, the development of modern armies has taken place around Colonel John Boyd’s theory of OODA loop that deals with information superiority. Building a robust, mobile and capable network that could provide for novel appliances and information superiority is the main challenge which modernizers are facing. Network, suitable for future combat operations, and able to transport a vast amount of information on a battlefield, is expensive to build. Every mistake in design and the need to correct those mistakes could halt development in an army for years. Therefore, system dependability analysis during system design phase is needed. In this report, the concept of a future Battle Network System is described. The Report evaluates operational environment of BNS and possible failure reasons of the service, and illustrates the change in BNS Quality of Service due to probable transport layer errors. This paper describes the method of testing the concept of proposed network systems on the drawing board, and emphasizes design points for a new system. Nevertheless, the proposed method is by no means conclusive. Rather, it describes an engineering approach to define the main problems while creating MANET-based networking systems.

Influence of charge transport layer on the crystallinity and charge extraction of pure tin-based halide perovskite film

As one of the most compelling photovoltaic devices, halide perovskite (PVK) solar cells have achieved a new surprising record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.8%in 2021 [1]. This demonstrates the great potential of halide PVK solar cells as a highly competitive substitute to replace silicon-based solar cells in the photovoltaic market [2–6].

A low temperature processable tin oxide interlayer via aminemodification for efficient and stable organic solar cells

The exploitation of proper electron transport layers(ETLs)and interface optimization can play a pivotal role to promote the performance of organic solar cells(OSCs).In this work,low temperature processable tin oxide(SnO_(2))colloidal nanoparticles with ethanolamine(EA)treatment are successfully employed for efficient and stable OSCs with light soaking free.The EA is chemically bonded with SnO_(2),and the ethanolamine treated tin oxide(E-SnO_(2))layer delivers a suitable work function of 4.10 eV and a unique surface texture with suspended polar moieties.The enhanced performance of E-SnO_(2) based OSCs can be attributed to the improved charge transport and electron extraction,which is correlated with the regulated energy level alignment and contact quality of E-SnO_(2)/active layer.As a result,considerable power conversion efficiencies(PCEs)of 10.30%,13.93%and 15.38%for PTB7-Th/PC_(71) BM,PM7/ITC6-4 F and PM6/Y6 based OSCs have been realized with E-SnO_(2) as ETL,respectively.Compared with ZnO based devices,the E-SnO_(2) based OSCs exhibit an improved light aging stability,which can retain 94.3%of their initial PCE of 15.38%after 100 h light aging for E-SnO_(2)/PM6/Y6 based OSCs.This work demonstrates that the enormous potential of E-SnO_(2) to serve as ETL for high-efficiency and stable OSCs.

TiO_(2)/SnO_(2)electron transport double layers with ultrathin SnO_(2)for efficient planar perovskite solar cells

The electron transport layer(ETL)plays an important role on the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells(PSCs).Developing double ETL is a promising strategy to take the advantages of different ETL materials and avoid their drawbacks.Here,an ultrathin SnO_(2)layer of~5 nm deposited by atomic layer deposit(ALD)was used to construct a TiO_(2)/SnO_(2)double ETL,improving the power conversion efficiency(PCE)from 18.02%to 21.13%.The ultrathin SnO_(2)layer enhances the electrical conductivity of the double layer ETLs and improves band alignment at the ETL/perovskite interface,promoting charge extraction and transfer.The ultrathin SnO_(2)layer also passivates the ETL/perovskite interface,suppressing nonradiative recombination.The double ETL achieves outstanding stability compared with PSCs with TiO_(2)only ETL.The PSCs with double ETL retains 85%of its initial PCE after 900 hours illumination.Our work demonstrates the prospects of using ultrathin metal oxide to construct double ETL for high-performance PSCs.

TiO_2 composite electron transport layers for planar perovskite solar cells by mixed spray pyrolysis with precursor solution incorporating TiO_2 nanoparticles

Perovskite solar cells with planar structure are attractive for their simplified device structure and reduced hysteresis effect. Compared to conventional mesoporous devices, TiO2 porous scaffold layers are removed in planar devices. Then, compact TiO2 electron transport layers take the functions of extracting electrons, transporting electrons, and blocking holes. Therefore, the properties of these compact TiO2 layers are important for the performance of solar cells. In this work, we develop a mixed spray pyrolysis method for producing compact TiO2 layers by incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles with dif- ferent size into the precursor solutions. For the optimized nanoparticle size of 60 nm, a power conversion efficiency of 16.7% is achieved, which is obviously higher than that of devices without incorporated nanoparticles （9.9%）. Further in- vestigation reveals that the incorporation of nanoparticles can remarkably improve the charge extraction and recombination processes.

Highly efficient bifacial semitransparent perovskite solar cells based on molecular doping of CuSCN hole transport layer

Coper thiocyanate(CuSCN)is generally considered as a very hopeful inorganic hole transport material(HTM)in semitransparent perovskite solar cells(ST-PSCs)because of its low parasitic absorption,high inherent stability,and low cost.However,the poor electrical conductivity and low work function of CuSCN lead to the insufficient hole extraction and large open-circuit voltage loss.Here,2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane(F4TCNQ)is employed to improve conductivity of CuSCN and band alignment at the CuSCN/perovskite(PVK)interface.As a result,the average power conversion efficiency(PCE)of PSCs is boosted by≈11%.In addition,benefiting from the superior transparency of p-type CuSCN HTMs,the prepared bifacial semitransparent n-i-p planar PSCs demonstrate a maximum efficiency of 14.8%and 12.5%by the illumination from the front side and back side,respectively.We believe that this developed CuSCN-based ST-PSCs will promote practical applications in building integrated photovoltaics and tandem solar cells.

MULTILAYER ORGANIC LEDS BASED ON A NEW DYE-DOPED POLYMER

A blue dye, 1-benzqthiazoly-3-phenyl-pyrazoline (BTPP) was found to function as bright light emitting dye in organic electroluminescent devices. This heterocyclic compound exhibits good characteristics of blue photoluminescence and electroluminescence, which has emission peak at 445 nm. The thin films of fluorescent dye dispersed in poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) could serve as light-emitting layers in multilayer organic LEDs. 2-(4-Biphenyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD) and tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) were introduced into double-layer and three-layer devices respectively. The introduction of electron transport material Alq3 enhanced the electron injection and luminous efficiency, as compared with double-layer devices. Maximum brightness and luminous efficiency can be reached up to 190 cd/m(2) and 0.31 m/W, respectively.

Charge transfer modification of inverted planar perovskite solar cells by NiO_(x)/Sr:NiO_(x)bilayer hole transport layer

Perovskite solar cells(PSCs) are the most promising commercial photoelectric conversion technology in the future.The planar p–i–n structure cells have advantages in negligible hysteresis, low temperature preparation and excellent stability.However, for inverted planar PSCs, the non-radiative recombination at the interface is an important reason that impedes the charge transfer and improvement of power conversion efficiency. Having a homogeneous, compact, and energy-levelmatched charge transport layer is the key to reducing non-radiative recombination. In our study, NiO_(x)/Sr:NiO_(x)bilayer hole transport layer(HTL) improves the holes transmission of NiO_(x)based HTL, reduces the recombination in the interface between perovskite and HTL layer and improves the device performance. The bilayer HTL enhances the hole transfer by forming a driving force of an electric field and further improves J_(sc). As a result, the device has a power conversion efficiency of 18.44%, a short circuit current density of 22.81 m A·cm^(-2) and a fill factor of 0.80. Compared to the pristine PSCs, there are certain improvements of optical parameters. This method provides a new idea for the future design of novel hole transport layers and the development of high-performance solar cells.

Improvement of Performance of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes with Both a MoO3 Hole Injection Layer and a MoO3 Doped Hole Transport Layer

We improve the performance of organic light-emitting diodes （OLEDs） with both a MoO3 hole injection layer （HIL） and a MoO3 doped hole transport layer （HTL）, and present a systematical and comparative investigation on these devices. Compared with OLEDs with only MoO3 HIL or MoO3 doped HTL, OLEDs with both MoO3 HIL and MoO3 doped HTL show superior performance in driving voltage, power efficiency, and stability. Based on the typical NPB/Alq3 heterojunction structure, OLEDs with both MoO3 HIL and MoO3 doped HTL show a driving voltage of 5.4 V and a power efficiency of 1.41 lm/W for 1000 cd/m2, and a lifetime of around 0. 88 h with an initial luminance of 5268 cd/m2 under a constant current of 190 mA/cm2 operation in air without encapsulation. While OLEDs with only MoO3 HIL or MoO3 doped HTL show higher driving voltages of 6.4 V or 5.8 V and lower power efficiencies of 1.201m/W or 1.341m/W for 1000cd/m2, and a shorter lifetime of 0.33 or 0.60h with an initial luminance of around 5122 or 5300cd/m2 under a constant current of 200 or 216mA/cm2 operation. Our results demonstrate clearly that using both MoO3 HIL and MoO3 doped HTL is a simple and effective approach to simultaneoasly improve both the hole injection and transport efficiency, resulting from the lowered energy barrier at the anode interface and the increased hole carrier density in MoO3 doped HTL.