Interface engineering via an insulating polymer for highly efficient and environmentally stable perovskite solar...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Semiconductor Physics

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising for next-generation photovoltaics.
• Charge recombination and environmental degradation limit PSC performance and stability.
• Efficient hole transfer layers and robust encapsulation are crucial for device longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel tunnelling contact for perovskite solar cells.
• To investigate the impact of a polystyrene nanofilm at the perovskite/hole transfer layer interface.
• To enhance both the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of perovskite solar cells incorporating a polystyrene nanofilm.
• Characterization of the charge recombination dynamics at the interface.
• Evaluation of the device performance (efficiency) and stability under operational stress (humidity).

Main Results:

• A tunnelling contact using polystyrene nanofilm was successfully implemented at the perovskite/hole transfer layer interface.
• Significantly reduced charge recombination was observed due to the novel contact.
• The polystyrene nanofilm acted as an effective hydrophobic encapsulation layer, protecting the perovskite material.
• Perovskite solar cells achieved a peak power conversion efficiency of 17.80%, compared to 15.90% for the control cell.
• Enhanced operational stability was demonstrated for the devices with the polystyrene nanofilm.

Conclusions:

• The integration of a polystyrene nanofilm as a tunnelling contact offers a dual benefit of reduced charge recombination and improved device stability.
• This approach provides an effective strategy for protecting perovskite solar cells from humidity-induced degradation.
• The developed technology shows significant potential for advancing the commercial viability of perovskite solar cells.