Stabilizing high-efficiency perovskite solar cells via strategic interfacial contact engineering

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells offer high efficiency but suffer from reliability issues due to incomplete surface passivation.
• Interfacial engineering is crucial for optimizing perovskite solar cell performance and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel interfacial engineering strategy for perovskite solar cells using sodium heptafluorobutyrate.
• To enhance device efficiency, electron extraction, and long-term operational stability.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of the perovskite surface with sodium heptafluorobutyrate.
• Investigation of the effects of sodium heptafluorobutyrate on work function, defect energy, and interfacial properties.
• Fabrication and characterization of p-i-n perovskite solar cells.

Main Results:

• Sodium heptafluorobutyrate acts as an ion shield, tuning the work function and increasing defect formation energy.
• Improved interface with the electron transport layer minimizes recombination and boosts electron extraction.
• Achieved a record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 27.02% for p-i-n perovskite solar cells.
• Demonstrated excellent operational stability (100% PCE retention after 1,200 h) and thermal stability (92% PCE after 1,800 h at 85°C).

Conclusions:

• Strategic interfacial engineering with sodium heptafluorobutyrate effectively passivates the perovskite surface.
• This approach significantly enhances power conversion efficiency and long-term reliability of perovskite solar cells.
• The developed method offers a promising pathway for commercializing stable and efficient perovskite solar technology.