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30 Apr 08:07

Fullerene Polymer Complex Inducing Dipole Electric Field for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

by Congcong Wu, Kai Wang, Yongke Yan, Dong Yang, Yuanyuan Jiang, Bo Chi, Jianzhao Liu, Alan R. Esker, Jennifer Rowe, Amanda J. Morris, Mohan Sanghadasa, Shashank Priya
Advanced Functional Materials Fullerene Polymer Complex Inducing Dipole Electric Field for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Polymethyl methacrylate is coated on a perovskite grain boundary, blocking moisture penetration. The distributed C60 clusters create a dipole‐like electric field inside the perovskite layer, which favors exciton dissociation, and improves the conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells.


Abstract

Lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated great potential for realizing low‐cost and easily fabricated photovoltaics. At this juncture, power conversion efficiency and long‐term stability are two important factors limiting their transition. PSCs exhibit rapid environmental degradation since the perovskite layer is very sensitive to factors such as humidity, temperature, and ultraviolet light. Here, a novel successful approach is demonstrated that simultaneously improves the efficiency and stability of PSCs. This approach relies on incorporation of a dual‐functional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)–fullerene complex into the perovskite layer. The fullerene within perovskite layer forms a localized dipole‐like electric field that favors electron–hole separation, resulting in significant improvement in current density and fill factor with conversion efficiency reaching 18.4%. The molecular‐scale coating of hydrophobic PMMA on the perovskite grain boundary effectively blocks moisture penetration into the perovskite, thereby, significantly improving the stability against moisture, heat, and light. The PSCs with PMMA–fullerene complex showed no photovoltaic performance degradation for 250 d and exhibited 60 times higher stability compared to the state‐of‐the‐art devices under continuous 1 sun illumination in ambient air.

30 Apr 07:39

Stable perovskite solar cells using tin acetylacetonate based electron transporting layers

Energy Environ. Sci., 2019, 12,1910-1917
DOI: 10.1039/C9EE00453J, Paper
Mousa Abuhelaiqa, Sanghyun Paek, Yonghui Lee, Kyung Taek Cho, Sung Heo, Emad Oveisi, Aron Joel Huckaba, Hiroyuki Kanda, Hobeom Kim, Yi Zhang, Robin Humphry-Baker, Sachin Kinge, Abdullah M. Asiri, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin
High performing planar-type perovskite solar cells and mini-modules are fabricated by incorporating passivated tin oxide based on non-colloidal acetylacetonate precursors.
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry
12 Apr 13:40

Improving Performance and Stability of Planar Perovskite Solar Cells through Grain Boundary Passivation with Block Copolymers

by Changlei Wang, Zhaoning Song, Dewei Zhao, Rasha A. Awni, Chongwen Li, Niraj Shrestha, Cong Chen, Xinxing Yin, Dengbing Li, Randy J. Ellingson, Xingzhong Zhao, Xiaofeng Li, Yanfa Yan
Solar RRL Improving Performance and Stability of Planar Perovskite Solar Cells through Grain Boundary Passivation with Block Copolymers

A block copolymer F127 passivation strategy in conjunction with the solvent annealing process significantly enhances the performance and stability of planar perovskite solar cells. Hydrophilic tails of F127 passivate defects at grain boundaries through hydrogen bonding, whereas the dangling hydrophobic groups suppress perovskite decomposition against moisture and heat.


Organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exhibit excellent photovoltaic performance but have the drawbacks of instabilities against moisture and heat due to the inherent hydroscopic nature and volatility of their organic components. Herein, it is reported that using the block copolymer F127 as the passivation reagent in conjunction with the solvent annealing process can efficiently improve the performance and stability of corresponding organic–inorganic PSCs. It is anticipated that the hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) tails of F127 polymers connect with contiguous perovskite crystals and passivate defects at perovskite grain boundaries, whereas the dangling hydrophobic poly(phenyl oxide) centers suppress perovskite decomposition caused by moisture and heat. After the optimization of the F127 additive, planar PSCs with champion power conversion efficiencies of 21.01% and 18.71% are achieved on rigid and flexible substrates, respectively. The F127 passivation strategy provides an effective approach for fabricating high‐efficiency and stable PSCs.

12 Apr 13:40

Novel Surface Passivation for Stable FA0.85MA0.15PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells with 21.6% Efficiency

by Fang Qian, Shihao Yuan, Yuan Cai, Yu Han, Huan Zhao, Jie Sun, Zhike Liu, Shengzhong (Frank) Liu
Solar RRL Novel Surface Passivation for Stable FA0.85MA0.15PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells with 21.6% Efficiency

A novel surface passivation of a perovskite surface is reported using the polyfluoro organic compound tris(pentafluorophenyl)boron (TPFPB), which can yield large grains, reduced defect densities, and improved charge transport and phase stability for the perovskite film. Using this strategy, a champion perovskite solar cell achieves a high power conversion efficiency of 21.6% as well as significantly improved air and light stabilities.


In planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs), defect‐induced recombination at the interface between the perovskite and hole transport layer (HTL) leads to a large potential loss and performance deterioration. Therefore, an effective method for improving interfacial properties is critical to boost the performance and stability of PSCs. Herein, a novel surface engineering technology is reported for passivating the perovskite surface with the polyfluoro organic compound tris(pentafluorophenyl)boron (TPFPB), which can yield large perovskite grains, reduced defect densities, and improved charge transport and phase stability for the perovskite film, and enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability for PSCs. Using this strategy, a champion FA0.85MA0.15PbI3 perovskite cell achieves a high PCE of 21.6% as well as significantly improved air and light stabilities. This work demonstrates that TPFPB is a promising material for crystallization control and defect passivation and paves a new path for mitigating defects and further increasing the performance of planar PSCs.

09 Apr 07:22

Fullerene Polymer Complex Inducing Dipole Electric Field for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

by Congcong Wu, Kai Wang, Yongke Yan, Dong Yang, Yuanyuan Jiang, Bo Chi, Jianzhao Liu, Alan R. Esker, Jennifer Rowe, Amanda J. Morris, Mohan Sanghadasa, Shashank Priya
Advanced Functional Materials Fullerene Polymer Complex Inducing Dipole Electric Field for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Polymethyl methacrylate is coated on a perovskite grain boundary, blocking moisture penetration. The distributed C60 clusters create a dipole‐like electric field inside the perovskite layer, which favors exciton dissociation, and improves the conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells.


Abstract

Lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated great potential for realizing low‐cost and easily fabricated photovoltaics. At this juncture, power conversion efficiency and long‐term stability are two important factors limiting their transition. PSCs exhibit rapid environmental degradation since the perovskite layer is very sensitive to factors such as humidity, temperature, and ultraviolet light. Here, a novel successful approach is demonstrated that simultaneously improves the efficiency and stability of PSCs. This approach relies on incorporation of a dual‐functional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)–fullerene complex into the perovskite layer. The fullerene within perovskite layer forms a localized dipole‐like electric field that favors electron–hole separation, resulting in significant improvement in current density and fill factor with conversion efficiency reaching 18.4%. The molecular‐scale coating of hydrophobic PMMA on the perovskite grain boundary effectively blocks moisture penetration into the perovskite, thereby, significantly improving the stability against moisture, heat, and light. The PSCs with PMMA–fullerene complex showed no photovoltaic performance degradation for 250 d and exhibited 60 times higher stability compared to the state‐of‐the‐art devices under continuous 1 sun illumination in ambient air.

09 Apr 07:21

Photovoltaic Devices: Fullerene Polymer Complex Inducing Dipole Electric Field for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells (Adv. Funct. Mater. 12/2019)

by Congcong Wu, Kai Wang, Yongke Yan, Dong Yang, Yuanyuan Jiang, Bo Chi, Jianzhao Liu, Alan R. Esker, Jennifer Rowe, Amanda J. Morris, Mohan Sanghadasa, Shashank Priya
Advanced Functional Materials Photovoltaic Devices: Fullerene Polymer Complex Inducing Dipole Electric Field for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells (Adv. Funct. Mater. 12/2019)

In article number 1804419, Congcong Wu, Shashank Priya, and co‐workers develope a dual‐functional PMMA‐fullerene complex, where the fullerene C60 dwells in the caves of the PMMA polymer chain. The PMMA‐fullerene complex is incorporated into the perovskite layer, which resides along the grain boundary of the perovskites. The fullerene reduces the charge carrier recombination and the PMMA polymer improves the stability of the perovskite solar cell.


09 Apr 07:16

Improving Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells Using [7]Helicenes with Stable Partial Biradical Characters as the Hole‐Extraction Layers

by Chia‐Chen Lee, Chih‐I Chen, Chia‐Te Fang, Pei‐Yu Huang, Yao‐Ting Wu, Chu‐Chen Chueh
Advanced Functional Materials Improving Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells Using [7]Helicenes with Stable Partial Biradical Characters as the Hole‐Extraction Layers

The [7]helicenes with stable partial open‐shell biradical ground states are demonstrated as effective surface modifiers of the inorganic NiO x hole‐transporting layer in p–i–n perovskite solar cells. Their nonpolar feature improves the crystallinity of the perovskite films grown on them. Meanwhile, their biradical character provides a certain defect passivation function to facilitate charge transfer/extraction across the perovskite interface.


Abstract

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have realized a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) in both n–i–p and p–i–n device configurations. However, since the p–i–n structure exempts the sophisticated processing of charge‐transporting layers, it seems to possess better potential for practical applications than the n–i–p one. Currently, the inorganic NiO x is the most prevailing hole‐transporting layer (HTL) used in p–i–n perovskite solar cells. Nevertheless, defects might exist on its surface to influence the charge transfer/extraction across the interface with perovskite and to affect the quality of the perovskite film grown on it. Herein, two novel [7]helicenes with stable open‐shell singlet biradical ground states at room temperature are demonstrated as an effective surface modifier of the NiO x HTL. Their nonpolar feature effectively promotes the crystallinity of the perovskite film grown on them; meanwhile, their unique partial biradical character seems to provide a certain degree of defect passivation function at the perovskite interface to facilitate interfacial charge transfer/extraction. As a result, both 1ab‐ and 1bb‐modifed devices yield a PCE of >18%, exceeding the value (15.6%) of the control device using a sole NiO x HTL, and the maximum PCE can reach 19%. Detailed characterizations are carefully conducted to understand the underlying reasons behind such enhancement.

09 Apr 07:10

[ASAP] Tailoring Passivation Molecular Structures for Extremely Small Open-Circuit Voltage Loss in Perovskite Solar Cells

by Shuang Yang, Jun Dai, Zhenhua Yu, Yuchuan Shao, Yu Zhou, Xun Xiao, Xiao Cheng Zeng, Jinsong Huang

TOC Graphic

Journal of the American Chemical Society
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b13091
09 Apr 07:10

A C60/TiOx bilayer for conformal growth of perovskite films for UV stable perovskite solar cells

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7,11086-11094
DOI: 10.1039/C9TA02094B, Paper
Cheng Liu, Molang Cai, Yi Yang, Zulqarnain Arain, Yong Ding, Xiaoqiang Shi, Pengju Shi, Shuang Ma, Tasawar Hayat, Ahmed Alsaedi, Jihuai Wu, Songyuan Dai, Guozhong Cao
A low-temperature-processed C60/ultrathin-TiO2 bilayer is successfully designed as an ETL for high-performance and UV-stable perovskite solar cells (1 cm2).
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry
09 Apr 07:09

20.7% highly reproducible inverted planar perovskite solar cells with enhanced fill factor and eliminated hysteresis

Energy Environ. Sci., 2019, 12,1622-1633
DOI: 10.1039/C9EE00872A, Paper
Xixia Liu, Yuanhang Cheng, Chao Liu, Tianxiang Zhang, Nengduo Zhang, Siwen Zhang, Jingshen Chen, Qinghua Xu, Jianyong Ouyang, Hao Gong
The approach of a hydrophilic group grafted buffer layer (HGGBL) was investigated for perovskite growth to realize highly efficient inverted planar perovskite solar cells with superior reproducibility, negligible hysteresis and improved stability.
The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry
09 Apr 07:00

In Situ Back‐Contact Passivation Improves Photovoltage and Fill Factor in Perovskite Solar Cells

by Furui Tan, Hairen Tan, Makhsud I. Saidaminov, Mingyang Wei, Mengxia Liu, Anyi Mei, Peicheng Li, Bowen Zhang, Chih‐Shan Tan, Xiwen Gong, Yongbiao Zhao, Ahmad R. Kirmani, Ziru Huang, James Z. Fan, Rafael Quintero‐Bermudez, Junghwan Kim, Yicheng Zhao, Oleksandr Voznyy, Yueyue Gao, Feng Zhang, Lee J. Richter, Zheng‐Hong Lu, Weifeng Zhang, Edward H. Sargent
Advanced Materials In Situ Back‐Contact Passivation Improves Photovoltage and Fill Factor in Perovskite Solar Cells

An in situ back‐contact passivation strategy is adopted to optimize the photovoltaic performance of n–i–p planar perovskite solar cells. Devices with a flat‐band alignment between the perovskite and polymer passivation layer achieve a high photovoltage of 1.15 V and fill factor of 83% with 1.53 eV bandgap perovskite, leading to a stabilized power conversion efficiency of 21.6%.


Abstract

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have seen a rapid rise in power conversion efficiencies in recent years; however, they still suffer from interfacial recombination and charge extraction losses at interfaces between the perovskite absorber and the charge–transport layers. Here, in situ back‐contact passivation (BCP) that reduces interfacial and extraction losses between the perovskite absorber and the hole transport layer (HTL) is reported. A thin layer of nondoped semiconducting polymer at the perovskite/HTL interface is introduced and it is shown that the use of the semiconductor polymer permits—in contrast with previously studied insulator‐based passivants—the use of a relatively thick passivating layer. It is shown that a flat‐band alignment between the perovskite and polymer passivation layers achieves a high photovoltage and fill factor: the resultant BCP enables a photovoltage of 1.15 V and a fill factor of 83% in 1.53 eV bandgap PSCs, leading to an efficiency of 21.6% in planar solar cells.

09 Apr 06:57

Zwitterion Coordination Induced Highly Orientational Order of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Film Delivers a High Open Circuit Voltage Exceeding 1.2 V

by Weiran Zhou, Dan Li, Zhengguo Xiao, Zhilin Wen, Mengmeng Zhang, Wanpei Hu, Xiaojun Wu, Mingtai Wang, Wen‐Hua Zhang, Yalin Lu, Shihe Yang, Shangfeng Yang
Advanced Functional Materials Zwitterion Coordination Induced Highly Orientational Order of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Film Delivers a High Open Circuit Voltage Exceeding 1.2 V

A bifunctional zwitterion additive affords efficiency enhancement of perovskite solar cells: an imidazole sulfonate zwitterion is doped into a CH3NH3PbI3 precursor solution as a bifunctional additive, enabling regulation of crystalline grain orientation and passivation of trap states. As a result, a significant efficiency enhancement and a high open circuit voltage (V oc) of 1.208 V are achieved.


Abstract

The organic–inorganic halide CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) has been the most commonly used light absorber layer of perovskite solar cells (PSCs); however, solution‐processed MAPbI3 films usually suffer from random crystal orientation and high trap density, resulting in inferior power conversion efficiency (PCE) with open circuit voltage (V oc) being typically below 1.2 V for PSC devices. Herein, for the first time an imidazole sulfonate zwitterion, 4‐(1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium‐3‐yl)butane‐1‐sulfonate (IMS), is applied as a bifunctional additive in regular‐structure planar heterojunction PSC devices to regulate the crystal orientation, yielding highly ordered MAPbI3 film and passivating the trap states of the film. Such a dual effect of IMS is fulfilled via coordination interactions between the sulfonate moiety of IMS with the Pb2+ ion and the electrostatic interaction between the imidazole of IMS with the I ion of MAPbI3. As a result, under a optimized IMS doping ratio of 0.5 wt%, the PSC device exhibits a significant increase in PCE from 18.77% to 20.84%, with suppressed current–voltage hysteresis and promoted ambient stability. Moreover, a high V oc of 1.208 V is achieved under a higher IMS doping ratio of 1.2 wt%, which is the highest V oc for regular‐structure MAPbI3 planar PSC devices based on TiO2 electron transport layer.

09 Apr 03:30

[ASAP] Effects of Illumination Direction on the Surface Potential of CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Films Probed by Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy

by Chao Yang, Peng Du, Zhensheng Dai, Huiqin Li, Xudong Yang, Qianli Chen

TOC Graphic

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b21774
09 Apr 03:28

Efficient and Stable Chemical Passivation on Perovskite Surface via Bidentate Anchoring

by Hao Zhang, Yongzhen Wu, Chao Shen, Erpeng Li, Chenxu Yan, Weiwei Zhang, He Tian, Liyuan Han, Wei‐Hong Zhu
Advanced Energy Materials Efficient and Stable Chemical Passivation on Perovskite Surface via Bidentate Anchoring

A specific bidentate molecule, 2‐mercaptopyridine, is demonstrated to substantially enhance anchoring strength at surface of metal halide perovskites, which improves the passivation efficacy and stability synchronously relative to monodentate counterparts. The highly stable bidentate anchoring based passivation on CH3NH3PbI3 not only advances power conversion efficiency from 18.35% to 20.28%, but also leads to a champion lifetime in humid air.


Abstract

Chemical passivation is an effective approach to suppress the grain surface dominated charge recombination in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the passivation effect is usually labile on perovskite crystal surface since most passivating agents are weakly anchored. Here, the use of a bidentate molecule, 2‐mercaptopyridine (2‐MP), to increase anchoring strength for improving the passivation efficacy and stability synchronously is demonstrated. Compared to monodentate counterparts of pyridine and p‐toluenethiol, 2‐MP passivation on CH3NH3PbI3 film results in twofold improvement of photoluminescence lifetime and remarkably enhanced tolerance to chlorobenzene washing and vacuum heating, which improve the power conversion efficiency of n–i–p planar structured PSCs from 18.35% to 20.28%, with open‐circuit voltage approaching 1.18 V. Moreover, the CH3NH3PbI3 films passivated with 2‐MP exhibit unprecedented humid‐stability that they can be exposed to saturated humidity for at least 5 h, mainly due to the passivation induced surface deactivation, which renders the unencapsulated devices retaining 93% of the initial efficiency after 60 days aging in air with relative humidity of 60–70%.

04 Apr 09:17

Controllable Perovskite Crystallization via Antisolvent Technique Using Chloride Additives for Highly Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

by Mohammad Mahdi Tavakoli, Pankaj Yadav, Daniel Prochowicz, Melany Sponseller, Anna Osherov, Vladimir Bulović, Jing Kong
Advanced Energy Materials Controllable Perovskite Crystallization via Antisolvent Technique Using Chloride Additives for Highly Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Molecular additive engineering using chlorine‐based compounds such as formamidinium chloride reduces the bulk and surface carrier recombination and improves the crystallinity of the perovskite film, resulting in solar cell devices with high efficiency exceeding 21% and great stability.


Abstract

The presence of surface and grain boundary defects in organic–inorganic halide perovskite films can be detrimental to both the performance and operational stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, the effect of chloride additives is studied on the bulk and surface defects of the mixed cation and halide PSCs. It is found that using an antisolvent technique, the perovskite film is divided into two layers, i.e., a bottom layer with large grains and a thin capping layer with small grains. The addition of formamidinium chloride (FACl) into the precursor solution removes the small‐grained perovskite capping layer and suppresses the formation of bulk and surface defects, providing a perovskite film with enhanced crystallinity and large grain size of over 1 µm. Time‐resolved photoluminescence measurements show longer lifetimes for perovskite films modified by FACl and subsequently passivated by 1‐adamantylamine hydrochloride as compared to the reference sample. Impedance spectroscopy measurements show that these treatments reduce the recombination in the PSCs, leading to a champion device with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.2%, an open circuit voltage of 1152 mV and negligible hysteresis. The Cl treated PSC also shows improved operational stability with only 12% PCE loss after 700 h under continuous illumination.

02 Apr 03:09

Alkali Chlorides for the Suppression of the Interfacial Recombination in Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

by Wei Chen, Yecheng Zhou, Guocong Chen, Yinghui Wu, Bao Tu, Fang‐Zhou Liu, Li Huang, Alan Man Ching Ng, Aleksandra B. Djurišić, Zhubing He
Advanced Energy Materials Alkali Chlorides for the Suppression of the Interfacial Recombination in Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Suppression of the interfacial recombination are achieved by facile alkali chloride modification of the nickel oxide in inverted perovskite solar cells. It is demonstrated that the interface modification induces the ordering of the perovskite crystal at the interfaces, which in turn reduces defect/trap density, causing reduced interfacial recombination. This results in dramatically improvement of the open circuit voltage and power conversion efficiency.


Abstract

In this work, significant suppression of the interfacial recombination by facile alkali chloride interface modification of the NiOx hole transport layer in inverted planar perovskite solar cells is achieved. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that the alkali chloride interface modification results in improved ordering of the perovskite films, which in turn reduces defect/trap density, causing reduced interfacial recombination. This leads to a significant improvement in the open‐circuit voltage from 1.07 eV for pristine NiOx to 1.15 eV for KCl‐treated NiOx, resulting in a power conversion efficiency approaching 21%. Furthermore, the suppression of the ion diffusion in the devices is observed, as evidenced by stable photoluminescence (PL) under illumination and high PL quantum efficiency with alkali chloride treatment, as opposed to the luminescence enhancement and low PL quantum efficiency observed for perovskite on pristine NiOx. The suppressed ion diffusion is also consistent with improved stability of the devices with KCl‐treated NiOx. Thus, it is demonstrated that a simple interfacial modification is an effective method to not only suppress interfacial recombination but also to suppress ion migration in the layers deposited on the modified interface due to improved interface ordering and reduced defect density.

02 Apr 03:04

Conjugated Molecules “Bridge”: Functional Ligand toward Highly Efficient and Long‐Term Stable Perovskite Solar Cell

by Hua Dong, Jun Xi, Lijian Zuo, Jingrui Li, Yingguo Yang, Dongdong Wang, Yue Yu, Lin Ma, Chenxin Ran, Weiyin Gao, Bo Jiao, Jie Xu, Ting Lei, Feijie Wei, Fang Yuan, Lin Zhang, Yifei Shi, Xun Hou, Zhaoxin Wu
Advanced Functional Materials Conjugated Molecules “Bridge”: Functional Ligand toward Highly Efficient and Long‐Term Stable Perovskite Solar Cell

An innovative interfacial modifier, namely, 3‐phenyl‐2‐propen‐1‐amine (t‐PPEA) is developed for perovskite solar cells to overcome the dilemma of the trade‐off between transport and stability of the device, with unique “quasi‐coplanar” rigid geometrical configuration and distinct electron delocalization characteristic.


Abstract

Interfacial ligand passivation engineering has recently been recognized as a promising avenue, contributing simultaneously to the optoelectronic characteristics and moisture/operation tolerance of perovskite solar cells. To further achieve a win‐win situation of both performance and stability, an innovative conjugated aniline modifier (3‐phenyl‐2‐propen‐1‐amine; PPEA) is explored to moderately tailor organolead halide perovskites films. Here, the conjugated PPEA presents both “quasi‐coplanar” rigid geometrical configuration and distinct electron delocalization characteristics. After a moderate treatment, a stronger dipole capping layer can be formed at the perovskite/transporting interface to achieve favorable banding alignment, thus enlarging the built‐in potential and promoting charge extraction. Meanwhile, a conjugated cation coordinated to the surface of the perovskite grains/units can form preferably ordered overlapping, not only passivating the surface defects but also providing a fast path for charge exchange. Benefiting from this, a ≈21% efficiency of the PPEA‐modified solar cell can be obtained, accompanied by long‐term stability (maintaining 90.2% of initial power conversion efficiency after 1000 h testing, 25 °C, and 40 ± 10 humidity). This innovative conjugated molecule “bridge” can also perform on a larger scale, with a performance of 18.43% at an area of 1.96 cm2.

02 Apr 03:01

Electron‐Beam‐Evaporated Nickel Oxide Hole Transport Layers for Perovskite‐Based Photovoltaics

by Tobias Abzieher, Somayeh Moghadamzadeh, Fabian Schackmar, Helge Eggers, Florian Sutterlüti, Amjad Farooq, Danny Kojda, Klaus Habicht, Raphael Schmager, Adrian Mertens, Raheleh Azmi, Lukas Klohr, Jonas A. Schwenzer, Michael Hetterich, Uli Lemmer, Bryce S. Richards, Michael Powalla, Ulrich W. Paetzold
Advanced Energy Materials Electron‐Beam‐Evaporated Nickel Oxide Hole Transport Layers for Perovskite‐Based Photovoltaics

A highly transparent nickel oxide hole transport layer prepared by oxygen‐assisted electron beam evaporation for perovskite‐based photovoltaics is reported. Using these layers in perovskite solar cells, efficient devices with stable power conversion efficiencies up to 18.5% for inkjet‐printed absorbers and 15.4% for co‐evaporated absorbers are demonstrated. In addition, good stability at elevated temperature and under ultraviolet radiation is shown.


Abstract

High‐quality charge carrier transport materials are of key importance for stable and efficient perovskite‐based photovoltaics. This work reports on electron‐beam‐evaporated nickel oxide (NiO x ) layers, resulting in stable power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of up to 18.5% when integrated into solar cells employing inkjet‐printed perovskite absorbers. By adding oxygen as a process gas and optimizing the layer thickness, transparent and efficient NiO x hole transport layers (HTLs) are fabricated, exhibiting an average absorptance of only 1%. The versatility of the material is demonstrated for different absorber compositions and deposition techniques. As another highlight of this work, all‐evaporated perovskite solar cells employing an inorganic NiO x HTL are presented, achieving stable PCEs of up to 15.4%. Along with good PCEs, devices with electron‐beam‐evaporated NiO x show improved stability under realistic operating conditions with negligible degradation after 40 h of maximum power point tracking at 75 °C. Additionally, a strong improvement in device stability under ultraviolet radiation is found if compared to conventional perovskite solar cell architectures employing other metal oxide charge transport layers (e.g., titanium dioxide). Finally, an all‐evaporated perovskite solar mini‐module with a NiO x HTL is presented, reaching a PCE of 12.4% on an active device area of 2.3 cm2.

02 Apr 03:00

Dynamic PCBM:Dimer Population in Solar Cells under Light and Temperature Fluctuations

by Sebastian Pont, James R. Durrant, João T. Cabral
Advanced Energy Materials Dynamic PCBM:Dimer Population in Solar Cells under Light and Temperature Fluctuations

Schematic of the influence of light and thermal fluctuations on the PCBM:dimer population dynamics of a polymer:fullerene active layer. It is shown that a minimal rate model, parameterized by data from a facile UV–vis assay, can be employed to forecast the evolution and asymptotic behavior of this population, impacting the morphological and performance stability of solar cells.


Abstract

Photoinduced dimerization of phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) has a significant impact on the stability of polymer:PCBM organic solar cells (OSCs). This reaction is reversible, as dimers can be thermally decomposed at sufficiently elevated temperatures and both photodimerization and decomposition are temperature dependent. In operando conditions of OSCs evidently involve exposure to both light and heat, following periodic diurnal and seasonal profiles. In this work, the kinetics of dimer formation and decomposition are examined and quantified as a function of temperature, light intensity, blend composition, and time. The activation energy for photodimerization is estimated to be 0.021(3) eV, considerably smaller than that for decomposition (0.96 eV). The findings are benchmarked with a variety of conjugated polymer matrices to propose a descriptive dynamic model of PCBM:dimer population in OSCs, and a framework is proposed to rationalize its interplay with morphology evolution and charge quenching. The model and parameters enable the prediction of the dynamic and long‐term PCBM:dimer populations, under variable temperature and light conditions, which impact the morphological stability of OSCs.

02 Apr 02:57

Photovoltaic Devices: Electron‐Beam‐Evaporated Nickel Oxide Hole Transport Layers for Perovskite‐Based Photovoltaics (Adv. Energy Mater. 12/2019)

by Tobias Abzieher, Somayeh Moghadamzadeh, Fabian Schackmar, Helge Eggers, Florian Sutterlüti, Amjad Farooq, Danny Kojda, Klaus Habicht, Raphael Schmager, Adrian Mertens, Raheleh Azmi, Lukas Klohr, Jonas A. Schwenzer, Michael Hetterich, Uli Lemmer, Bryce S. Richards, Michael Powalla, Ulrich W. Paetzold
Advanced Energy Materials Photovoltaic Devices: Electron‐Beam‐Evaporated Nickel Oxide Hole Transport Layers for Perovskite‐Based Photovoltaics (Adv. Energy Mater. 12/2019)

High‐quality inorganic charge extraction layers are of key importance for efficient and stable perovskite‐based photovoltaics. In article number 1802995, Tobias Abzieher, Ulrich W. Paetzold, and co‐workers introduce oxygen‐assisted electron beam evaporation of NiO x as a promising approach for the fabrication of highly transparent hole transport layers. By integrating these layers in inkjet‐printed and all‐evaporated perovskite solar cells, record PCEs are achieved.


02 Apr 02:57

Rapid Aqueous Spray Fabrication of Robust NiOx: A Simple and Scalable Platform for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

by William J. Scheideler, Nicholas Rolston, Oliver Zhao, Jinbao Zhang, Reinhold H. Dauskardt
Advanced Energy Materials Rapid Aqueous Spray Fabrication of Robust NiOx: A Simple and Scalable Platform for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

This paper presents aqueous, ultrasonically sprayed NiOx hole transport layers (HTLs) with large‐area scalability and high photovoltaic performance in double cation perovskite solar cells, outperforming spin‐coated NiOx from organic precursors and dramatically improving the fracture energy, a key metric of thermomechanical reliability. This robust and scalable HTL technology therefore has the potential to become a platform for scaling perovskite modules.


Abstract

Organometal halide perovskites have powerful intrinsic potential to drive next‐generation solar technology, but their insufficient thermomechanical reliability and unproven large‐area manufacturability limit competition with incumbent silicon photovoltaics. This work addresses these limitations by leveraging large‐area processing and robust inorganic hole transport layers (HTLs). Inverted perovskite solar cells utilizing NiOx HTLs deposited by rapid aqueous spray‐coating that outperform spin‐coated NiOx and lead to a 5× improvement in the fracture energy (G c), a primary metric of thermomechanical stability, are presented. The morphology, chemical composition, and optoelectronic properties of the NiOx films are characterized to understand and optimize compatibility with an archetypal double cation perovskite, Cs.17FA.83Pb(Br.17I.83)3. Perovskite solar cells with sprayed NiOx show higher photovoltaic performance, exhibiting up to 82% fill factor and 17.7% power conversion efficiency (PCE)—the highest PCE reported for inverted cell with scalable charge transport layers—as well as excellent stability under full illumination and after 4000 h aging in inert conditions at room temperature. By utilizing open‐air techniques and aqueous precursors, this combination of robust materials and low‐cost processing provides a platform for scaling perovskite modules with long‐term reliability.

26 Mar 04:36

Current progress in interfacial engineering of carbon-based perovskite solar cells

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2019, 7,8690-8699
DOI: 10.1039/C9TA01364D, Review Article
Fanning Meng, Anmin Liu, Liguo Gao, Junmei Cao, Yeling Yan, Ning Wang, Meiqiang Fan, Guoying Wei, Tingli Ma
Low cost carbon paste using as the back electrode for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), interfacial engineering plays a crucial role in both bi-interfacial structure and tri-interfacial structure.
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26 Mar 04:35

Thick‐Film High‐Performance Solar Cells with a C60‐Containing Polystyrene Additive

by Byongkyu Lee, Mingyu Jeong, Jungho Lee, Jiyeon Oh, Yongjoon Cho, Sungwoo Jung, Sang Myeon Lee, Shanshan Chen, Changduk Yang
Solar RRL Thick‐Film High‐Performance Solar Cells with a C60‐Containing Polystyrene Additive

The C60‐containing polystyrene (PS‐C60) is used to obtain thick‐layer efficient polymer solar cells. The PS‐C60‐processed device exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.34% and, remarkably, a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.30% for a 450‐nm thick layer. Furthermore, the addition of PS‐C60 improves the film stability, resulting in ≈90% retentivity of its initial PCE after 8 h of annealing at 150 °C.


In this study, a C60‐containing polystyrene (PS‐C60) is used as an effective polymer additive for thick‐film high‐performance polymer solar cells, which are necessary for performing roll‐to‐roll mass production in the future. The PS‐C60‐processed device exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.34 ± 0.10%; the PCE is still high (7.30 ± 0.10%) for an active layer thickness of 450 nm, which is more than twice that observed in non‐additive devices (3.11 ± 0.15%). The usage of PS‐C60 results in an efficient exciton dissociation and charge extraction, less bimolecular recombination, and superior charge transport. These effects lead to an improved device performance, even with a thick active layer. Surprisingly, PS‐C60 also helps the film to retain its morphology at high temperatures, thereby improving its thermal stability. The PS‐C60 device retains ≈90% of the initial PCE after conducting a high‐temperature treatment, whereas a remarkable decrease (≈55%) is observed in case of the non‐additive one. The versatility and applicability of the strategy that is presented in this study can considerably help the development of stable thick‐layer devices in terms of satisfying the requirements of the roll‐to‐roll production of solar cells.

26 Mar 04:33

High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells with Excellent Humidity and Thermo‐Stability via Fluorinated Perylenediimide

by Jia Yang, Cong Liu, Chunsheng Cai, Xiaotian Hu, Zengqi Huang, Xiaopeng Duan, Xiangchuan Meng, Zhongyi Yuan, Licheng Tan, Yiwang Chen
Advanced Energy Materials High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells with Excellent Humidity and Thermo‐Stability via Fluorinated Perylenediimide

Fluorinated perylenediimide (F‐PDI) is first introduced to optimize photovoltaic performance and stability of perovskite solar cells. Conductive F‐PDI effectively passivates defects and promotes charge transfer. The hydrophobicity of F‐PDI preventing moisture penetration as well as the strong hydrogen bonding immobilizing methylamine ions, thereby, endow excellent moisture and thermal stability with nearly 70% efficiency retention after thermal treatment at 100 °C.


Abstract

The notoriously poor stability of perovskite solar cells is a crucial issue restricting commercial applications. Here, a fluorinated perylenediimide (F‐PDI) is first introduced into perovskite film to enhance the device's photovoltaic performance, as well as thermal and moisture stability simultaneously. The conductive F‐PDI molecules filling at grain boundaries (GBs) and surface of perovskite film can passivate defects and promote charge transport through GBs due to the chelation between carbonyl of F‐PDI and noncoordinating lead. Furthermore, an effective multiple hydrophobic structure is formed to protect perovskite film from moisture erosion. As a result, the F‐PDI‐incorporated devices based on MAPbI3 and Cs0.05 (FA0.83MA0.17)0.95 Pb (Br0.17I0.83)3 absorber achieve champion efficiencies of 18.28% and 19.26%, respectively. Over 80% of the initial efficiency is maintained after exposure in air for 30 days with a relative humidity (RH) of 50%. In addition, the strong hydrogen bonding of F···H‐N can immobilize methylamine ion (MA+) and thus enhances the thermal stability of device, remaining nearly 70% of the initial value after thermal treatment (100 °C) for 24 h at 50% RH condition.

26 Mar 04:32

Achieving 20% Efficiency for Low‐Temperature‐Processed Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

by Daobin Yang, Takeshi Sano, Yuma Yaguchi, He Sun, Hisahiro Sasabe, Junji Kido
Advanced Functional Materials Achieving 20% Efficiency for Low‐Temperature‐Processed Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

A low‐temperature solution‐processed TFB is demonstrated as an ideal hole‐transporting layer to push the PCE of the inverted perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) up to 20.2%. Moreover, this TFB‐based inverted PVSC exhibits good stability, retaining 90% of its original efficiency after storage for 30 days in ambient air.


Abstract

Low‐temperature‐processed inverted perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) attract increasing attention because they can be fabricated on both rigid and flexible substrates. For these devices, hole‐transporting layers (HTLs) play an important role in achieving efficient and stable inverted PVSCs by adjusting the anodic work function, hole extraction, and interfacial charge recombination. Here, the use of a low‐temperature (≤150 °C) solution‐processed ultrathin film of poly[(9,9‐dioctyl‐fluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl)‐co‐(4,4′‐(N‐(4‐secbutylphenyl) diphenylamine)] (TFB) is reported as an HTL in one‐step‐processed CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3)‐based inverted PVSCs. The fabricated device exhibits power conversion efficiency (PCE) as high as 20.2% when measured under AM 1.5 G illumination. This PCE makes them one of the MAPbI3‐based inverted PVSCs that have the highest efficiency reported to date. Moreover, this inverted PVSC also shows good stability, which can retain 90% of its original efficiency after 30 days of storage in ambient air.

24 Jan 11:18

Low‐Temperature In Situ Amino Functionalization of TiO2 Nanoparticles Sharpens Electron Management Achieving over 21% Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

by Wanpei Hu, Weiran Zhou, Xunyong Lei, Pengcheng Zhou, Mengmeng Zhang, Tao Chen, Hualing Zeng, Jun Zhu, Songyuan Dai, Shihe Yang, Shangfeng Yang
Advanced Materials Low‐Temperature In Situ Amino Functionalization of TiO2 Nanoparticles Sharpens Electron Management Achieving over 21% Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Amino‐functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles are synthesized in situ by a facile onestep, low‐temperature, nonhydrolytic approach, and are applied as the electrontransport layer of regular‐structure planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells, offering a dramatic performance increase due to the passivation of the surface trap states of the perovskite film.


Abstract

Titanium oxide (TiO2) has been commonly used as an electron transport layer (ETL) of regular‐structure perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and so far the reported PSC devices with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) over 21% are mostly based on mesoporous structures containing an indispensable mesoporous TiO2 layer. However, a high temperature annealing (over 450 °C) treatment is mandatory, which is incompatible with low‐cost fabrication and flexible devices. Herein, a facile one‐step, low‐temperature, nonhydrolytic approach to in situ synthesizing amino‐functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles (abbreviated as NH2‐TiO2 NPs) is developed by chemical bonding of amino (‐NH2) groups, via TiN bonds, onto the surface of TiO2 NPs. NH2‐TiO2 NPs are then incorporated as an efficient ETL in n‐i‐p planar heterojunction (PHJ) PSCs, affording PCE over 21%. Cs0.05FA0.83MA0.12PbI2.55Br0.45 (abbreviated as CsFAMA) PHJ PSC devices based on NH2‐TiO2 ETL exhibit the best PCE of 21.33%, which is significantly higher than that of the devices based on the pristine TiO2 ETL (19.82%) and is close to the record PCE for devices with similar structures and fabrication procedures. Besides, due to the passivation of the surface trap states of perovskite film, the hysteresis of current–voltage response is significantly suppressed, and the ambient stability of devices is improved upon amino functionalization.

24 Jan 11:18

Compositional Engineering for Thermally Stable, Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells Exceeding 20% Power Conversion Efficiency with 85 °C/85% 1000 h Stability

by Taisuke Matsui, Teruaki Yamamoto, Takashi Nishihara, Ryosuke Morisawa, Tomoyasu Yokoyama, Takashi Sekiguchi, Takayuki Negami
Advanced Materials Compositional Engineering for Thermally Stable, Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells Exceeding 20% Power Conversion Efficiency with 85 °C/85% 1000 h Stability

A perovskite solar cell with both high efficiency and high thermal stability is examined. The optimized device achieved by engineering perovskite composition exhibits 92% power conversion efficiency retention in a stress test conducted at 85 °C/85% RH while exceeding 20% power conversion efficiency (certified efficiency of 20.8% at 1 cm2). These results reveal a great potential for future practical use.


Abstract

Perovskite solar cells have received great attention because of their rapid progress in efficiency, with a present certified highest efficiency of 23.3%. Achieving both high efficiency and high thermal stability is one of the biggest challenges currently limiting perovskite solar cells because devices displaying stability at high temperature frequently suffer from a marked decrease of efficiency. In this report, the relationship between perovskite composition and device thermal stability is examined. It is revealed that Rb can suppress the growth of PbI2 even under PbI2‐rich conditions and decreasing the Br ratio in the perovskite absorber layer can prevent the generation of unwanted RbBr‐based aggregations. The optimized device achieved by engineering perovskite composition exhibits 92% power conversion efficiency retention in a stress test conducted at 85 °C/85% relative humidity (RH) according to an international standard (IEC 61215) while exceeding 20% power conversion efficiency (certified efficiency of 20.8% at 1 cm2). These results reveal the great potential for the practical use of perovskite solar cells in the near future.

24 Jan 11:05

Versatile Defect Passivation Methods for Metal Halide Perovskite Materials and their Application to Light‐Emitting Devices

by Seungjin Lee, Da Bin Kim, Jae Choul Yu, Chung Hyeon Jang, Jong Hyun Park, Bo Ram Lee, Myoung Hoon Song
Advanced Materials Versatile Defect Passivation Methods for Metal Halide Perovskite Materials and their Application to Light‐Emitting Devices

The origins of defect tolerance in metal halide perovskites and the corresponding simulation results, and the impact of defects on both the performance and stability of perovskite‐based light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) are reviewed. In addition, an account of the defect‐passivation methods for improving the performance and stability of PeLEDs and future research directions for defect passivation are also presented.


Abstract

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as promising emitters because of their excellent optoelectronic properties, including high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs), wide‐range color tunability, and high color purity. However, a fundamental limitation of MHPs is their low exciton binding energy, which results in a low radiative recombination rate and the dependence of PLQY on the excitation intensity. Under the operating conditions of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), the injected current densities are typically lower than the trap density, leading to a low actual PLQY. Moreover, the defects not only initiate the decomposition of MHPs caused by extrinsic factors, but also intrinsically stimulate ion migration across the interface and lead to the corrosion of electrodes due to interaction between those electrodes, even under inert conditions. The passivation of defects has proven to be effective for mitigating the effects of defects in MHPs. Herein, the origins and theoretical calculations of the defect tolerance in MHPs and the impact of defects on both the performance and stability of perovskite LEDs are reviewed. The passivation methods and materials for MHP bulk films and nanocrystals are discussed in detail. Based on the currently reported advances, specific requirements and future research directions for display applications are suggested.

24 Jan 10:59

[ASAP] Fluoro- and Amino-Functionalized Conjugated Polymers as Electron Transport Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells with Improved Efficiency and Stability

by Li Tian, Zhicheng Hu, Xiaocheng Liu, Zixian Liu, Peipei Guo, Baomin Xu, Qifan Xue, Hin-Lap Yip, Fei Huang, Yong Cao

TOC Graphic

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b19036
04 Jan 15:16

[ASAP] Novel Insight into the Role of Chlorobenzene Antisolvent Engineering for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells: Gradient Diluted Chlorine Doping

by Lili Yang, Yanbo Gao, Yanjie Wu, Xiangxin Xue, Fengyou Wang, Yingrui Sui, Yunfei Sun, Maobin Wei, Xiaoyan Liu, Huilian Liu

TOC Graphic

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b17338