A Multifunctional Polymer as an Interfacial Layer for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Photovoltaics
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) suffer from efficiency losses and instability due to metal-cation and halogen-anion defects.
• Effective passivation strategies are crucial for advancing PSC technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a polymer interfacial layer for synergistic defect passivation in PSCs.
• To improve the efficiency and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a random copolymer, poly(methyl methacrylate-co-acrylamide) (PMMA-AM).
• Application of PMMA-AM as an interfacial passivation layer in PSC devices.
• Fabrication of large-area perovskite solar cell modules.

Main Results:

• PMMA-AM synergistically passivates under-coordinated Pb2+ and anchors I- anions.
• The passivation layer exhibits low solubility in chlorobenzene, ensuring stability during device fabrication.
• Open-circuit voltage increased from 1.12 V to 1.22 V.
• Devices maintained 95% of initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) after 1000 hours of operation.
• A large-area module achieved a PCE of 20.64%.

Conclusions:

• The PMMA-AM polymer is an effective interfacial layer for enhancing PSC performance and stability.
• This passivation approach offers a promising route for scalable and durable perovskite solar cell technology.