Improved efficiency and stability of inverse perovskite solar cells via passivation cleaning

Amidst the global energy and environmental crisis,the quest for efficient solar energy utilization intensifies.Perovskite solar cells,with efficiencies over 26%and cost-effective production,are at the forefront of research.Yet,their stability remains a barrier to industrial application.This study introduces innovative strategies to enhance the stability of inverted perovskite solar cells.By bulk and surface passivation,defect density is reduced,followed by a"passivation cleaning"using Apacl amino acid salt and isopropyl alcohol to refine film surface quality.Employing X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscope(SEM),and atomic force microscopy(AFM),we confirmed that this process effectively neutralizes surface defects and curbs non-radiative recombination,achieving 22.6%efficiency for perovskite solar cells with the composition Cs_(0.15)FA_(0.85)PbI_(3).Crucially,the stability of treated cells in long-term tests has been markedly enhanced,laying groundwork for industrial viability.

Enhancing the crystallinity and stability of perovskite solar cells with 4-tert-butylpyridine induction for efficiency exceeding 24%

Perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology because of their high light absorption coefficient,long carrier diffusion distance,and tunable bandgap.However,PSCs face challenges such as hysteresis effects and stability issues.In this study,we introduced a novel approach to improve film crystallization by leveraging 4-tert-butylpyridine(TBP)molecules,thereby enhancing the performance and stability of PSCs.Our findings demonstrate the effective removal of PbI_(2)from the perovskite surface through strong coordination with TBP molecules.Additionally,by carefully adjusting the concentration of the TBP solution,we achieved enhanced film crystallinity without disrupting the perovskite structure.The TBP-treated perovskite films exhibit a low defect density,improved crystallinity,and improved carrier lifetime.As a result,the PSCs manufactured with TBP treatment achieve power conversion efficiency(PCE)exceeding 24%.Moreover,we obtained the PCE of 21.39%for the 12.25 cm^(2)module.

Efficiency enhancement of Cs_(0.1)(CH_(3)NH_(3))_(0.9)PbI_(3) perovskite solar cell by surface passivation using iso-butyl ammonium iodide

Efficiency enhancement of Cs_(0.1)(CH_(3)NH_(3))_(0.9)PbI_(3) solar cell devices was performed by using iso-butyl ammonium iodide(IBA)passivated on Cs_(0.1)(CH_(3)NH_(3))_(0.9)PbI_(3) films.The n-i-p structure of perovskite solar cell devices was fabricated with the structure of FTO/SnO_(2)/Cs_(0.1)(CH_(3)NH_(3))_(0.9)PbI_(3)(FTO,i.e.,fluorine doped tin oxide)and IBA/Spiro-OMeTAD/Ag.The effect of different weights of IBA passivated on Cs-doped perovskite solar cells(PSCs)was systematically investigated and compared with non-passivated devices.It was found that the 5-mg IBA-passivated devices exhibited a high power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 15.49%higher than 12.64%of non-IBA-passivated devices.The improvement of photovoltaic parameters of the 5-mg IBA-passivated device can be clearly observed compared to the Cs-doped device.The better performance of the IBA-passivated device can be confirmed by the reduction of PbI_(2) phase in the crystal structure,lower charge recombination rate,lower charge transfer resistance,and improved contact angle of perovskite films.Therefore,IBA passivation on Cs_(0.1)(CH_(3)NH)_(0.9)PbI_(3) is a promising technique to improve the efficiency of Cs-doped perovskite solar cells.

PEROVSKITE SEMICONDUCTOR OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICES Surface passivation of perovskite film for efficient solar cells

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) swiftly increased from 3.8% to more than 20% during last 10 years, thanks to the advancement of perovskite film growth, device and interface engineering. However, solution-processed perovskites are usually polycrystalline, that is the photoactive films contain substantial structural disorders, such as grain boundaries, interfaces and crystallographic defects. These defects have detrimental impacts on the performance and stability of PSCs.

Self-assembled TiO_(2)hole-blocking layers for efficient perovskite solar cells

The self-assembly process for compatible functional layers of devices is a simple,feasible,and energy-saving strategy.In mesoporous perovskite solar cells(PSCs),compact and scaffold TiO_(2) films generally function as the hole-blocking and electron-transporting layers,respectively.However,both of these layers are usually generated through a high-temperature annealing process.Here,we deposited TiO_(2) compact films through a room-temperature self-assembly process as effective hole-blocking layers for PSCs.The thickness of TiO_(2) compact films can be easily controlled by the deposition time.Through the optimization of TiO_(2) compact films(80 nm),the power conversion efficiency(PCE)of mesoporous PSCs without and with hole conductor layers increases up to 10.66%and 17.95%,respectively.Notably,an all-low-temperature planar PSC with the self-assembled TiO_(2) layer exhibits a PCE of 16.41%.

Review of current progress in hole-transporting materials for perovskite solar cells

Recent advancements in perovskites’ application as a solar energy harvester have been astonishing. The power conversion efficiency(PCE) of perovskite solar cells(PSCs) is currently reaching parity(>25 percent), an accomplishment attained over past decades. PSCs are seen as perovskites sandwiched between an electron transporting material(ETM) and a hole transporting material(HTM). As a primary component of PSCs, HTM has been shown to have a considerable effect on solar energy harvesting, carrier extraction and transport, crystallization of perovskite, stability, and price. In PSCs, it is still necessary to use a HTM.While perovskites are capable of conducting holes, they are present in trace amounts, necessitating the use of an HTM layer for efficient charge extraction. In this review, we provide an understanding of the significant forms of HTM accessible(inorganic, polymeric and small molecule-based HTMs), to motivate further research and development of such materials. The identification of additional criteria suggests a significant challenge to high stability and affordability in PSC.

Blade-coating Perovskite Films with Diverse Compositions for Efficient Photovoltaics

In this research highlight,recent significant advances with hot-assisted blade-coating or air knife-assisted blade-coating of different perovskite compositions with bandgaps ranging from 1.3 eV to 1.9 eV(i.e.widebandgap or small-bandgap perovskites with mixed cations and anions,2D/3D perovskites,Pb/Sn binary perovskites,and all-inorganic perovskites)for single-junction or tandem PSCs are discussed,with an emphasis on elucidating the distinct ink formulation engineering strategies,crystal growth mechanisms,crystallization kinetics,and optoelectronic properties of the different perovskite compositions.

Predicting the device performance of the perovskite solar cells from the experimental parameters through machine learning of existing experimental results

The performance of the metal halide perovskite solar cells(PSCs)highly relies on the experimental parameters,including the fabrication processes and the compositions of the perovskites;tremendous experimental work has been done to optimize these factors.However,predicting the device performance of the PSCs from the fabrication parameters before experiments is still challenging.Herein,we bridge this gap by machine learning(ML)based on a dataset including 1072 devices from peer-reviewed publications.The optimized ML model accurately predicts the PCE from the experimental parameters with a root mean square error of 1.28%and a Pearson coefficientr of 0.768.Moreover,the factors governing the device performance are ranked by shapley additive explanations(SHAP),among which,A-site cation is crucial to getting highly efficient PSCs.Experiments and density functional theory calculations are employed to validate and help explain the predicting results by the ML model.Our work reveals the feasibility of ML in predicting the device performance from the experimental parameters before experiments,which enables the reverse experimental design toward highly efficient PSCs.

The roles of black phosphorus in performance enhancement of halide perovskite solar cells

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells(PSCs) are considered to be the most promising thirdgeneration photovoltaic(PV) technology with the most rapid rate of increase in the power conversion efficiency(PCE). To date, their PCE values are comparable to the established photovoltaic technologies such as crystalline silicon. Intensive research activities associated with PSCs have been being performed,since 2009, aiming to further boost the device performance in terms of efficiency and stability via different strategies in order to accelerate the progress of commercialization. The emerging 2 D black phosphorus(BP) is a novel class of semiconducting material owing to its unique characteristics, allowing them to become attractive materials for applications in a variety of optical and electronic devices, which have been comprehensively reviewed in the literature. However, comprehensive reviews focusing on the application of BP in PSCs are scarce in the community. This review discusses the research works with the incorporation of BP as a functional material in PSCs. The methodology as well as the effects of employing BP in different regions of PSCs are summarized. Further challenges and potential research directions are also highlighted.

Formamidinium-incorporated Dion-Jacobson phase 2D perovskites for highly efficient and stable photovoltaics

Dion-Jacobson phase two-dimensional(DJ 2D)perovskites,recently attracting considerable interests,exhibit excellent environmental stability and structural tunability,but their solar cells still offer unsatisfactory power conversion efficiencies(PCEs).Herein,we develop DJ 2D perovskites employing formamidinium(FA+)as a ternary cation in the perovskite cages((PDA)(FA)x(MA)3-xPb4 I13,χ=0,0.15,0.3 and 0.6,PDA=1,3-propanediammonium)for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells(PSCs).We found that the DJ 2D perovskite with a 10%FA+fraction presents improved crystallinity,preferred vertical orientation,and longer charge carrier lifetime compared to that without FA+doping.As a result,the FAdoped DJ 2D PSCs exhibit a champion PCE of 14.74%with superior device stability.The unencapsulated devices sustain over 92%of its initial PCE after storage at a constant relative humidity(RH)of 65%for 6000 h,90%by heat at 85℃in air for 800 h,and 94%under 1-sun illumination for 5000 h.These findings demonstrate that the incorporation of FA cation into the DJ 2D perovskite is a promising strategy to develop highly efficient and stable DJ 2D PSCs.

Applications and functions of rare-earth ions in perovskite solar cells

The emerging perovskite solar cells have been recognized as one of the most promising new-generation photovoltaic technologies owing to their potential of high efficiency and low production cost. However, the current perovskite solar cells suffer from some obstacles such as non-radiative charge recombination, mismatched absorption, light induced degradation for the further improvement of the power conversion efficiency and operational stability towards practical application. The rare-earth elements have been recently employed to effectively overcome these drawbacks according to their unique photophysical properties. Herein, the recent progress of the application of rare-earth ions and their functions in perovskite solar cells were systematically reviewed. As it was revealed that the rare-earth ions can be coupled with both charge transport metal oxides and photosensitive perovskites to regulate the thin film formation, and the rare-earth ions are embedded either substitutionally into the crystal lattices to adjust the optoelectronic properties and phase structure, or interstitially at grain boundaries and surface for effective defect passivation. In addition, the reversible oxidation and reduction potential of rare-earth ions can prevent the reduction and oxidation of the targeted materials. Moreover, owing to the presence of numerous energetic transition orbits, the rare-earth elements can convert low-energy infrared photons or high-energy ultraviolet photons into perovskite responsive visible light, to extend spectral response range and avoid high-energy light damage. Therefore, the incorporation of rare-earth elements into the perovskite solar cells have demonstrated promising potentials to simultaneously boost the device efficiency and stability.

Machine learning enables intelligent screening of interface materials towards minimizing voltage losses for p-i-n type perovskite solar cells

Interface engineering is proved to be the most important strategy to push the device performance of the perovskite solar cell(PSC) to its limit, and numerous works have been conducted to screen efficient materials. Here, on the basis of the previous studies, we employ machine learning to map the relationship between the interface material and the device performance, leading to intelligently screening interface materials towards minimizing voltage losses in p-i-n type PSCs. To enhance the explainability of the machine learning models, molecular descriptors are used to represent the materials. Furthermore,experimental analysis with different characterization methods and device simulation based on the drift-diffusion physical model are conducted to get physical insights and validate the machine learning models. Accordingly, 3-thiophene ethylamine hydrochloride(Th EACl) is screened as an example, which enables remarkable improvements in VOCand PCE of the PSCs. Our work reveals the critical role of datadriven analysis in the high throughput screening of interface materials, which will significantly accelerate the exploration of new materials for high-efficiency PSCs.

Beyond two-dimension: One-and zero-dimensional halide perovskites as new-generation passivators for high-performance perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells(PSCs) as a rising star in the photovoltaic field have received rapidly increasing attention recently due to the boosting power conversion efficiencies(PCEs) from 3.8% to 25.7% in the last13 years. Nevertheless, the conventional PSCs with three-dimensional(3D) halide perovskites as light absorbers suffer from inferior PCEs and poor durability under sunlight, high-temperature and humid conditions due to the high defect amount and structural instability of 3D perovskites, respectively. To tackle these crucial issues, lower-dimensional halide perovskites including zero-dimensional(0D), onedimensional(1D), and two-dimensional(2D) perovskites have been employed as efficient passivators to boost the PCEs and durability of 3D-PSCs due to the high structural stability and superior resistance against moisture, heat and sunlight. Therefore, in order to achieve better understanding about the advantages and superiorities of combining low-dimensional perovskites with their 3D counterparts in improving the PCEs and durability of 3D-PSCs, the recent advances in the development and fabrication of mixeddimensional PSCs with 1D/0D perovskites as passivators are summarized and discussed in the review.The superiority of 1D/0D perovskites as passivators over 2D counterparts, the passivation mechanism and the methods of 1D/0D perovskites are also presented and discussed. Furthermore, the rules to choose1D/0D perovskites or relevant spacer cations are also emphasized. On this basis, several specific strategies to design and fabricate mixed-dimensional PSCs with 1D/0D perovskites are presented and discussed.Finally, the crucial challenges and future research directions of mixed-dimensional PSCs with 1D/0D perovskites as passivators are also proposed and discussed. This review will provide some useful insights for the future development of high-efficiency and durable mixed-dimensional PSCs.

Titanylphthalocyanine as hole transporting material for perovskite solar cells

Titanylphthalocyanine （TiOPc） as hole transporting material （HTM） was successfully synthesized by a simple process with low cost. Perovskite solar cells using the TiOPc as HTM were fabricated and characterized. TiOPc as HTM plays an important role in increasing the power conversion efficiency （PCE） by minimizing recombi- nation losses at the perovskite/Au interface because TiOPc as HTM can extract photogenerated holes from the perovskite and then transport quickly these charges to the back metal electrode. In the research, the β-TiOPc gives a higher PCE than α-TiOPc for the devices due to sufficient transfer dynamics, The β-TiOPc was applied in perovskite solar cells without clopping to afford an impressive PCE of 5.05% under AM 1.5G illumination at the thickness of 40 nm which is competitive with spiro-OMeTAD at the same condition. The present work suggests a guideline for optimizing the photovoltaic properties ofperovskite solar cells using the TiOPc as the HTM.

A Study on the Efficiency Gain of CsSnGeI3 Solar Cells with Graphene Doping

This paper presents a newly designed ultra-thin, lead-free, and all-inorganic solar cell structure. The structure was optimized using the SCAPS-1D simulator, incorporating solid-state layers arranged as n-graphene/CsSnGeI3/p-graphene. The objective was to investigate the potential of utilizing n-graphene as the electron transport layer and p-graphene as the hole transport layer to achieve maximum power conversion efficiency. Various materials for the electron transport layer were evaluated. The optimized cell structure achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency of 20.97%. The proposed solar cell structure demonstrates promising potential as an efficient, inorganic photovoltaic device. These findings provide important insights for developing and optimizing inorganic photovoltaic cells based on CsSnGeI3, with n-graphene electron transport layers and p-graphene hole transport layers.

Piperazine-Assisted Construction of 2D/3D Wide-Bandgap Perovskite for Realizing High-Efficiency Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells

Monolithic perovskite/organic tandem solar cells(TsCs)have gained significant attention due to their easy device integration and the potential to surpass the Shockley-Queisser limit of single-junction solar cells.However,the surfaces of wide-bandgap perovskite films are densely populated with defects,leading to severe non-radiative recombination and energy loss.As a consequence,the power conversion efficiency(PCE)of perovskite/organic TSCs lags behind that of other TSC counterparts.To address these issues,we designed a functional ammonium salt,4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-ium iodide(Pzol),comprising a piperazine iodide and a terminated hydroxyl group,which was applied for post-treating the perovskite surface.Our findings reveal that Pzol reacts with and consumes residual PbX_(2)(X:I or Br)to form a 2D perovskite component,thereby eliminating Pb^(0)defects,while the terminated hydroxyl group in PZOI can also passivate uncoordinated Pb^(2+).Consequently,the shallow/deep-level defect densities of the 2D/3D perovskite film were significantly reduced,leading to an enhanced PCE of single-junction 2D/3D wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells to 18.18% with a reduced energy loss of 40 mev.Importantly,the corresponding perovskite/organic TSCs achieved a remarkable PCE of 24.05% with enhanced operational stability(T_(90)~500h).

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.

Cation engineering on lead iodide perovskites for stable and high-performance photovoltaic applications

Perovskite solar cells （PSCs） based on methylammonium lead iodide （CH3NH3PbI3） have shown unprecedentedly outstanding performance in the recent years. Nevertheless, due to the weak interaction between polar CH3NH3＋ （MA＋） and inorganic PbI3 sublattices, CH3NH3PbI3 dramatically suffers from poor moisture stability, thermal decomposition and device hysteresis. As such, strong electrostatic interactions between cations and anionic frameworks are desired for synergistic improvements of the abovementioned issues. While replacements of I with Br and/or CI evidently widen optical bandgaps of perovskite materials, compositional modifications can solely be applied on cation components in order to preserve the broad absorption of solar spectrum. Herein, we review the current successful practices in achieving efficient, stable and minimally hysteretic PSCs with lead iodide perovskite systems that employ photoactive cesium lead iodide （CsPbI3）, formamidinium lead iodide （HC（NH2）2PbI3, or FAPbI3）, MA1-x y-zFAxCsyRbzPbI3 mixed-cation settings as well as two-dimensional butylammonium （C4H9NH3＋, or BA＋）/MA＋, polymeric ammonium （PEI＋）/MA＋ co-cation layered structures. Fundamental aspects behind the stabilization of perovskite phases α-CsPbi3, α-FAPbI3, mixed-cation MA1-x-y-zFAxCsyRb2PbI3 and crystallographic alignment of （BA）2（MA）3Pb4I13 for effective light absorption and charge transport will be discussed. This review will contribute to the continuous development of photovoltaic technology based on PSCs.

Recent advances and emerging trends of rare-earth-ion doped spectral conversion nanomaterials in perovskite solar cells

Organic-inorganic lead halide based perovskite solar cells(PSCs)have attracted unprecedented research interest over last decade.The high performance,combined with merits of low fabrication costs and ease of synthesis make PSCs promising alternate to state of the art silicon(Si)based solar cells.Howeve r,some inherent shortcomings of PSCs are hindering their market dominance over conventional photovoltaic technologies such as transmission loss of sub-bandgap photons,poor stability and hysteresis effects.Recently,use of rare earth(RE)ions doped nanomaterials in PSCs,has been identified as an effective means to address the aforementioned issues by expanding the range of absorption spectra minimizing the non-absorption loss of solar photons,enhancing light scattering and improving operational stability.This article reviews the recent progress in doping rare-earth(RE)ions in the building blocks of PSCs such as semiconductor electrodes and photoactive perovskite layers,and its use as a separate spectral conversion layer in PSCs.The effect of size,shape,constitution and concentration of RE-nanoparticles on the overall performance and device stability will be analyzed in detail.Moreover,we provide an outlook on the opportunities this newly developed field offers and the critical challenges faced in rationally and effectively using RE-ion-doped nanomaterials in PSCs for better operational stability and enhanced performance.

Mechanically and operationally stable flexible inverted perovskite solar cells with 20.32%efficiency by a simple oligomer cross-linking method

Due to their great potential in wearable and portable electronics,flexible perovskite solar cells(FPSCs)have been extensively studied.The major challenges in the practical applications of FPSCs are efficiency,operational stability,and mechanical stability.Herein,we developed a facile approach by incorporating a cross-linking oligomer of trimethylolpropane ethoxylate triacrylate(TET)into perovskite films to simultaneously enhance the power conversion efficiency(PCE)and stability of FPSCs.A PCE of 20.32%was achieved,which are among the best results for the inverted FPSCs.Both mechanical and environmental stabilities were improved for the TET-incorporated FPSCs.In particular,the PCE retained approximately87%of its initial value after 20,000 bending cycles at a radius of 4 mm.The inverted FPSCs retained 85%of the initial PCE after 500 h storage at 85°C and 90%after 900 h continuous one-sun illumination.A joint experiment–theory analysis ascribed the underlying mechanism to the reduced defect densities,improved crystallinity,and stability of the perovskite absorbers on flexible substrates caused by TET incorporation.