Low-Cost Fabrication of Efficient Perovskite Photovoltaics Using Low-Purity Lead Iodide via Powder Engineering

Abstract

Low cost is the eternal theme for any commercial production. Numerous efforts have been explored to realize low-cost, high-efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs), such as replacing the traditional spin-coating method with an economical printing strategy, simplifying the device structure, reducing the number of functional layers, etc. However, there are few reports on the use of low-cost precursors. Herein, we enable the low-cost fabrication of efficient PSCs based on a very cheaper low-purity PbI2 via powder engineering. The low-purity PbI2 is blended with formamidinium iodide followed by dissolving in a 2-methoxyethanol solvent, and then, the high-quality FAPbI3 powders are formed via an inverse temperature crystallization process and solvent washing after several simple processes to reduce the impurities. As a result, the devices fabricated using the as-synthesized black powders based on the low-purity PbI2 exhibit a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.9% and retained ∼95% of the initial PCE after ∼400 h of storage in the conditions of 25 ± 5 °C and 25 ± 5 RH% without encapsulation. In addition, the upscaling fabrication of a 5 cm × 5 cm solar minimodule also demonstrates an impressive efficiency of 19.5%. Our findings demonstrate an economic strategy for the commercialization of PSCs from the perspective of low-cost production.

Lead Halide Ligand Recycling Enables Low-Cost Infrared PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells

“…To reduce the environmental hazard, the utilization of lead-free tetrabutylammonium iodide was attempted, resulting in the attainment of a 10% efficiency . In perovskite solar cells, the aim of reducing the cost associated with high-purity lead iodide was explored through powder engineering techniques to eliminate contamination from the more affordable, low-purity PbI 2 . Recycling is a promising trend for cost-effective solar cells. − In particular, the recycling of end-of-life solar cells is introduced in the perovskite-tandem device for cost reduction and better sustainability .…”