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Influence of Hybrid Perovskite Fabrication Methods on Film Formation, Electronic Structure, and Solar Cell Performance
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Enhancing the Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells through Defect Passivation and Controlled Crystal
Akhil Alexander1, Vishnupriya P Kamalon1, Vivek V Dev1
1School of Physics, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER-TVM), Maruthamala P.O., Vithura, Thiruvananthapuram 695 551, Kerala, India.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|December 11, 2023
Summary
Allantoin, a small molecule additive, improves perovskite solar cell performance by enhancing crystal growth and passivating defects. This leads to higher efficiency (20.63%) and improved operational stability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) offer high power conversion efficiencies but suffer from stability issues and defects.
- Defects in the perovskite layer, such as under-coordinated Pb2+ and I- ions, limit device performance and longevity.
- Controlling crystal growth and passivating defects are crucial for advancing PSC technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce allantoin as a small molecule additive for concurrent management of crystal growth and defect passivation in perovskite films.
- To investigate the impact of allantoin on perovskite film morphology, defect density, and optoelectronic properties.
- To evaluate the performance and stability enhancement of PSCs utilizing allantoin-incorporated perovskite layers.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of allantoin into the perovskite layer during film formation.
- Characterization of perovskite film morphology, grain size, and orientation using advanced techniques.
- Measurement of trap density and assessment of non-radiative recombination via photoluminescence, transient photovoltage, and impedance spectroscopy.
- Fabrication and testing of PSC devices with and without allantoin.
Main Results:
- Allantoin addition resulted in perovskite films with enhanced morphology, larger grain size, and improved orientation.
- Significant reduction in trap density from 0.83 × 10^16 cm^-3 (pristine) to 0.39 × 10^16 cm^-3 (allantoin-incorporated).
- Allantoin-based PSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency of 20.63%, compared to 18.04% for pristine devices.
- Enhanced operational stability: allantoin devices retained 80% efficiency after 500 h, while pristine devices degraded to 65% after 400 h.
- Demonstrated exceptional stability against high humidity and elevated temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Allantoin effectively manages perovskite crystal growth and passivates critical defects through molecular interactions.
- The reduction in defects and non-radiative recombination directly translates to improved photovoltaic performance and efficiency.
- Allantoin incorporation offers a promising strategy for developing highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.
