Crystallization Modulation Through Electron Transport Layer Surface Reconstruction Enables High-Performance...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• The performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is heavily influenced by the quality of the buried interface.
• Optimizing the electron transport layer (ETL) is crucial for efficient charge extraction and device longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a homogenization strategy for the tin oxide (SnO2) ETL using surface reconstruction.
• To improve mesoscale interface manipulation in PSCs through the introduction of L-carnosine (LC).

Main Methods:

• Surface reconstruction of the SnO2 ETL by introducing natural L-carnosine (LC).
• Investigating the effects of LC on photon and electron transport, interfacial contact, defect passivation, and carrier dynamics.
• Analyzing the regulation of perovskite crystallization kinetics by LC modification.

Main Results:

• Homogenized photon and electron transport achieved through SnO2 ETL surface optimization.
• LC established interlayer bridging, optimized interfacial contact, passivated defects, and improved carrier dynamics.
• LC modification facilitated high-quality perovskite film growth, leading to a champion device efficiency of 25.30% for air-processed n-i-p PSCs.
• Enhanced device stability demonstrated under ISOS protocols, retaining over 90% efficiency after prolonged humidity, thermal aging, and continuous power tracking.

Conclusions:

• Surface reconstruction of the SnO2 ETL with L-carnosine is an effective strategy for enhancing PSC performance and stability.
• LC acts as a multifunctional additive, improving interfacial properties and perovskite film quality.
• The developed method enables the fabrication of highly efficient and stable air-processed PSCs.