NiO/PANI nanocomposite doped carbon paste as electrode for long-term stable and highly efficient perovskite solar...

Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a hopeful alternative in the realm of photovoltaics. They are considered promising due to their affordability, remarkable durability in humid environments, and impressive electrical conductivity. One approach to address the cost issue is to use affordable counter electrodes in PSCs that do not require organic hole transport materials (HTMs). This study utilized an innovative and economical method to create NiO/PANI nanocomposites. Later, these nanoparticles were integrated into a carbon paste to act as an HTM. This incorporation is intended to optimize charge extraction, improve interfacial contact, align energy levels, reduce energy loss, minimize charge recombination, and protect the perovskite (FAPbI₃) surface from degradation. The optoelectronic properties of these devices were investigated, and all cells showed improved efficiency compared to control cells. The NiO/PANI doped carbon (NiO/PANI+CE) exhibited excellent performance due to strong hole conductivity, well-aligned energy levels, and the formation of stepwise band alignment at the perovskite interface.