Interface Modification with CuCrO₂ Nanocrystals for Highly Efficient and Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) performance relies heavily on absorber/charge transport layer interfaces.
• Spiro-OMeTAD, a common hole transport layer (HTL) in PSCs, faces stability and reproducibility challenges.
• Inorganic materials like copper chromite (CuCr2O4) offer superior chemical stability and high hole mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel template-etching-calcination method for synthesizing delafossite-type CuCr2O4 nanocrystals.
• To integrate CuCr2O4 nanocrystals into the perovskite/Spiro-OMeTAD interface of planar PSCs.
• To enhance the efficiency and long-term stability of PSC devices.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of delafossite-type CuCr2O4 nanocrystals using a template-etching-calcination technique.
• Characterization of the synthesized CuCr2O4 nanocrystals.
• Fabrication of planar PSCs with CuCr2O4 nanocrystals incorporated at the perovskite/Spiro-OMeTAD interface.

Main Results:

• The template-etching-calcination method reduced calcination time compared to traditional hydrothermal methods.
• CuCr2O4 interface modification boosted PSC power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 18.08% to 20.66%.
• CuCr2O4-modified PSCs retained approximately 90% of their initial PCE after 30 days of storage.

Conclusions:

• The template-etching-calcination method provides an efficient route for producing high-performance inorganic HTMs.
• Interface engineering with CuCr2O4 nanocrystals significantly improves PSC performance and operational stability.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for advancing inorganic HTMs in perovskite solar technology.