A Modified Sequential Deposition Route for High-Performance Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells under Atmosphere Condition

Abstract

Carbon-based hole transport material (HTM)-free perovskite solar cells have exhibited a promising commercialization prospect, attributed to their outstanding stability and low manufacturing cost. However, the serious charge recombination at the interface of the carbon counter electrode and titanium dioxide (TiO2) suppresses the improvement in the carbon-based perovskite solar cells’ performance. Here, we propose a modified sequential deposition process in air, which introduces a mixed solvent to improve the morphology of lead iodide (PbI2) film. Combined with ethanol treatment, the preferred crystallization orientation of the PbI2 film is generated. This new deposition strategy can prepare a thick and compact methylammonium lead halide (MAPbI3) film under high-humidity conditions, which acts as a natural active layer that separates the carbon counter electrode and TiO2. Meanwhile, the modified sequential deposition method provides a simple way to facilitate the conversion of the ultrathick PbI2 capping layer to MAPbI3, as the light absorption layer. By adjusting the thickness of the MAPbI3 capping layer, we achieved a power conversation efficiency (PCE) of 12.5% for the carbon-based perovskite solar cells.

Material Perspective for Hole Transport Material-Free Perovskite Solar Cell: A Mini Review

“…However, the high-temperature heating process of the insulating layer increases energy use and costs. Another development for HTM-free PSCs is the morphology of the perovskite layer, which is very dependent on the morphology of the PbI2 film [67]. This morphology can be controlled by selecting a suitable deposition method.…”

Upscaling of Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Module

“…This material was used in DSSCs as an electrode for the first time and later applied also in solid-state photovoltaics [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Carbon-based electrodes are widely applied in PSCs because of their chemical inertness, hydrophobic nature, thermal stability, and compatibility with upscalable deposition techniques (e.g., screen-printing, blade-coating), signifying their solid potential for mass production [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ]. Moreover, the approximate work function of 5.0 eV makes carbon a convenient counter electrode material for perovskite solar cells [ 55 , 56 ].…”

Enhanced Performance of Planar Perovskite Solar Cells Using Thioacetamide-Treated SnS2 Electron Transporting Layer Based on Molecular Ink

“…Organic–inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been considered the pioneers of photovoltaic research owing to their high optical absorption, tunable bandgap, high carrier mobility, and excellent photovoltaic performance. − The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs has risen from 3.8% to 25.7% after a few years − due to the development of so-called advantageous characteristics.…”