Graphene-Perovskite Solar Cells Exceed 18 % Efficiency: A Stability Study.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a promising photovoltaic technology.
• Interface engineering is crucial for enhancing PSC performance and stability.
• Graphene and related 2D materials (GRMs) offer unique electronic and structural properties for solar cell applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of graphene and graphene oxide integration on PSC performance.
• To evaluate the stability of modified PSCs under various aging conditions.
• To explore the potential for scalable production of GRM-enhanced PSCs.

Main Methods:

• Graphene flakes were used to dope the mesoporous TiO2 layer (mTiO2 +G).
• Graphene oxide (GO) was employed as an interlayer between perovskite and hole-transport layers.
• A two-step deposition procedure in air was utilized for device fabrication.

Main Results:

• A power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.2% was achieved, attributed to improved charge-carrier injection/collection.
• GRM addition did not affect shelf life but enhanced stability under aging conditions.
• mTiO2 +G PSCs retained over 88% of initial PCE after 165 hours of 1-sun illumination; GO-based PSCs showed superior thermal stability.

Conclusions:

• Interface engineering with GRMs, specifically graphene flakes and graphene oxide, significantly improves PSC power conversion efficiency.
• GRM integration enhances PSC stability under prolonged illumination and thermal stress.
• The use of GRM dispersions and inks facilitates scalable, large-area production, paving the way for PSC commercialization.