Improving the performance of FAPbI₃ perovskite solar cells using a self-assembled monolayer

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Interfaces in halide perovskite solar cells critically impact device performance.
• Direct contact between electrodes and perovskite layers can cause degradation and surface defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate fullerene molecules as an interlayer to passivate defects and improve perovskite solar cells.
• To optimize photovoltaic designs by tuning various device parameters.
• To enhance charge-carrier extraction and band alignment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized SCAPS-1D simulations to model perovskite solar cell performance.
• Introduced fullerene molecules as a self-assembled monolayer interlayer.
• Evaluated device performance by adjusting perovskite thickness, trap-state density, acceptor density, resistances, and temperature.

Main Results:

• Simulations predict a power conversion efficiency of 24.07% for FAPbI3-based perovskite solar cells with the fullerene interlayer.
• The interlayer effectively reduces recombination losses and facilitates charge-carrier extraction.
• Optimized devices demonstrated excellent thermal stability, retaining 77% efficiency at 450 K.

Conclusions:

• Fullerene interlayers are a promising strategy for defect passivation and performance enhancement in perovskite solar cells.
• Optimized device designs show significant potential for efficient and stable solar energy conversion.
• The study provides valuable insights for the development of next-generation perovskite photovoltaics.