Effect of drying methods on perovskite films and solar cells

The high efficiency,solution processibility,and flexibility of perovskite solar cells make them promising candidates for the photovoltaic industry[1−8].The deposition method is one of the most critical factors that affect the performance of perovskite films.Various deposition methods have been developed to make perovskite films,including spin-coating,slotdie coating.

4‑Terminal Inorganic Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells Offer 22%Efficiency

After fast developing of single-junction perovskite solar cells and organic solar cells in the past 10 years,it is becoming harder and harder to improve their power conversion efficiencies.Tandem solar cells are receiving more and more attention because they have much higher theoretical efficiency than single-junction solar cells.Good device performance has been achieved for perovskite/silicon and perovskite/perovskite tandem solar cells,including 2-terminal and 4-terminal structures.However,very few studies have been done about 4-terminal inorganic perovskite/organic tandem solar cells.In this work,semi-transparent inorganic perovskite solar cells and organic solar cells are used to fabricate 4-terminal inorganic perovskite/organic tandem solar cells,achieving a power conversion efficiency of 21.25%for the tandem cells with spin-coated perovskite layer.By using drop-coating instead of spin-coating to make the inorganic perovskite films,4-terminal tandem cells with an efficiency of 22.34%are made.The efficiency is higher than the reported 2-terminal and 4-terminal inorganic perovskite/organic tandem solar cells.In addition,equivalent 2-terminal tandem solar cells were fabricated by connecting the sub-cells in series.The stability of organic solar cells under continuous illumination is improved by using semi-transparent perovskite solar cells as filter.

Chemical vapor deposition for perovskite solar cells and modules

Metal halide perovskites are promising materials for solar cells because of high power conversion efficiency(PCE),tun-able bandgap,high defect tolerance,long carrier diffusion length,and low-cost fabrication[1-7].The PCE for perovskite solar cells(PSCs)reaches 26.14%for single-junction cells,29.1%for perovskite/perovskite tandem cells and 33.9%for perovskite/silicon tandem cells,being comparable to that for silicon and other thin-film solar cells[8-10].Perovskite solar cells have been made by solution methods including spin-coat-ing,blade coating and printing[11,12].

The origin and evolution of Y6 structure

During last several years,electron acceptors for organic sol-ar cells(OSCs)have experienced three major innovations.The first invention was a fused-ring electron acceptor(FREA),ITIC,reported by Zhan et al.in 2015,which consists of an in-dacenodithienothiophene(IDTT)donor core and two 3-dicy-anomethylene-1-indanone(IC)as the end-groups[1].ITIC cells exhibited comparable performance to PC61BM cells,and in-spired the development of hundreds nonfullerene acceptors(NFAs).The second breakthrough is the 14.08%power con-version efficiency(PCE)delivered by a low-bandgap non-fullerene acceptor COi 8DFIC with strong NIR absorption,invented by Ding et al.[2,3].The third star acceptor is Y6,developed by Zou et al.in 2019[4].Y6 and its derivatives(Y-series NFAs)are very promising[5,6].Ding et al.developed polymer donor D18 and its outstanding derivatives[7−10],and the D18:Y6 cells gave a PCE of 18.22%[7],which was the first time for OSCs to deliver PCEs over 18%.

Optimizing polymer aggregation and blend morphology for boosting the photovoltaic performance of polymer solar cells via a random terpolymerization strategy

Compared to regular conjugated polymers,the random conjugated terpolymers are usually not beneficial to achieve highly efficient non-fullerene(NF)-based polymer solar cells(PSCs)due to their disordered chemical structures.In this work,we report two random terpolymer donors(PBNB80 and PBNB50)by tuning the molar ratio of electron-accepting units of 1,3-di(thiophen-2-yl)naphtho[2,3-c]thiophene-4,9-dione(NTD)and 1,3-bis(4-chlorothiophen-2-yl)-4 H,8 H-benzo[1,2-c:4,5-c’]dithiophene-4,8-dione(ClBDD),at the same time,the parent polymers(PBNB100 and PBNB00)are also compared to study.These four polymer donors exhibit similar optical bandgaps and gradually deepen highest occupied molecular orbital levels.Importantly,aggregation and self-organization properties of the random terpolymer donors are optimized,which result in the better morphology and crystal coherence length after blending with NF acceptor of BO-4 Cl.Particularly,a PBNB80:BO-4 Cl blend forms an optimal nanoscale phase-separation morphology,thereby producing an outstanding power conversion efficiency of 16.0%,which is much higher than those(12.8%and 10.7%)of their parent binary polymer donor-based devices.This work demonstrates that rational using terpolymerization strategy to prepare random terpolymer is a very important method to achieve highly efficient NF-PSCs.

Observation of Van Hove Singularities and Temperature Dependence of Electrical Characteristics in Suspended Carbon Nanotube Schottky Barrier Transistors

A Van Hove singularity(VHS) is a singularity in the phonon or electronic density of states of a crystalline solid. When the Fermi energy is close to the VHS, instabilities will occur, which can give rise to new phases of matter with desirable properties. However, the position of the VHS in the band structure cannot be changed in most materials. In this work, we demonstrate that the carrier densities required to approach the VHS are reached by gating in a suspended carbon nanotube Schottky barrier transistor. Critical saddle points were observed in regions of both positive and negative gate voltage, and the conductance flattened out when the gate voltage exceeded the critical value. These novel physical phenomena were evident when the temperature is below 100 K. Further, the temperature dependence of the electrical characteristics was also investigated in this type of Schottky barrier transistor.

UV light absorbers executing synergistic effects of passivating defects and improving photostability for efficient perovskite photovoltaics

Metal halide perovskite-based solar cells(PSCs) have rapidly-increased power conversion efficiency(PCE)exceeding 25% but poor stability especially under ultraviolet(UV) light. Meanwhile, non-radiative recombination caused by diverse defects in perovskite absorbers and related interfaces is one of the major factors confining further development of PSCs. In this study, we systematically investigate the role of 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole(UVP) additive in perovskite layers. By adjusting the amount of doped UVP, the quality of perovskite absorbers is significantly improved with enlarged grains, longer lifetime and diffusion length of charge carriers. Furthermore, UVP not only reduces defects for less nonradiative recombination, but also matches energy level alignment for efficient interfacial charge extraction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms that N-donor of UVP molecule coordinates with undercoordinated Pb^(2+) on the surface. Interestingly, UVP incorporated in PbI_(2) protects the perovskite by absorbing UV through the opening and closing of the chelating ring. Eventually, the UVP treated PSCs obtain a champion PCE of 22.46% with remarkably enhanced UV stability, retaining over 90% of initial PCE after 60 m W/cm^(2) strong UV irradiation for 9 h while the control maintaining only 74%. These results demonstrate a promising strategy fabricating passivated and UV-resistant perovskite materials simultaneously for efficient and stable perovskite photovoltaics.

Using fluorinated and crosslinkable fullerene derivatives to improve the stability of perovskite solar cells

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cell(PSC)is a third-generation photovoltaic technology^([1,2]),and the certi-fied power conversion efficiency(PCE)has reached 25.5%(https://www.nrel.gov/pv/cell-efficiency.html),which can rival solar cells based on crystalline-Si and other inorganic semi-conductors.The intrinsic instability of perovskite materials could impede PSC commercialization^([3]).To date,a variety of strategies such as composition engineering,additive engi-neering,interface engineering and encapsulation technique are employed to improve the long-term stability of PSCs^([4−9]).

Gradual chlorination at different positions of D-π-A copolymers based on benzodithiophene and isoindigo for organic solar cells

Isoindigo(IID)has been widely used as strong acceptor unit(A)to construct narrow bandgap polymers in organic field effect transistors(OFETs)and organic solar cells(OSCs).Combing with IID,we chose benzodithiophene(BDT)as the donor unit(D)and thieno[3,2-b]thiophene(TT)as theπbridge to construct a new type of D-π-A polymer PE70.Based on PE70,we adopt the chlorination strategy to fine-tune photoelectric characteristics and film morphology,and then developed PE74 and PE75.By blending with non-fullerene acceptor(NFA)Y6,device based on PE74 with chloride substitution on the BDT unit showed increasing photovoltaic performance.In addition,further chlorine substitution on the IID(PE75)would greatly reduce the non-radiative voltage loss(ΔV3),and the distorted molecular conformation also took responsible for the excessive recombination.As results,PE74:Y6-based device achieves a power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 11.06%with open-circuit voltage(VOC)of 0.76 V,which are higher than those of PE70:Y6(PCE of 10.40%and VOC of 0.72 V)and PE75:Y6-based device(PCE of 6.24%and VOC of 0.84 V).This work demonstrates the regularity of the photovoltaic performance caused by chlorination strategy in polymer in the non-fullerene OSC devices,which provide important insights into highperformance photovoltaic materials.

Hot-Casting Large-Grain Perovskite Film for Efficient Solar Cells:Film Formation and Device Performance

Organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells(PSCs) have recently been considered as one of the most competitive contenders to commercial silicon solar cells in the photovoltaic field.The deposition process of a perovskite film is one of the most critical factors affecting the quality of the film formation and the photovoltaic performance.A hot-casting technique has been widely implemented to deposit high-quality perovskite films with large grain size,uniform thickness,and preferred crystalline orientation.In this review,we first review the classical nucleation and crystal growth theory and discuss those factors affecting the hot-casted perovskite film formation.Meanwhile,the effects of the deposition parameters such as temperature,thermal annealing,precursor chemistry,and atmosphere on the preparation of high-quality perovskite films and high-efficiency PSC devices are comprehensively discussed.The excellent stability of hot-casted perovskite films and integration with scalable deposition technology are conducive to the commercialization of PSCs.Finally,some open questions and future perspectives on the maturity of this technology toward the upscaling deposition of perovskite film for related optoelectronic devices are presented.

Monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells offer an efficiency over 29%

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite semiconductors pos-sessing superior optoelectronic properties(e.g.long carrier dif-fusion lengths,high optical absorption coefficient,low ex-citon binding energy,and high defect tolerance)are attract-ing serious attention.The certified power conversion effi-ciency(PCE)for single-junction perovskite solar cells have ex-ceeded 25%^([1,2]).As a very promising PCE-enhancement strategy,tandem structure made by stacking a perovskite cell on a market-dominant silicon cell can yield much higher PCEs beyond the Shockley-Queisser limit of single-junction devices without adding substantial cost^([3]).

COF-based electrochromic materials and devices

The transparency,reflectivity and color for electro-chromic(EC)materials can be changed reversibly under low bias[1].EC materials find wide application in many fields like microelectronics,energy-saving buildings,automobiles,na-tional defense and aerospace industry[2].Compared with inor-ganic EC materials,organic EC materials have advantages like easy modification of molecular structures,rich color changes and fast-switching speed[3].

Tuning the bandgap of double perovskites

With great achievements in efficiency,stability,and large-scale preparation of perovskite solar cells(PSCs),the com-mercialization of PSC is ongoing,but there is still an issue on lead toxicity.Although lead content in the device is low,the water solubility of lead salts leads to potential environmental pollution.At present,the non-lead perovskites studied in-clude:divalent metal perovskite(e.g.,Sn^(2+),Ge^(2+),Cu^(2+)),trivalent metal perovskite(e.g.,Bi^(3+),Sb^(3+),In^(3+)),tetravalent met-al double perovskite(e.g.,Sn^(4+),Pd^(4+),Ti^(4+),Pt^(4+))and mono-trivalent mixed double perovskite(e.g.,Ag+and Bi^(3+),Ag+and In^(3+),Ag^(+)and Sb^(3+)).Their properties are summarized in Table 1.Since the first report on non-lead double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 in 2016^([1]).

Synthesis and Thermoelectric Property of 1D Flexible PEDOT: p-TSA/Glass Fiber

Exploiting the thermal insulation properties of glass fiber and excellent conductivity of conducting polymer, a novel one-dimensional (1D) composite thermoelectric material, based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): p-toluenesulfonic acid (PEDOT: p-TSA)/glass fiber, is prepared by coating the PEDOT: p-TSA on the surface of glass fiber with in situ polymerization method. We hope the materials can bring out the performance of the “electron conductor, photon glass”. During the polymerization process, the effects of oxidant concentration and dopant mass fraction on thermoelectric properties of the materials are investigated. The group type of the polymer chain and the morphology of the samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The maximal Seebeck coefficient (S) and electric conductivity (σ) of the pristine sample are 32 μVK-1 and 169 Sm-1, respectively. After further post-processing with methanol, the thermoelectric properties of materials were improved, and the maximum value of S and σ increased greatly to 48.5 μVK-1 and 3184 Sm-1, respectively. The maximal power factor (PF) of materials also increased from 0.12 μWm-1 K-2 to 6.74 μWm-1 K-2. Moreover, we have proposed a preliminary explanation on the carrier transport mechanism.

Advances in the Application of Perovskite Materials

Nowadays, the soar of photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells has set off a fever in the study of metal halide perovskite materials. The excellent optoelectronic properties and defect tolerance feature allow metal halide perovskite to be employed in a wide variety of applications. This article provides a holistic review over the current progress and future prospects of metal halide perovskite materials in representative promising applications, including traditional optoelectronic devices(solar cells, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, lasers), and cutting-edge technologies in terms of neuromorphic devices(artificial synapses and memristors) and pressure-induced emission. This review highlights the fundamentals, the current progress and the remaining challenges for each application, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the development status and a navigation of future research for metal halide perovskite materials and devices.

Progress on the mechanisms of Ru-based electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in acidic media

Water electrolysis using proton-exchange membranes is one of the most promising technologies for carbon-neutral and sustainable energy production.Generally,the overall efficiency of water splitting is limited by the oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Nevertheless,a trade-off between activity and stability exists for most electrocatalytic materials in strong acids and oxidizing media,and the development of efficient and stable catalytic materials has been an important focus of research.In this view,gaining in-depth insights into the OER system,particularly the interactions between reaction intermediates and active sites,is significantly important.To this end,this review introduces the fundamentals of the OER over Ru-based materials,including the conventional adsorbate evolution mechanism,lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism,and oxide path mechanism.Moreover,the up-to-date progress of representative modifications for improving OER performance is further discussed with reference to specific mechanisms,such as tuning of geometric,electronic structures,incorporation of proton acceptors,and optimization of metal-oxygen covalency.Finally,some valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for OER electrocatalysts are provided with the aim to promote the development of next-generation catalysts with high activity and excellent stability.

Dimensionality regulation in tin halide perovskite solar cells: Toward high performance and stability

Tin halide perovskites(THPs)have received extensive attention due to their low toxicity and excellent optoelectronic properties,and are considered to be the most promising alternatives to develop efficient lead-free perovskite solar cells.However,due to the unique and inherent characteristics of Sn^(2+)being easily oxidized to Sn^(4+)and fast crystallization,tin perovskite solar cells(TPSCs)show relatively poor performance and stability,compared to the lead counterparts.Recently,the introduction of bulky organic spacers into three-dimensional(3D)THPs for dimensional regulation can not only prevent the intrusion of water and oxygen,but also inhibit the self-doping effect and ion migration.In this review,we will detail how dimensional regulation enables TPSCs with high performance and superior stability.First,we summarize the intrinsic properties of THPs and analyze the root causes of their poor performance and instability.Next,we discuss the specific structure and types of the dimensional regulation strategy.Then,the mechanism of dimensional regulation is discussed in detail,mainly from inhibiting the Sn^(2+)oxidation,optimizing crystallization,passivating defects,and improving energy level alignment.Finally,future challenges and prospects for dimensional regulation are elaborated to help researchers develop more efficient and stable TPSCs.

One‑Step Gas-Solid‑Phase Diffusion‑Induced Elemental Reaction for Bandgap‑Tunable Cu_(a)Agm_(1)Bim_(2)I_(n)/CuI Thin Film Solar Cells

Lead-free inorganic copper-silver-bismuth-halide materials have attracted more and more attention due to their environmental friendliness,high element abundance,and low cost.Here,we developed a strategy of one-step gas-solid-phase diffusioninduced reaction to fabricate a series of bandgap-tunable Cu_(a)Agm_(1)Bim_(2)I_(n)/CuI bilayer films due to the atomic diffusion effect for the first time.By designing and regulating the sputtered Cu/Ag/Bi metal film thickness,the bandgap of Cu_(a)Agm_(1)Bim_(2)I_(n)/CuI could be reduced from 2.06 to 1.78 eV.Solar cells with the structure of FTO/TiO_(2)/Cu_(a)Agm_(1)Bim_(2)I_(n)/CuI/carbon were constructed,yielding a champion power conversion efficiency of 2.76%,which is the highest reported for this class of materials owing to the bandgap reduction and the peculiar bilayer structure.The current work provides a practical path for developing the next generation of efficient,stable,and environmentally friendly photovoltaic materials.

Perovskite/organic tandem solar cells

In recent years,the power conversion efficiency(PCE)for single-junction perovskite solar cells(PSCs)[1,2]has reached 25.7%,approaching the Shockley-Queisser limit(S-Q limit).Further enhancing efficiency is challenging.Tandem solar cells offer an effective way to further increase the efficiency beyond S-Q limit.Currently,perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells(TSCs)[3−5]have achieved a PCE of 31.3%[6].However,the complicated preparation processes and high cost hinder their commercialization application.In contrast,thin-film perovskite/organic TSCs have the advantages of solution processability,low cost,and flexibility,making them to be promising candidates for the next-generation photovoltaic technology.

Solution-processed CuIn(S,Se)_(2) solar cells on transparent electrode offering 9.4%efficiency

Chalcopyrite,copper indium gallium selenide(Cu(In,Ga)Se_(2),CIGS),as semiconductor materials,have been widely used as absorbers in thin-film solar cells,offering high power conversion efficiency(PCE)and good thermal stability[1−3].Recently,the development of non-traditional photovoltaic(PV)devices such as semitransparent.