The study reports the synthesis of the first crystalline 2D fullerene-based metal halide semiconductor, namely (C60-2NH3)Pb2I6. Utilization of the C60-2NH3I2 adduct as an interfacial layer in mixed Pb-Sn perovskite solar cells substantially improved both carrier transport and device stability. This work sets the foundation for the development of a new family of multifunctional materials, namely Fullerene Metal Halide Semiconductors.
Abstract
Despite advances in mixed tin-lead (Sn-Pb) perovskite-based solar cells, achieving both high-efficiency and long-term device stability remains a major challenge. Current device deficiencies stem partly from inefficient carrier transport, originating from defects and improper band energy alignment among the device's interfaces. Developing multifunctional interlayer materials simultaneously addressing the above concerns poses an excellent strategy. Herein, through molecular and crystal engineering, an amine-functionalized C60 mono-adduct derivative (C60-2NH3 = bis(2-aminoethyl) malonate-C60) is utilized for the synthesis of the first crystalline fullerene-based 2D metal halide semiconductor, namely (C60-2NH3)Pb2I6. Single crystal XRD studies elucidated the structure of the new material, while DFT calculations highlighted the strong contribution of C60-2NH3 to the electronic density of states of the conduction band of (C60-2NH3)Pb2I6. Utilization of C60-2NH3 as an interlayer between a FA0.6MA0.4Pb0.7Sn0.3I3 perovskite and a C60 layer offered superior band energy alignment, reduced nonradiative recombination, and enhanced carrier mobility. The corresponding perovskite solar cell (PSC) device achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) value of 21.64%, maintaining 90% of its initial efficiency, after being stored under a N2 atmosphere for 2400 h. This work sets the foundation for developing a new family of functional materials, namely Fullerene Metal Halide Semiconductors, targeting applications from photovoltaics to catalysis, transistors, and supercapacitors.