High efficiency semitransparent perovskite solar cells containing 2D nanopore arrays deposited in a single step. Issue 18 (13th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alkhudhari, Osama M.; Altujjar, Amal; Mokhtar, Muhamad Z.; Spencer, Ben F.; Chen, Qian; Thomas, Andrew G.; Hodson, Nigel W.; Wang, Xuelian; Hill, Patrick; Jacobs, Janet; Curry, Richard. J.; Saunders, Brian R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 10:Issue 18(2022)
• Page Start: 10227
• Page End: 10241
• Publication Date: 2022-04-13
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ta09815b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : Semitransparent perovskite solar cells are prepared using colloidal scale polymer sponge-like particle additives that spontaneously form 2D nanopore arrays whilst increasing the power conversion efficiency. Abstract : Semitransparent perovskite solar cells (STPSCs) continue to attract enormous interest because of their potential to provide low-cost renewable energy for building and automotive applications. Whilst many studies have shown that small molecule additives can improve STPSC properties, here we use relatively colossal poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) microgel particles (MGs) as polymer colloid sponge-like additives for the first time. Uniquely, these MGs have an inherent tendency to form highly ordered 2D non-close-packed particle arrays when deposited. Remarkably, this morphology is transcribed to the perovskite layer in the form of 2D non-close-packed nanopore arrays. The nanopores contain shunt-blocking MGs. The perovskite/MG-based STPSCs devices achieve a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.64% for a device average visible transmittance (AVT) of 25.3%. The average light utilization efficiency (LUE) for the optimum system is 2.60% which is much higher than that for the MG-free control system and is larger than the 2.50% threshold that is required, in principle, for application. The MGs bind to the Pb 2+ ions and passivate the perovskite film. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation data show that the MGs increase the AVTs of the films compared to uniform MG-free films. The MGs are proposed to act as nanoscale optical windows. Our new approach to preparing STPSCs delivers perovskite films containing 2D nanopore arrays in a single step that provide improved PCEs and AVTs and may accelerate future STPSC applications.