Functional Carbazole-Cellulose Composite Binders for High-Stability Carbon Electrodes in Perovskite Solar Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) offer high efficiency but face challenges with stable, conductive carbon electrodes.
• Existing carbon electrodes suffer from poor interfacial conductivity and weak coupling, limiting PSC performance and longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stable and inexpensive carbon electrode for PSCs using a functionalized carbazole-cellulose composite (C-Cz) binder.
• To enhance interfacial properties and device durability in PSCs.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of carbon electrodes using a C-Cz composite binder for PSCs.
• Characterization of electrode properties, including conductivity, interfacial energy alignment, and defect passivation.
• Performance and stability testing of PSCs with C-Cz electrodes under continuous irradiation.

Main Results:

• PSCs with C-Cz electrodes achieved a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.79%, compared to 10.56% for PMMA-based devices.
• The C-Cz electrode demonstrated enhanced hydrophobicity and defect passivation, improving device durability.
• Devices maintained over 95% of initial efficiency after 400 hours of continuous operation.

Conclusions:

• The C-Cz composite binder offers an effective strategy for engineering robust and scalable carbon electrodes for PSCs.
• This approach addresses critical interfacial issues, paving the way for practical, stable perovskite solar cell applications.