Insight into Air Degradation of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with Different Cathode Interlayers

Air stability is a big challenge for inverted perovskite solar cells (IPVSCs). We focus on effect of a cathode interlayer (BCP or TOASiW₁₂) on air degradation of IPVSCs with an Al or Ag cathode. Combined measurements have been carried out to check the changes of the device electrical performance with exposure to air. Our results demonstrated that the IPVSCs with BCP/Al suffered an overall deterioration in terms of dissociation of excitons, transport, and extraction of charge carriers, which was accompanied by improved trap density and serious trap-induced recombination when exposed to air. Instead, all the electrical characteristics of the IPVSCs with TOASiW₁₂/Al, BCP/Ag and TOASiW₁₂/Ag remained stable or slightly reduced after exposed to air over 2 days. This work provides new insight into the air aging of IPVSCs and facilitates the development of CIL materials for cost-effective IPVSCs.