Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Monovalent Cation Doping of CH3NH3PbI3 for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Published on: March 19, 2017
Metallophthalocyanine-Based Molecular Dipole Layer as a Universal and Versatile Approach to Realize Efficient and
Fangchao Li1, Jianyu Yuan1, Xufeng Ling1
1Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices , Soochow University , 199 Ren-Ai Road, Suzhou Industrial Park , Suzhou , Jiangsu 215123 , P. R. China.
Abstract:
It is well known that tailoring the interfacial structure is very important for perovskite solar cells, especially for its performance and stability. Here, we report a universal and versatile method of modulating the energetic alignment between the perovskite and hole-transporting layer by introducing a multifunctional dipole layer based on metallophthalocyanine derivatives copperphthalocyanine (CuPc) or highly fluorinated copper hexadecafluorophthalocyanine (F16CuPc). Both molecules were introduced through an "antisolution" process to treat the surface of organic-inorganic CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite. The dipole layer can well align the interfacial energy levels, passivate the CH3NH3PbI3 surface, and fill the grain boundaries, resulting in greatly suppressed charge recombination. As a result, our planar CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite devices exhibit the best power conversion efficiency of 20.2%, with significantly enhanced open-circuit voltages ( Voc) of 1.112 V (CuPc) and 1.145 V (F16CuPc), which is a record high Voc value for CH3NH3PbI3 thin-film solar cells. More importantly, the use of highly fluorinated F16CuPc produces a significantly more hydrophobic surface, leading to drastically improved long-term stability under ambient conditions. We believe that our study offers a general approach to making multifunctional dipole layers, which are necessary for achieving both stable and efficient perovskite solar cells.
Related Concept Videos
Molecular Geometry and Dipole Moments
Electric Dipoles and Dipole Moment
Theoretically, studying electric dipoles leads to understanding why the resultant electric forces around us are weak. Since electric forces are strong, remnant net charges are rare. Hence, the interaction between dipoles helps us understand electrical interactions in...
Bond Polarity, Dipole Moment, and Percent Ionic Character
Molecular and Ionic Solids
Molecular Solids
Molecular crystalline solids, such as ice, sucrose (table sugar), and iodine, are solids that are composed of neutral molecules as their constituent units. These molecules are held together by weak intermolecular forces such as London dispersion forces, dipole-dipole interactions, or hydrogen bonds, which...
Molecular Shape and Polarity
Induced Electric Dipoles
Since the absolute value of potential energy holds no physical meaning, its zero value can be chosen as per...

