Triphenylamine-Functionalized Metal Nanoclusters for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising for next-generation photovoltaics.
• Developing efficient and stable buffer layers is crucial for PSC performance.
• Metal nanoclusters (NCs) offer tunable electronic properties for optoelectronic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel photoelectric active metal nanoclusters (NCs) using a ligand engineering strategy.
• To introduce triphenylamine (TPA) for the first time in atomically precise metal NCs for PSCs.
• To investigate the role of these NCs as a buffer layer in PSCs.

Main Methods:

• Ligand engineering strategy for atomic precision.
• Synthesis of a specific metal NC cluster: [(AgCu)37(PPh3)8(TPA-C≡C)24]5+.
• Incorporation of the synthesized NCs as a buffer layer in PSCs.

Main Results:

• Achieved a power conversion efficiency of 25.1% in n-i-p PSC devices.
• Demonstrated long-term stability of the fabricated PSCs.
• The inorganic metal core enhanced conductivity, while the TPA shell improved carrier transfer and perovskite protection.

Conclusions:

• Ligand-engineered metal nanoclusters with TPA are effective for PSCs.
• These NCs play multiple roles in enhancing device performance and stability.
• This work provides insights into functionalized metal NCs for advanced optoelectronic devices.