NiO_x for interface and work function engineering in carbon-based all-inorganic perovskite solar cells.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Carbon-based all-inorganic perovskite solar cells (C-IPSCs) offer stability, scalability, and a low carbon footprint.
• Current C-IPSCs suffer from low power conversion efficiency due to inefficient hole extraction at the perovskite/carbon interface.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance hole extraction in C-IPSCs by incorporating inorganic p-type nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO_x-NPs).
• To improve the performance and stability of C-IPSCs through interface engineering.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of NiO_x-NPs at the perovskite/carbon interface and within the carbon layer.
• Tailoring the work function of carbon to reduce energy-level misalignment.
• Characterization of device performance and stability.

Main Results:

• Achieved 15.01% efficiency for CsPbI₂Br and 11.02% for CsPbIBr₂ C-IPSCs.
• Reported a high open-circuit voltage of approximately 1.3 V.
• Demonstrated excellent stability, with devices retaining over 92% efficiency after 2,000 hours at ambient conditions and 94% after 170 hours at 60°C.

Conclusions:

• NiO_x-NPs effectively facilitate hole transfer, reduce charge recombination, and minimize energy loss at the perovskite/carbon interface.
• Interface modification with NiO_x-NPs is a viable strategy for significantly improving C-IPSC performance and longevity.
• This approach offers a key method for advancing the development of efficient and stable C-IPSCs.