Tin Oxide Electron-Selective Layers for Efficient, Stable, and Scalable Perovskite Solar Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are a rapidly advancing photovoltaic technology.
• Electron-selective layers (ESLs) are crucial for PSC performance and commercialization.
• Traditional titanium dioxide (TiO2) ESLs require high temperatures and can cause operational hysteresis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development of tin oxide (SnO2) as an alternative ESL for PSCs.
• To emphasize fabrication methods and passivation techniques for high-stability PSCs.
• To provide a techno-economic and toxicological assessment of SnO2 for large-scale applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on SnO2 ESLs in PSCs.
• Analysis of fabrication techniques and interfacial passivation strategies.
• Techno-economic and processing-toxicology assessment of SnO2.

Main Results:

• SnO2 offers advantages over TiO2, including low-temperature processability, wide bandgap, and good band alignment.
• Various fabrication methods and passivation routes enhance SnO2 performance and stability in PSCs.
• SnO2 shows potential for flexible devices and tandem solar cells.

Conclusions:

• SnO2 is a viable and advantageous alternative ESL for perovskite solar cells.
• Further development of SnO2 can facilitate large-scale manufacturing of PSC modules and tandem devices.
• SnO2 contributes to the commercialization of stable and efficient perovskite photovoltaics.