Improving Perovskite Solar Cell Performance and Stability via Thermal Imprinting-Assisted Ion Exchange Passivation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Solid-State Physics

Background:

• Surface defects in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) limit their power conversion efficiency and operational stability.
• Conventional passivation methods often involve solution-based techniques that can be challenging for large-scale manufacturing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a new solid-state passivation technique, thermal imprinting-assisted ion exchange passivation (TIAIEP), for PSCs.
• To investigate the impact of TIAIEP on defect mitigation, compositional gradient formation, and charge carrier dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Development of the TIAIEP process, focusing on controlled time and temperature parameters.
• Application of TIAIEP to perovskite films to induce ion exchange at defect sites.
• Characterization of film properties and device performance, including power conversion efficiency and stability under storage and illumination.

Main Results:

• TIAIEP successfully created a compositional gradient within perovskite films, optimizing hot carrier cooling.
• Optimized TIAIEP process led to a power conversion efficiency of 22.29% in PSC devices.
• Unencapsulated PSCs demonstrated remarkable stability, retaining 91% efficiency after 2000 hours of storage and 90% after 1200 hours of illumination.

Conclusions:

• TIAIEP is a highly effective method for passivating surface defects in perovskite solar cells.
• The technique significantly enhances both photoelectric performance and long-term stability of PSCs.
• TIAIEP shows strong potential for scalable application in perovskite film passivation, accelerating PSC technology adoption.