Effect of organic dye on the performance of dye-sensitized solar cell utilizing TiO2 nanostructure films synthesized via CTAB-assisted liquid phase deposition technique

This work is concerned with the growth of TiO₂ nanostructures as photovoltaic materials of dyesensitized solar cell (DSSC) via phase liquid deposition technique treated with CTAB surfactant. This work investigates the influence of organic dyes, N719, N3 and Z907 as photosensitizer on the photovoltaic parameters of TiO₂ nanostructures dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). It also highlights the effect of the concentration of the best dye, N719 on the performance of the cell. The platinum films as counter electrode of the DSSC were prepared by sputtering platinum pellet on ITO substrate. The redox couple of the electrolyte utilized in the DSSC was iodide/triiodide. The cell sensitized with N719 dye demonstrated the best performance compared with the cell sensitized with another two dyes, N3 and Z907. This is due to N719 dye possess the highest optical absorption in visible region. The cell sensitized with 0.8 mM N719 dye performs the highest short-circuit current density, J _sc and power conversion efficiency, η since it posses the highest absorption in visible region. The DSSC utilizing 0.8 mM N719 dye demonstrated the highest J _sc and η of 6.48 mA cm^?2 and 1.69%, respectively.     

Advances in the structure and materials of perovskite solar cells

The possible exhaustion of fossil fuels in the near future and soaring global energy demand have driven the search for new types of sustainable and renewable alternatives. Perovskite (CH₃NH₃PbX₃, X = I, Br, Cl) solar cells are a type of solar cell based on a perovskite absorber, most commonly a tin halide-based or hybrid organic–inorganic lead material, as the visible-light sensitizer layer, which produces electricity from sunlight. Recently, perovskite solar cells have received substantial worldwide attention. Compared with traditional solar cells, the perovskite solar cells can obtain high efficiency with a simple architecture and via a cost-effective process. In the latest 5 years, the efficiency of perovskite solar cells to convert power has skyrocketed from 3.8 % to more than 19.3 %. It is the fastest advancing solar technology to date. The highest efficiency demonstrated by perovskite solar cells is higher than that of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). A lager number of research groups have demonstrated that perovskite solar cells may ultimately boost efficiency as high as 25 %. The high efficiency and cheap production costs make it evident that perovskite solar cells have great potential to be commercialized soon. In this review, the history, materials, processing and architecture of solar cells are discussed to obtain a better understanding of high-performance perovskite solar cells.     

A Three‐Step Method for the Deposition of Large Cuboids of Organic–Inorganic Perovskite and Application in Solar Cells

A three‐step method for the deposition of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite films with a high crystalline structure and large cuboid overlayer morphology is reported. The method includes PbI₂ deposition, which is followed by dipping into a solution of C₄H₉NH₃I (BAI) and (BA)₂PbI₄ perovskite formation. In the final step, the poorly thermodynamically stable (BA)₂PbI₄ phase converts into the more stable CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite by dipping into a solution of CH₃NH₃I. The final product is characterized by XRD, SEM, UV/Vis, and photoluminescence analysis methods. The experimental results indicate that the prepared perovskite has cuboids with high crystallinity and large sizes (up to 1 μm), as confirmed by XRD and SEM data. Photovoltaic investigations show that the three‐step method results in higher solar cell efficiency (15 % enhancement in efficiency) with a better reproducibility than the conventional two‐step deposition method.     

A High‐Voltage Molecular‐Engineered Organic Sensitizer–Iron Redox Shuttle Pair: 1.4 V DSSC and 3.3 V SSM‐DSSC Devices

The development of high voltage solar cells is an attractive way to use sunlight for solar‐to‐fuel devices, multijunction solar‐to‐electric systems, and to power limited‐area consumer electronics. By designing a low‐oxidation‐potential organic dye ( RR9 )/redox shuttle (Fe(bpy)₃^3+/2+) pair for dye‐sensitized solar‐cell (DSSC) devices, the highest single device photovoltage (1.42 V) has been realized for a DSSC not relying on doped TiO₂. Additionally, Fe(bpy)₃^3+/2+ offers a robust, readily tunable ligand platform for redox potential tuning. RR9 can be regenerated with a low driving force (190 mV), and by utilizing the RR9 /Fe(bpy)₃^3+/2+ redox shuttle pair in a subcell for a sequential series multijunction (SSM)‐DSSC system, one of the highest known three subcell photovoltage was attained for any solar‐cell technology (3.34 V, >1.0 V per subcell).     

A Three-Dimensional M3AB-Type Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Antiperovskite Ferroelectric: [C3H7FN]3[SnCl6]Cl

Since the first perovskite CaTiO₃ was discovered in 1839, the development of perovskite has a history of 180 years. The emergence of solar cells (CH₃NH₃)PbI₃ has set off the trend of hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite (HOIP) materials. Since then, various HOIPs have sprung up and been widely used in various material devices. Among them, HOIP ferroelectrics have gained widespread attention. However, antiperovskite, as a twin brother of perovskite, has been neglected although it has similar structure with perovskite. Here, we successfully found that [C₃H₇FN]₃[SnCl₆]Cl has a three-dimensional (3D) antiperovskite structure with the formula M₃AB. Importantly, the compound exhibits obvious ferroelectric properties with an Aizu notation of 622F6 at 391 K. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first 3D hybrid organic–inorganic antiperovskite ferroelectric, which will greatly promote the development of antiperovskite families with more superior physical properties.     

Optoelectronic and morphology properties of perovskite/silicon interface layer for tandem solar cell application

Silicon (Si) solar cell has low optical absorption because of the low and indirect bandgap of Si, and the efficiency was trapped at 25% for 15 years. Si solar cell is able to achieve efficiency up to 30% by adding perovskite as multiple bandgap material through tandem formation. In this paper, the Si/perovskite interface layer was characterized to study the compatibility of perovskite on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass and p-type Si wafer (p-Si). The single solution deposition step of methyl ammonium lead iodide, CH₃NH₃PbI₃ (MAPbI₃) perovskite film, was spin-coated at different concentration. The physical properties of the MAPbI₃/FTO and MAPbI₃/p-Si were obtained by profilometer, atomic force microscope, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The optical properties were analyzed by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and infrared transmission. Then the electrical properties were measured by Hall effect. From the measurement, it is observed that 1.2M concentration of MAPbI₃ thin film has the highest thickness, smoothest film surface, and largest crystallite size compared with 0.8M and 1.0M. It is found that there is an interaction in perovskite/Si interface and caused in a low-wavelength shift, and the increase in concentration of MAPbI₃ helped in intensifying the Raman signal produced. 1.2M MAPbI₃ thin film had the highest enhancement in light trapping property rather than 0.8M and 1.0M. The bulk concentration and conductivity of 1.2M perovskite were higher, but the resistivity was lower than 0.8M MAPbI₃ because of more CH₃NH₃I and PbI₂ concentration within MAPbI₃ perovskite compound.     

钙钛矿ABX3型材料的结构与性质调控

近年来,钙钛矿太阳能电池由于其效率高、制造成本低、工艺简单等特点受到广泛关注,成为目前太阳能电池领域的研究热点。在钙钛矿太阳能电池中,无机-有机杂化ABX₃材料非常重要。它既作为光吸收材料,同时又作为载流子传输材料,因此它的光电性质直接影响到太阳能电池的效率。本文综述了调控钙钛矿型无机有机金属卤化物ABX₃结构和性质的几种途径。     

In CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Film,the Surface Termination Layer Dominates the Moisture Degradation Pathway

Theoretical studies have shown that surface terminations, such as MAI or PbI layers, greatly affect the environmental stability of organic–inorganic perovskite. However, until now, there has been little effort to experimentally detect the existence of MAI or PbI terminations on MAPbI₃ grains, let alone disclose their effects on the humidity degradation pathway of perovskite solar cell. Here, we successfully modified and detected the surface terminations of MAI and PbI species on polycrystalline MAPbI₃ films. MAI-terminated perovskite film followed the moisture degradation process from MAPbI₃ to hydrate MAPbI₃⋅H₂O and then into PbI₂, with penetration of water molecules being the main driving force leading to the degradation of MAPbI₃ layer by layer. In contrast, for the PbI-terminated perovskite film in a humid atmosphere, a deprotonation degradation pathway was confirmed, in which the film preferentially degraded directly from MAPbI₃ into PbI₂, here the iodine defects played a key role in promoting the dissociation of water molecules into OH⁻ and further catalyzing the decomposition of perovskite.     

ABX3型钙钛矿光伏材料的结构与性质调控

近年来,钙钛矿太阳能电池由于其效率高、制造成本低、工艺简单等特点受到广泛关注,成为目前太阳能电池领域的研究热点。在钙钛矿太阳能电池中,无机-有机杂化ABX₃材料非常重要。它既作为光吸收材料,同时又作为载流子传输材料,因此它的光电性质直接影响到太阳能电池的效率。本文综述了调控无机有机金属卤化物ABX₃型钙钛矿光伏材料结构和性质的几种途径。     

Tetra‐ammonium Zinc Phthalocyanine to Construct a Graded 2D–3D Perovskite Interface for Efficient and Stable Solar Cells

The crystallographic defects inevitably incur during the solution processed organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite film, especially at surface and the grain boundaries (GBs) of perovskite film, which can further result in the reduced cell performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, a simple defect passivation method was employed by treating perovskite precursor film with a hydrophobic tetra‐ammonium zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc). The results demonstrated that a 2D‐3D graded perovskite interface with a capping layer of 2D (ZnPc)_0.5MA_n ? 1Pb_nI_3n + 1 perovskite together with 3D MAPbI₃ perovskite was successfully constructed on the top of 3D perovskite layer. This situation realized the efficient GBs passivation, thus reducing the defects in GBs. As expected, the corresponding PSCs with modified perovskite revealed an improved cell performance. The best efficiency reached 19.6%. Especially, the significantly enhanced long‐term stability of the responding PSCs against humidity and heating was remarkably achieved. Such a strategy in this work affords an efficient method to improve the stability of PSCs and thus probably brings the PSCs closer to practical commercialization.     

All‐Inorganic CsPb1−xGexI2Br Perovskite with Enhanced Phase Stability and Photovoltaic Performance

Compared with organic‐inorganic perovskites, all‐inorganic cesium‐based perovskites without volatile organic compounds have gained extensive interests because of the high thermal stability. However, they have a problem on phase transition from cubic phase (active for photo‐electric conversion) to orthorhombic phase (inactive for photo‐electric conversion) at room temperature, which has hindered further progress. Herein, novel inorganic CsPb_1?xGe_xI₂Br perovskites were prepared in humid ambient atmosphere without a glovebox. The phase stability of the all‐inorganic perovskite was effectively enhanced after germanium addition. In addition, the highest power conversion efficiency of 10.8 % with high open‐circuit voltage (V_OC) of 1.27 V in a planar solar cell based on CsPb_0.8Ge_0.2I₂Br perovskite was achieved. Furthermore, the highest V_OC up to 1.34 V was obtained by CsPb_0.7Ge_0.3I₂Br perovskite, which is a remarkable record in the field of all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells. More importantly, all the photovoltaic parameters of CsPb_0.8Ge_0.2I₂Br perovskite solar cells showed nearly no decay after 7 h measurement in 50–60 % relative humidity without encapsulation.     

Effect of N719 Dye Dipping Temperature on the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Preparation parameter of dye plays important role in determining DSSC performance. This paper reports the influence of N719 dye dipping temperature on the optical properties and performance parameters of the DSSC utilizing TiO₂ films prepared via microwave technique. The TiO₂ coated N719 dye films were prepared at various temperatures, namely, 30, 50, 60, 70 and 80°C. It is found that the TiO₂ film dipped into N719 dye solution at 50°C possesses the broadest optical absorption window and the highest dye loading. It is also found that the dye dipping temperature does not affect the leak current in the device. The short-circuit current density (J_SC) and power conversion efficiency (η) are strongly influenced by the dipping temperature. The DSSC utilizing the sample prepared at 50°C demonstrated the highest J_SC and η of 4.06 mA cm^–2 and 1.36%, respectively due to highest dye loading and recombination resistance.     

Surface Termination on Unstable Methylammonium-based Perovskite Using a Steric Barrier for Improved Perovskite Solar Cells

Compared to widely adopted low-dimensional/three-dimensional (LD/3D) heterostructure, functional organic cation based surface termination on perovskite can not only realize advantage of defect passivation but also prevent potential disadvantage of the heterostructure induced intercalation into 3D perovskite. However, it is still very challenging to controllably construct surface termination on organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite because the functional organic cations’ substitution reaction is easy to form LD/3D heterostructure. Here, we report using a novel benzyltrimethylammonium (BTA) functional cation with rational designed steric hindrance to effectively surface terminate onto methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI₃) perovskite, which is composed of the most unstable MA cations. The BTA cation is difficult to form a specific 1.5-dimensional perovskite of BTA₄Pb₃I₁₀ by cation substitution with MA cation, which then provides a wide processing window (around 10 minutes) for surface terminating on MAPbI₃ films. Moreover, the BTAI surface terminated BTAI-MAPbI₃ shows better passivation effect than BTA₄Pb₃I₁₀-MAPbI₃ heterojunction. Finally, BTAI surface terminated solar cell (0.085 cm²) and mini-module (11.52 cm²) obtained the efficiencies of 22.03 % and 18.57 %, which are among the highest efficiencies for MAPbI₃ based ones.     

Effect of the heat treatment of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite on its electrical and photoelectric properties

The effect of the annealing of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite on its electrical, photoelectric and optical properties has been estimated. The annealing leads to a two-phase structure consisting of perovskite and lead iodide, whose relative concentrations depend on the annealing temperature. The formation of a PbI₂ phase in a perovskite film upon heating leads to a decrease in the conductivity and photoconductivity of two-phase material, which contradicts the assumption of a decrease in recombination associated with PbI₂, obtained by measuring the parameters of a solar cell.     

Inkjet Printing and Instant Chemical Transformation of a CH3NH3PbI3/Nanocarbon Electrode and Interface for Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

A planar perovskite solar cell that incorporates a nanocarbon hole‐extraction layer is demonstrated for the first time by an inkjet printing technique with a precisely controlled pattern and interface. By designing the carbon plus CH₃NH₃I ink to transform PbI₂ in situ to CH₃NH₃PbI₃, an interpenetrating seamless interface between the CH₃NH₃PbI₃ active layer and the carbon hole‐extraction electrode was instantly constructed, with a markedly reduced charge recombination compared to that with the carbon ink alone. As a result, a considerably higher power conversion efficiency up to 11.60 % was delivered by the corresponding solar cell. This method provides a major step towards the fabrication of low‐cost, large‐scale, metal‐electrode‐free but still highly efficient perovskite solar cells.     

Long-Term Stability Analysis of 3D and 2D/3D Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

Despite the remarkable progress in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), their instability and rapid degradation over time still restrict their commercialization. A 2D capping layer has been proved to overcome the stability issues; however, an in-depth understanding of the complex degradation processes over a prolonged time at PSC interfaces is crucial for improving their stability. In the current work, we investigated the stability of a triple cation 3D ([(FA_0.83MA_0.17)Cs_0.05]Pb(I_0.83Br_0.17)₃) and 2D/3D PSC fabricated by a layer-by-layer deposition technique (PEAI-based 2D layer over triple cation 3D perovskite) using a state-of-art characterization technique: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A long-term stability test over 24 months was performed on the 3D and 2D/3D PSCs with an initial PCE of 18.87% and 20.21%, respectively, to suggest a more practical scenario. The current-voltage (J-V) and EIS results showed degradation in both the solar cell types; however, a slower degradation rate was observed in 2D/3D PSCs. Finally, the quantitative analysis of the key EIS parameters affected by the degradation in 3D and 2D/3D PSCs were discussed.     

Stability of CdS-coated TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> solar cells

The obstacle to realize the large-scale production of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is its long-term stability and reliability problem. One of the main causes of the instability of DSSCs is the use of liquid electrolytes. In addition, exploring nano-sized particles of CdS as an alternative sensitizer for organic dye in dye-sensitized solar cells have attracted great interest due to the high cost and the instability of the organic dye. Our study has found that the CdS-coated TiO₂ cell degrades rapidly in the liquid electrolytes even under dark environment. In this work, a solid-state solar cell structure of Glass/FTO/TiO₂/CdS:Cu/FTO/glass was successfully made with an efficiency of 0.7%. CdS:Cu served as both the p-type conductor and absorber. No efficiency was obtained for cell structures of glass/FTO/TiO₂/CdS/FTO/glass. This indicates the effectiveness of hole conducting behavior of CdS:Cu. This is the first time that this type of solid-state solar cell is reported and improved stability is demonstrated.     

Mixed‐Organic‐Cation Perovskite Photovoltaics for Enhanced Solar‐Light Harvesting

Hybrid organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite APbX₃ pigments, such as methylammonium lead iodide, have recently emerged as excellent light harvesters in solid‐state mesoscopic solar cells. An important target for the further improvement of the performance of perovskite‐based photovoltaics is to extend their optical‐absorption onset further into the red to enhance solar‐light harvesting. Herein, we show that this goal can be reached by using a mixture of formamidinium (HN=CHNH₃⁺, FA) and methylammonium (CH₃NH₃⁺, MA) cations in the A position of the APbI₃ perovskite structure. This combination leads to an enhanced short‐circuit current and thus superior devices to those based on only CH₃NH₃⁺. This concept has not been applied previously in perovskite‐based solar cells. It shows great potential as a versatile tool to tune the structural, electrical, and optoelectronic properties of the light‐harvesting materials.     

Energy Relay from an Unconventional Yellow Dye to CdS/CdSe Quantum Dots for Enhanced Solar Cell Performance

A new design for a quasi‐solid‐state Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) enabled solar cell with unattached Lucifer yellow (LY) dye molecules as donors and CdS/CdSe quantum dots (QDs) tethered to titania (TiO₂) as acceptors is presented. The Forster radius is experimentally determined to be 5.29 nm. Sequential energy transfer from the LY dye to the QDs and electron transfer from the QDs to TiO₂ is followed by fluorescence quenching and electron lifetime studies. Cells with a donor–acceptor architecture (TiO₂/CdS/CdSe/ZnS‐LY/S^2?‐multi‐walled carbon nanotubes) show a maximum incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency of 53 % at 530 nm. This is the highest efficiency among Ru‐dye free FRET‐enabled quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs), and is much higher than the donor or acceptor‐only cells. The FRET‐enhanced solar cell performance over the majority of the visible spectrum paves the way to harnessing the untapped potential of the LY dye as an energy relay fluorophore for the entire gamut of dye sensitized, organic, or hybrid solar cells.     

Sn类钙钛矿太阳电池薄膜的掺杂改性研究

采用一步法分别制备了Sn类CH3NH3Sn I3和Pb类CH3NH3Pb I3钙钛矿太阳电池薄膜材料,并对其表面形貌、微观结构、吸收光谱和电池器件性能进行了表征和测试。研究结果表明:Sn类钙钛矿材料的吸收光谱相对于Pb类钙钛矿材料发生了明显的红移,吸收截止波长从800 nm上升到950 nm左右,光学带隙由1.45 e V降低至1.21 e V左右;Sn类钙钛矿材料的光谱吸收范围明显扩大,但吸收强度有所降低,相应太阳电池器件的光电转换效率也明显低于Pb类钙钛矿太阳电池,分别为2.05%和6.71%。而Br的掺杂可使Sn类钙钛矿材料带隙变宽,吸收光子能量增大,电池器件的开路电压也相应提高。当Br含量由0增加至完全替代I时,Sn类钙钛矿材料逐渐由黑褐色转变为黄色,光学带隙增大至1.95 e V,但吸收截止波长由950 nm降低至650nm。值得提及的是当Br含量为0.5时,电池器件的光电转换效率可由最初的2.05%提升至2.94%。