Exploring AgBixI3x + 1 semiconductor thin films for lead-free perovskite solar cells. (5th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shao, Z.; Le Mercier, T.; Madec, M.B.; Pauporté, Th.
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 141(2018)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 87
• Publication Date: 2018-03-05
• Subjects: Silver iodobismuthate -- Perovskite solar cells -- Composition effect -- Cubic phase -- Charge transfer; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2017.12.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: Perovskite solar cells are based on organolead halide compounds which are used as highly efficient solar cell absorber materials. However, their lead component is a high human health concern, toxic, and causes strong damages when disperse in the environment. In the present paper, silver iodobismuthate compounds are investigated as lead-free semiconductors in replacement of organolead halide in perovskite solar cells. We describe the design of thin films of AgBix I3x + 1 for x composition ranging between 1 and 2.25. The preparation is optimized to get well-crystallized well-covering layers. The prepared compounds are semiconductors, absorbing light below 700 nm. Compounds for x < 1.5 have a pure rhombohedral phase. Ag2 Bi3 I11 is crystallized in the pure cubic phase, yields to the layer with the largest grains and is the composition giving the best solar cell power conversion efficiency (PCE). For higher Bi content, a mixture of cubic AgBi3 I11 and BiI3 is produced. The device design includes the use of a SnO2 hole blocking layer to get good efficiency. Based on these results it can be concluded that AgBix I3x + 1 compounds are potentially promising properties for application in optoelectronic devices. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: AgBix I3x + 1 thin films with various compositions are prepared. The crystal structure changes with the composition. Silver iodobismuthate layers are used in perovskite solar cells. The best power conversion efficiency is found for cubic Ag2 Bi3 I11 . Using a SnO2 transporting layers leads to a better electron injection.