Functionalized Ionic Liquid-Crystal Additive for Perovskite Solar Cells with High Efficiency and Excellent Moisture...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) show promise for next-generation photovoltaics.
• Limited operational stability, particularly moisture sensitivity, hinders the widespread application of PSCs.
• Developing effective strategies to enhance PSC stability and efficiency is crucial for commercial viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel functionalized π-conjugated ionic liquid crystal (ILC), 6CNBP-N, as a chemical additive for perovskite solar cells.
• To investigate the impact of 6CNBP-N on perovskite film quality, stability, and device performance.
• To demonstrate a new approach for improving the efficiency and durability of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) PSCs.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of the functionalized π-conjugated ionic liquid crystal (6CNBP-N).
• Incorporation of 6CNBP-N as an additive into CH₃NH₃PbI₃ (MAPbI₃) perovskite solar cell active layers.
• Performance evaluation of PSCs including power conversion efficiency (PCE), hysteresis, and moisture stability tests.

Main Results:

• The 6CNBP-N ILC additive improved perovskite film quality and stability.
• Inclusion of 6CNBP-N reduced trap-state densities and promoted carrier transport.
• PSCs with 6CNBP-N achieved a higher PCE of 20.45% compared to 18.07% for control devices, with reduced hysteresis and enhanced moisture stability.

Conclusions:

• The functionalized ionic liquid crystal (6CNBP-N) effectively enhances the performance and stability of MAPbI₃ PSCs.
• The unique properties of 6CNBP-N, including its cyano group and mesogenic unit, contribute to improved perovskite film characteristics and charge transport.
• This work presents a promising strategy for designing advanced additives to achieve high-efficiency and durable perovskite solar cells.