Material and Interface Engineering for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells: A Personal Journey and Perspective

Area of Science:

• Photovoltaics
• Materials Science
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown rapid efficiency gains, reaching over 23% PCE.
• Their performance stems from unique perovskite properties like high absorption and defect tolerance.
• Initial research leveraged nanorod arrays for electron transport, similar to dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review historical development and recent progress in interface engineering for PSCs.
• To focus on material and interface design strategies for conventional n-i-p, inverted p-i-n, and carbon electrode PSCs.
• To provide insights from the authors' research group's experience and perspective.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing and synthesizing research on interface engineering in PSCs.
• Analyzing material and interface design for different PSC architectures (n-i-p, p-i-n, carbon electrode).
• Discussing surface defect passivation, band alignment, and heterojunction formation.

Main Results:

• Interface engineering, alongside material properties, is critical for high-performance PSCs.
• Specific strategies for surface passivation, band alignment, and heterojunctions significantly impact device efficiency.
• The review highlights successful interface designs based on the authors' group's work.

Conclusions:

• Interface engineering is a key factor in advancing PSC technology.
• Continued focus on interface optimization is essential for future PSC development.
• The review offers a perspective on challenges and future prospects in PSC interface design.