Universal Nanoparticle Wetting Agent for Upscaling Perovskite Solar Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Solution-processed perovskite solar cells achieve high lab-scale efficiencies.
• Reproducible upscaling and substrate compatibility remain significant challenges.
• Hydrophobic surfaces, common in n-i-p architectures with fullerene electron transport layers, cause dewetting issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a universal method for controllable perovskite film formation on diverse substrates.
• To overcome dewetting issues on hydrophobic surfaces for perovskite solar cells.
• To enhance perovskite morphology, performance, and reproducibility through interface engineering.

Main Methods:

• Deposition of size-controlled aluminum oxide (Al2O3) or silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles.
• Utilizing nanoparticles as a universal wetting agent to enhance surface energy.
• Applying the method to hydrophobic silicon wafers and fullerene self-assembled monolayers (C60-SAMs).

Main Results:

• Achieved perfect spreading of perovskite precursor solutions on various substrates, including problematic hydrophobic ones.
• Demonstrated improved perovskite morphology, solar cell performance, and reproducibility due to nanoparticle presence.
• Obtained homogenous coverage on 144 cm2 C60-SAM-coated substrates via spin coating.
• Individualized cells (0.1 cm2) reached average efficiencies of 16% (max 18%).
• Modules achieved maximum efficiencies of 11% (2.8 cm2) and 7% (23.65 cm2).

Conclusions:

• The nanoparticle deposition method offers a unique and universally applicable solution for perovskite film formation.
• This approach effectively addresses dewetting on hydrophobic surfaces, crucial for n-i-p perovskite solar cells.
• The findings pave the way for scalable and reproducible manufacturing of high-performance perovskite solar cells.