High-Performance and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells Using Carbon Quantum Dots and Upconversion Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising for renewable energy but suffer from stability and efficiency issues.
• Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are emerging nanomaterials with potential to address these challenges.
• UCNPs and CQDs can passivate perovskite surfaces and function as spectrum converters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the synergistic effects of UCNPs and CQDs on PSC performance.
• To optimize the mixing ratios of UCNPs and CQDs for enhanced PSC fabrication.
• To evaluate the impact of these nanomaterials on power conversion efficiency (PCE), photocurrent, fill factor (FF), and device stability.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PSCs with integrated UCNPs and CQDs at optimized ratios.
• Characterization of fabricated PSCs, including PCE, photocurrent, and FF measurements.
• Assessment of device stability, particularly under water exposure conditions.

Main Results:

• The fabricated PSCs incorporating UCNPs and CQDs achieved a significantly improved PCE of 20.44%, up from 16.57% in pristine PSCs.
• Enhanced photocurrent and fill factor (FF) were observed, with FF increasing from 70% to 75%.
• The addition of CQDs provided a protective barrier, enhancing the PSCs' stability against water ingress.

Conclusions:

• The combined use of UCNPs and CQDs is a highly effective strategy for boosting PSC performance.
• Optimized integration of these nanomaterials leads to substantial improvements in PCE and operational stability.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for developing more efficient and durable perovskite solar cells.