Enhanced photon trapping in perovskite solar cells via grating structures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) face challenges with insufficient light absorption and poor environmental stability.
• These limitations hinder the commercial viability and widespread adoption of PSC technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a photon management strategy for enhancing light absorption and environmental stability in PSCs.
• To investigate the impact of a corrugated electron transport layer on PSC performance.

Main Methods:

• Structural engineering of a corrugated electron transport layer.
• Utilizing grating-induced scattering and diffraction for broadband absorption enhancement.
• Characterization of perovskite layer absorption and device performance.

Main Results:

• Broadband absorption enhancement (300-800 nm) in the perovskite layer due to grating effects.
• Maximum absorption achieved with a 1.5 μm grating period.
• Short-circuit current density (JSC) increased from 23.00 to 24.97 mA/cm².
• Improved humidity stability, with power conversion efficiency (PCE) dropping to 89.8% after 120 hours at 30% RH.

Conclusions:

• The corrugated electron transport layer effectively enhances photon trapping and light absorption in PSCs.
• The engineered structure improves both the power conversion efficiency and the environmental stability of PSCs.
• This approach offers a promising pathway for developing more efficient and durable perovskite solar cells.