Enhanced Photovoltaic Properties of Perovskite Solar Cells by Employing Bathocuproine/Hydrophobic Polymer Films as Hole-Blocking/Electron-Transporting Interfacial Layers

Abstract

In this study, we improved the photovoltaic (PV) properties and storage stabilities of inverted perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) based on methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) by employing bathocuproine (BCP)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and BCP/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as hole-blocking and electron-transporting interfacial layers. The architecture of the PVSCs was indium tin oxide/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate/MAPbI3/[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester/BCP based interfacial layer/Ag. The presence of PMMA and PVP affected the morphological stability of the BCP and MAPbI3 layers. The storage-stability of the BCP/PMMA-based PVSCs was enhanced significantly relative to that of the corresponding unmodified BCP-based PVSC. Moreover, the PV performance of the BCP/PVP-based PVSCs was enhanced when compared with that of the unmodified BCP-based PVSC. Thus, incorporating hydrophobic polymers into BCP-based hole-blocking/electron-transporting interfacial layers can improve the PV performance and storage stability of PVSCs.

Electrodeposited PEDOT:PSS-Al2O3 Improves the Steady-State Efficiency of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

“…The solution processing of organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells is a promising route for the fabrication of cost-effective photovoltaic devices [ 1 , 2 ]. These solar cells can be grouped into two main architectures: direct and inverted.…”

Polymers in High-Efficiency Solar Cells: The Latest Reports

“…The increased hydrophobicity and moisture resistance of the resultant BCP/PMMA layer ensured better storage stability. The PVP enhanced electron transport over the BCP-based interfacial layer to the cathode, resulting in greater current densities and power efficiency in the devices ( Figure 7 ) [ 176 ].…”

“… The cross-sectional SEM images of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/MAPbI 3 /PC 61 BM with BCP ( a ), BCP/PMMA ( b ), BCP/PVP ( c ) and the current density–potential plots of PSCs with BCP (PVSC I) ( d , e ), BCP/PMMA (PVSC II–IV) ( d ), BCP/PVP (PVSC V–VII)) ( e ) [ 176 ]. …”

Quaternary ammonium halide-containing cellulose derivatives for defect passivation in MAPbI3-based perovskite solar cells

“…3,4 PVSCs based on methylammonium lead halide perovskites [MAPbX 3 , where MA is a methylammonium (CH 3 NH 3 + ) cation and X is a halide anion] are particularly interesting because of their excellent optical absorption properties, ambipolar charge transporting abilities, weakly bonded excitons that readily dissociate into free charges, and very long electron–hole diffusion lengths. 5–10 These PVSCs have usually been fabricated using solution deposition processes, including spin-coating, roll-to-roll coating, and ink-jet printing. 11–13 Although solution fabrication processes have the advantage of allowing manufacturing at low temperature, over large areas, and with low material wastage, crystal defects usually appear at grain boundaries and at the surface during the crystal growth of perovskite films during their thermal annealing.…”