Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
11:38
Influence of Hybrid Perovskite Fabrication Methods on Film Formation, Electronic Structure, and Solar Cell Performance
Published on: February 27, 2017
19.0K
Limiting phosphonic acid interlayer-perovskite reactivity to stabilize perovskite solar modules
Chengbin Fei1, Yadong Zhang2, Mengru Wang1
1Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 1, 2026
Summary
Phosphonic acid interlayers in perovskite solar cells degrade at high temperatures. A new, strongly bound phosphonic acid interlayer significantly enhances operational stability and lifetime for efficient perovskite solar cells.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Phosphonic acid (PA)-based interlayers are crucial for metal-halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
- These PAs can exhibit instability at elevated temperatures, hindering device longevity.
- Weak binding of PAs to indium tin oxide (ITO) contributes to degradation pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the degradation mechanisms of PA-based interlayers in PSCs.
- To develop a more stable PA interlayer for improved PSC performance and operational lifetime.
- To synthesize and characterize a novel PA with enhanced binding affinity to ITO.
Main Methods:
- Investigated degradation pathways accelerated by acidic protons of weakly bound PAs.
- Synthesized a novel bis(diarylamino)biphenyl-based PA with stronger ITO binding.
- Fabricated PSCs using the new PA interlayer and conducted accelerated lifetime testing.
Main Results:
- Weakly bound PAs accelerate iodide oxidation, formamidinium decomposition, and lead ion reduction, especially under heat and UV light.
- The novel PA interlayer significantly improved PSC operational stability, achieving nearly 3000 hours (T90) at 85°C with 10% efficiency loss.
- PSCs with the new interlayer demonstrated power conversion efficiencies over 22%, with minimodules showing a T90 lifetime of ~2200 hours under accelerated testing.
Conclusions:
- Stronger binding of PA interlayers to ITO is critical for enhancing PSC stability.
- The developed bis(diarylamino)biphenyl-based PA offers a promising solution for durable and efficient perovskite solar cells.
- This advancement contributes to the commercial viability of perovskite solar technology.
