Exploring the Properties of Niobium Oxide Films for Electron Transport Layers in Perovskite Solar Cells

Abstract

In this work, niobium oxide films were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering under different oxygen flow rate and applied as electron transport layer in perovskite solar cells. It was found that the deposition made using 3.5 sccm of oxygen flow resulted in films with better electrical properties which helped the extraction of the photogenerated electrons to the external circuit, improving the Jsc and consequently the device efficiency. In addition, by photoluminescence measurements, we found a better charge transfer from perovskite to TiO2/niobium oxide film deposited at 3.5 sccm of oxygen flow.

Oxygen Defects and Surface Chemistry of Reducible Oxides

“…More recently, several strategies have widely been adopted to the development of the next generation of photovoltaic devices, especially based on emerging materials (Protesescu et al, 2015;Brenner et al, 2016;Manser et al, 2016;Saliba et al, 2016). These novel emerging materials are chemically and thermally stables with incredible potential for many applications and, in some cases, can widely be compatible with a huge variety of low-cost manufacturing (Masi et al, 2018;Nunes et al, 2018;Fernandes et al, 2019;Ramirez et al, 2019). Such emerging materials, however, have its chemistry still very little explored, which may in principle be an option interesting for the appearance of many technologies.…”

Niobium: The Focus on Catalytic Application in the Conversion of Biomass and Biomass Derivatives

“…In recent decades, niobium has been studied for applications in strategic areas such as energy [ 26 ], health [ 27 ] and catalysis [ 28 ]. As far as energy-related applications are concerned, different niobium compounds have been used in energy conversion and storage systems such as batteries [ 29 ], supercapacitors [ 30 ], solar fuel production [ 31 , 32 ] and solar cells [ 33 , 34 ]. Particularly, niobium-based oxides have been used as electrodes for batteries (Li-ion, Na-ion, vanadium redox flow), supercapacitors, and fuel cell applications [ 35 ] Charge storage mechanisms in different oxide structures and electrochemical activities regarding the specific capacitance/capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability of niobium-based oxides have been extensively described [ 36 , 37 ].…”

Investigation of the reliability of nano-nickel/niobium oxide-based multilayer thin films deposited on polymer substrates for flexible electronic applications

“…In the case of Nb 2 O 5 nanolayers, it should be noted that the decrease in the oxygen flow rate during the fabrication of their thin oxide film through reactive magnetron sputtering induces oxygen vacancies, which therefore increases the conductivity of the film. 51 In the present study, it is believed that Nb 2 O 5 was realized due to surface oxidation of the Nb target before sputtering, which was performed in an inert environment. In this scenario, where the oxygen supply is limited, there are high chances for the presence of oxygen vacancies, therefore, resulting in a much higher conductivity of the Nb 2 O 5 nanolayers compared to its bulk value.…”