Enhanced efficiency of printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells using ionic liquid additives

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Crystallography

Background:

• Printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells offer a promising avenue for low-cost renewable energy.
• Controlling perovskite crystallization within mesopores is crucial for device performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the in situ crystallization mechanism of perovskite within the mesopores of printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells.
• To investigate the universal applicability of ionic liquids in tuning this crystallization process.

Main Methods:

• In situ grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) was employed to monitor crystal growth.
• Different perovskite precursors and ionic liquids were utilized to assess tunability.

Main Results:

• The study demonstrates a direct visualization of perovskite crystal formation within mesopores.
• Ionic liquids were shown to universally influence the crystallization process, irrespective of the precursor solvent used.
• This universal tuning led to enhanced device efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Ionic liquids provide a versatile strategy for controlling perovskite crystallization in mesoporous architectures.
• The findings pave the way for optimizing the fabrication of high-efficiency printable perovskite solar cells.