Efficient and Stable MAPbI₃-Based Perovskite Solar Cells Using Polyvinylcarbazole Passivation.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Hybrid perovskite solar cells offer high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) over 25% and low-cost production potential.
• The practical application of perovskite solar cells is hindered by the poor intrinsic stability of lead halide absorbers under operational stress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of polyvinylcarbazole (PVC) as a stabilizing agent to enhance the photothermal stability of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite solar cells.
• To understand the mechanism by which PVC improves perovskite stability and performance.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of polyvinylcarbazole (PVC) into methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite films.
• Photovoltaic device fabrication and characterization.
• Accelerated degradation testing under light soaking and thermal stress.
• Defect analysis using complementary methods.

Main Results:

• Polyvinylcarbazole (PVC) significantly suppresses the photothermal aging of MAPbI3 perovskite films.
• PVC acts as a defect passivator in the perovskite absorber layer.
• Optimized PVC content in MAPbI3 solar cells resulted in a PCE of 18.7% and retained ~70% of initial efficiency after 1500 h of light soaking.

Conclusions:

• Polyvinylcarbazole (PVC) is an effective additive for improving the operational stability and performance of hybrid perovskite solar cells.
• Defect passivation by PVC is key to enhancing the long-term durability of perovskite photovoltaics.
• This stabilization strategy addresses a critical bottleneck for the commercialization of perovskite solar technology.