Perovskitoids Enhance Stability and Performance in Perovskite Solar Cells

Core Concepts

Two-dimensional perovskitoids can suppress cation migration and enhance charge transport when interfaced with three-dimensional perovskite surfaces, leading to improved stability and performance in perovskite solar cells.

Abstract

The content discusses the use of two-dimensional (2D)/three-dimensional (3D) perovskite heterostructures to advance the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the migration of cations between the 2D and 3D layers can disrupt the octahedral networks, leading to degradation in performance over time.

The researchers hypothesized that perovskitoids, with robust organic-inorganic networks enabled by edge- and face-sharing, could impede ion migration. They explored a set of perovskitoids with varying dimensionality and found that cation migration within perovskitoid/perovskite heterostructures was suppressed compared to the 2D/3D perovskite case.

Increasing the dimensionality of perovskitoids improves charge transport when they are interfaced with 3D perovskite surfaces, due to enhanced octahedral connectivity and out-of-plane orientation. The 2D perovskitoid (A6BfP)8Pb7I22 (A6BfP: N-aminohexyl-benz[f]-phthalimide) provides efficient passivation of perovskite surfaces and enables uniform large-area perovskite films.

Devices based on perovskitoid/perovskite heterostructures achieved a certified quasi-steady-state power conversion efficiency of 24.6% for centimeter-area PSCs. The researchers also removed the fragile hole transport layers and showed stable operation of the underlying perovskitoid/perovskite heterostructure at 85°C for 1,250 hours for encapsulated large-area devices in an air ambient.

Stats

Certified quasi-steady-state power conversion efficiency of 24.6% for centimeter-area perovskite solar cells.
Stable operation of perovskitoid/perovskite heterostructure at 85°C for 1,250 hours for encapsulated large-area devices in an air ambient.

Quotes

"We hypothesized that perovskitoids, with robust organic-inorganic networks enabled by edge- and face-sharing, could impede ion migration."
"Increasing the dimensionality of perovskitoids improves charge transport when they are interfaced with 3D perovskite surfaces – this the result of enhanced octahedral connectivity and out-of-plane orientation."

Key Insights Distilled From

Two-dimensional Perovskitoids Enhance Stability in Perovskite Solar Cells - Nature

by Cheng Liu,Yi... at www.nature.com 07-08-2024

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07764-8

Deeper Inquiries

How can the performance and stability of perovskitoid/perovskite heterostructures be further optimized for large-scale commercial applications?

To optimize the performance and stability of perovskitoid/perovskite heterostructures for large-scale commercial applications, several strategies can be implemented. Firstly, further research can focus on fine-tuning the composition and structure of perovskitoids to enhance their compatibility with 3D perovskite surfaces, thereby improving charge transport and overall device efficiency. Additionally, exploring novel encapsulation techniques and materials to protect the heterostructures from environmental factors such as moisture and oxygen can significantly enhance their long-term stability. Moreover, scaling up the manufacturing processes to produce uniform and defect-free large-area perovskite films is crucial for commercial viability. Implementing quality control measures and standardizing production protocols can ensure consistent performance across a large number of devices, making them suitable for mass production and deployment in the market.

What are the potential drawbacks or limitations of using perovskitoids in perovskite solar cells, and how can they be addressed?

While perovskitoids offer promising advantages in terms of stability and performance in perovskite solar cells, there are certain drawbacks and limitations that need to be addressed. One potential limitation is the cost associated with synthesizing and incorporating perovskitoids into the device architecture, which can impact the overall affordability of the technology. To address this, research efforts can focus on developing cost-effective synthesis methods and optimizing the use of perovskitoids to minimize material wastage and reduce production expenses. Another challenge is the potential toxicity of certain organic components in perovskitoids, which raises environmental and health concerns. By exploring non-toxic or biodegradable alternatives and conducting thorough toxicity assessments, the safety of perovskitoid-based solar cells can be ensured. Additionally, improving the recyclability and sustainability of perovskitoid materials can further mitigate their environmental impact and enhance their long-term viability as a renewable energy technology.

What other types of materials or device architectures could be explored to achieve similar or even better stability and efficiency improvements in perovskite solar cells?

In addition to perovskitoids, there are several other types of materials and device architectures that could be explored to achieve enhanced stability and efficiency in perovskite solar cells. One approach is the integration of quantum dots or nanocrystals as light harvesters or charge transport layers, which can improve the absorption of sunlight and enhance the overall device performance. Another promising direction is the use of organic-inorganic hybrid materials, such as organic semiconductors or conductive polymers, to enhance the charge transport properties and stability of perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, the development of tandem or multi-junction solar cell architectures, combining different types of materials with complementary absorption spectra, can significantly increase the efficiency of perovskite solar cells. By exploring a diverse range of materials and device designs, researchers can continue to push the boundaries of performance and stability in perovskite solar cell technology.