Artemisinin (ART)-Induced "perovskite/perovskite" bilayer structured photovoltaics. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hou, Yuchen; Wu, Congcong; Yang, Dong; Wang, Ke; Ye, Tao; Brownlie, Liam; Wang, Kai; Priya, Shashank
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 78(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Perovskite solar cell -- Artemisinin -- Spontaneous bilayer structure -- Electron blocking effect -- Performance & stability; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.105133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Halide perovskites have attracted significant attention due to their high photovoltaic (PV) performance. The transition of perovskite PVs into practical applications will require significantly higher reliability while maintaining high efficiency. Here we provide breakthroughs in achieving this goal of enhanced efficiency and reliability. A medical molecular additive, artemisinin (ART), is found to result in the spontaneous formation of a "perovskite/perovskite" bilayer structure during the film casting process. The top-perovskite-layer shows up-shifted Fermi level resulting in an excellent electron blocking effect (EBE) responsible for a high open-circuit-voltage. Further, this bilayer structure enhances hydrophobicity due to the nanoscale wrapping by ART molecules. Combined, "perovskite/perovskite" bilayer results in reliable PV cell with simultaneously improved efficiency (20.43% versus 18.28% from control cell) and stability (95% efficiency was preserved after one-month ambient exposure). These promising results demonstrate that medical biomolecule engineered PVs could pave a new perspective to reliable PV implementation. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: First demonstration of "Perovskite/Perovskite" bilayer structured photovoltaic through Artemisinin biological additive. Electron blocking effect (EBE) is enabled by the bi-perovskite layer for efficient charge separation & transport. A breakthrough on simultaneous improvements in perovskite solar cell efficiency and reliability is demonstrated.