Ligand‐Free MAPbI3 Quantum Dot Solar Cells Based on Nanostructured Insulating Matrices. Issue 8 (5th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rubino, Andrea; Caliò, Laura; Calvo, Mauricio E.; Míguez, Hernán
• Is Part Of: Solar RRL. Volume 5:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-07-05
• Subjects: charge transport -- nanoporous materials -- optoelectronics -- perovskite nanocrystals -- perovskite quantum dots -- solar cells; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Photovoltaic power generation -- Periodicals; Solar energy -- Research -- Periodicals; Photovoltaic power generation -- Research -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 333.7923
• DOI: 10.1002/solr.202100204
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2367-198X

Abstract

Abstract : The stability, either chemical or thermal, and performance of colloidal quantum dot (CQD) devices are typically limited by the presence of surface‐bonded organic ligands required to stabilize the nanocrystals. In addition, optimization of charge transport implies lengthy ligand exchange processing. Herein, evidence of efficient charge transport through a network of ligand‐free perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) embedded in an insulating porous matrix made of monodisperse SiO2 nanoparticles is shown. Methylammonium lead iodide (CH3 NH3 PbI3 or MAPbI3 ) QDs are prepared in situ by infiltration of precursors within the matrix pores, which act both as nanoreactors for the synthetic reaction and as supporting scaffolds, hence reducing the number of synthetic and postprocessing steps usually required in CQD solar cells. Above a certain nanocrystal load, charge percolation is reached and dot‐to‐dot transport achieved without compromising quantum confinement effects. Solar cells based on MAPbI3 QDs prepared in this way present a 9.3% efficiency, the highest reported for a scaffold‐supported PQD solar cell, and significantly improved stability under solar illumination with respect to their bulk counterparts. Therefore, adequately designed networks of ligand‐free PQDs can be used as both light harvesters and photocarrier conductors, in an alternative configuration to that used in previously developed QD solar cells. Abstract : A stable and efficient methylammonium lead iodide perovskite quantum dot solar cell is built, using a novel device configuration based on the impregnation of an insulating nanoporous scaffold with a network of interconnected ligand‐free perovskite nanocrystals capable of supporting dot‐to‐dot charge transport.