In-Situ Cyclized Polyacrylonitrile as an Electron Selective Layer for n-i-p Perovskite Solar Cell with Enhanced...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Photovoltaics
• Organic Electronics

Background:

• Traditional n-type metal oxide semiconductors used as electron selective layers (ESLs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) face challenges related to stability and processing.
• Developing alternative ESLs is crucial for enhancing the performance and longevity of PSCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce in situ cyclized polyacrylonitrile (CPAN) as a robust and efficient electron selective layer for n-i-p perovskite solar cells.
• To evaluate the performance and stability of PSCs utilizing CPAN as an ESL.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of the CPAN layer through in situ cyclization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) on a conducting glass substrate.
• Characterization of the CPAN layer's semiconductor properties, including electron mobility.
• Fabrication and testing of n-i-p PSC devices incorporating the CPAN ESL.

Main Results:

• The CPAN layer exhibits n-type semiconductor properties with high electron mobility (4.13×10⁻³ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹).
• PSC devices with CPAN achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.12%, the highest reported for n-i-p PSCs with organic ESLs.
• The devices demonstrated superior operational stability, retaining over 90% of their initial PCE after 500 hours of continuous light soaking.

Conclusions:

• In situ cyclized polyacrylonitrile (CPAN) is a promising, low-cost, and efficient electron selective layer for n-i-p PSCs.
• CPAN offers a viable alternative to metal oxide semiconductors, improving both efficiency and stability.
• The developed CPAN ESL holds potential for application in other high-performance photoelectronic devices.