Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cell via Semiconducting Chemical Additive Cyclized Polyacrylonitrile

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Semiconductor Physics

Background:

• Solution-processed hybrid perovskite films face challenges like halide vacancies and lead defects, causing recombination and instability.
• These defects lead to non-radiative recombination, hysteresis, and energy loss in perovskite solar cells (PSCs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce cyclized polyacrylonitrile (CPAN) as a multifunctional additive to improve perovskite film quality and PSC performance.
• To investigate the defect passivation and crystallization regulation mechanisms of CPAN in perovskite films.

Main Methods:

• CPAN was incorporated as an additive into perovskite films during solution processing.
• The effects of CPAN on perovskite crystallization, defect passivation, charge extraction, and water resistance were analyzed.
• Perovskite solar cells were fabricated and characterized for power conversion efficiency and operational stability.

Main Results:

• CPAN effectively regulated perovskite crystallization, promoting larger, homogeneous grains and oriented growth.
• Defects such as halide vacancies and uncoordinated lead were passivated by CPAN's cyano and carbonyl groups.
• Perovskite solar cells achieved a power conversion efficiency of 22.38% and retained 84% of their initial efficiency after 900 hours of ambient storage.

Conclusions:

• CPAN acts as a multifunctional semiconductor additive, enhancing perovskite film quality and PSC performance.
• The strategy of using CPAN offers a novel approach for fabricating high-performance and stable perovskite solar cells.