Lead Acetate Assisted Interface Engineering for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) face challenges in power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term stability for practical applications.
• Achieving high-performance and durable PSCs is crucial for advancing solar energy technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and long-term stability of methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3 or MAPbI3)-based perovskite solar cells.
• To investigate the effects of surface-active lead acetate (Pb(OAc)2) treatment on perovskite film quality and device performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized lead acetate (Pb(OAc)2) treatment on the top or bottom of the MAPbI3 perovskite layer.
• Analyzed the role of acetate ions (OAc-) in perovskite lattice restructuring and PEDOT-PSS water resistance.
• Fabricated and characterized PSCs with and without Pb(OAc)2 treatment.

Main Results:

• Pb(OAc)2 treatment resulted in high-quality MAPbI3 films with improved crystallinity, larger grain sizes, and uniform morphology.
• Top-treated devices achieved a PCE of 18.93%, and bottom-treated devices reached 18.28%, compared to 16.47% for the control device.
• Bottom-treated devices demonstrated remarkable long-term stability, retaining over 84% of their initial PCE after 800 hours in ambient conditions.

Conclusions:

• Surface-active Pb(OAc)2 treatment effectively enhances both the efficiency and stability of MAPbI3-based perovskite solar cells.
• The acetate ions play a critical role in improving perovskite film quality and device operational stability.
• This strategy offers a promising pathway for developing highly efficient and durable perovskite solar cells for commercialization.