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Self-Functionalization Behind a Solution-Processed NiOx Film Used As Hole Transporting Layer for Efficient Perovskite
John Ciro1, Daniel Ramírez1, Mario Alejandro Mejía Escobar1
1Centro de Investigación, Innovación y Desarrollo de Materiales-CIDEMAT, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Antioquia (UdeA) , Calle 70 52-21, Medellín, Colombia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 29, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a novel self-functionalization method for nickel oxide nanoparticles, creating stable colloidal dispersions for high-quality buffer layers in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This approach enhances PSC efficiency to 16.6%.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Solution-processed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) require high-quality films from precursor inks.
- Metal oxide nanoparticle (NP) dispersions are commonly used for PSC buffer layers.
- Developing stable colloidal NP dispersions is crucial for PSC fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel self-functionalization approach for creating stable nickel oxide nanoparticle (NP) dispersions.
- To develop compact semiconducting buffer layers with improved optoelectronic properties for PSCs.
- To investigate the mechanism behind NP stabilization and its impact on film formation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a self-functionalization process where nanocrystalline nickel oxide particles were stabilized by their own amorphous phase.
- Incorporated residual nitrate, hydroxide, and sodium ions to form an interconnecting amorphous phase.
- Deposited self-functionalized nickel oxide NPs to form buffer layers for perovskite solar cells.
Main Results:
- Achieved stable colloidal dispersions of nickel oxide NPs without external surfactants or functionalization agents.
- Formed highly homogeneous and compact buffer layers due to the interconnecting amorphous phase.
- Demonstrated perovskite p-i-n solar cells with a self-functionalized nickel oxide buffer layer achieving 16.6% efficiency.
Conclusions:
- The self-functionalization strategy is effective for producing high-quality, stable nickel oxide NP dispersions.
- The developed buffer layers exhibit excellent optoelectronic properties suitable for efficient PSCs.
- This room-temperature solution-processed method offers a promising route for scalable PSC fabrication.
