Rapid Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of SnO₂ Quantum Dots for Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Abstract

SnO 2 has been the most commonly used electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its excellent electron mobility and stability. To meet the applications of SnO 2 ETL in large-scale solar cells, a rapid but inexpensive synthesis of high-quality SnO 2 film is urgently needed. Herein, SnO 2 quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized through a super rapid (∼3 min), additive-free microwave-assisted reaction. Comparing with the crystalized SnO 2 films, the small-sized SnO 2 QDs present improved electronic properties, including the Fermi level, conductivity, electron mobility, and trap density. Hence, with this SnO 2 ETL, the power conversion efficiency of the PSCs reached 20.24% using a CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 absorber, which is among the highest values in the same rank. Overall, these results demonstrate a bright future for the facile microwave-assisted synthesis of SnO 2 QDs along with their application for highly flexible and efficient PSCs.

Defining the Role of Cr3+ as a Reductant in the Hydrothermal Synthesis of CuCrO2 Delafossite

“…Transparent oxide semiconductors (TOSs), named for both their semiconducting properties and their transparency to visible light due to having a wide band gap, are often used in heterojunction solar cells as charge transport layers. TiO 2 , SnO 2 , and ZnO are primary examples of n-type TOSs which have been used as electron transport layers in dye-sensitized solar cells, quantum dot solar cells, organic photovoltaics, and perovskite solar cells. − The examples of p-type TOSs include NiO and the family of CuMO 2 delafossites, of which CuCrO 2 has been applied as a hole transport layer in various solar cells in addition to solar fuel devices such as dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells. , …”

Solvent-assisted preparation of low-temperature SnO2 electron transport layers for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells made in ambient conditions

“…The champion device assembled in a glove box can reach a PCE of 21.75% and exhibit excellent stability. Yue Jiang et al 29 prepared SnO 2 quantum dots using a super-rapid and additive-free microwave-assisted reaction process, and the PCE of the assembled devices was as high as 20.24%. Yiqiang Zhan et al 30 prepared the SnO 2 ETL using a vacuum-assisted annealing method.…”

CuI/Spiro-OMeTAD Double-Layer Hole Transport Layer to Improve Photovoltaic Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells

“…Perovskite, an organic-inorganic metal halide, which acts as a light absorber for solid film solar cells, has attracted extensive attention lately as a result of its excellent photoelectric properties, such as direct band gap, low exciton binding energy, wide light absorption spectrum range, long electron/hole diffusion length and high absorption [1][2][3][4][5][6]. In just a few years, perovskite solar cell efficiency reached 25.5% [7,8].…”