Surface reaction for efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Inverted perovskite solar cells (p-i-n architecture) offer scalable fabrication and tandem potential.
• A performance gap exists between p-i-n and n-i-p perovskite solar cells.
• Interface engineering is crucial for advancing perovskite solar cell performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the efficiency deficit in p-i-n perovskite solar cells.
• To improve the stability and performance of inverted perovskite solar cells through surface modification.
• To develop a scalable method for enhancing perovskite solar cell technology.

Main Methods:

• A reactive surface engineering approach using 3-(aminomethyl)pyridine (3-APy) as a post-growth treatment on perovskite thin films.
• Investigated the reaction of 3-APy with surface formamidinium ions to reduce surface roughness and potential fluctuations.
• Analyzed the impact of the reaction product on iodine vacancy formation energy and surface doping.

Main Results:

• Achieved over 25% power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the modified p-i-n perovskite solar cells.
• Demonstrated enhanced operational stability, retaining 87% of initial PCE after 2,400 hours of 1-sun testing at 55°C in air.
• Reduced surface roughness and surface potential fluctuations, leading to effective n-type doping and a lower work function.

Conclusions:

• Reactive surface engineering with 3-APy effectively enhances the performance and stability of inverted perovskite solar cells.
• The developed method addresses key limitations in p-i-n PSCs, closing the efficiency gap with n-i-p counterparts.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for the commercialization of high-efficiency and durable perovskite solar technology.