Self-Regulated Bilateral Anchoring Enables Efficient Charge Transport Pathways for High-Performance Rigid and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Interface modification is crucial for perovskite solar cell (PSC) performance.
• The anchoring mode and strength of interfacial molecules dictate interface robustness under operational conditions.
• Achieving long-term stability requires optimized interfacial molecular interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate squaric acid (SA) as an interfacial molecule between perovskite and SnO2 layers.
• To propose and evaluate a self-regulated bilateral anchoring strategy for enhanced PSC performance and stability.
• To demonstrate the universal applicability of this strategy for flexible and large-area devices.

Main Methods:

• Utilized squaric acid (SA) for interface modification in perovskite solar cells.
• Implemented a self-regulated bilateral anchoring strategy at the SnO2/SA and SA/PbI2 interfaces.
• Analyzed the formation of hydrogen and coordination bonds, self-transformation properties, and defect inhibition.

Main Results:

• SA formed stable hydrogen and coordination bonds, creating a self-regulated bilateral anchoring structure.
• The SA molecular bridge effectively inhibited charged defects and improved electron transport.
• Achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) increase from 23.19% to 25.50%, with enhanced stability.

Conclusions:

• The proposed self-regulated bilateral anchoring strategy using SA significantly enhances PSC performance and stability.
• SA acts as a stable interfacial molecular bridge, releasing stress and facilitating charge transport.
• Demonstrated high PCEs for flexible (24.92%) and large-area (24.01%) devices, showing broad applicability.