Rapid development in two-dimensional layered perovskite materials and their application in solar cells

This review summarized recent research progresses of two-dimensional layered organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite materials and their photovoltaic performances in 2D perovskite solar cells.     

A thioacetamide additive-based hybrid (MA0.5FA0.5)PbI3 perovskite solar cells crossing 21 % efficiency with excellent long term stability

An additive in hybrid perovskite is playing a vital role in the increment of power conversion efficiency (PCE), stability, and reproducibility of perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). Although, single-phase α-FAPbI₃ perovskite has an ideal band gap but is continuously transforming to δ–FAPbI₃, which is non-photoactive. Here, we controlled the methylammonium (MA) and formamidinium (FA) ratio in the (MA_xFA_1-x)PbI₃ perovskite composition and tuned its morphology with the help of the thioacetamide (TAA) Lewis base additive. The optimum MA:FA ratio and fine-tuning of TAA additive result in a highly crystalline, large grain size and smooth surface of the (MA_0.5FA_0.5)PbI₃ perovskite film. These highly uniform thin films with 850 nm grain size offered a superior interaction between the perovskite material and the electron transport layer (ETL) and a longer lifetime yielding a high PCE. The (MA_0.5FA_0.5)PbI₃+1% TAA-based champion device exhibited the highest PCE of 21.29% for a small area (0.09 cm²) and 18.32% PCE for a large area (1 cm²). The TAA-assisted devices exhibited high stability with >85% retention over 500 h. These results suggest that the (MA_0.5FA_0.5)PbI₃ along with the 1% TAA additive is a promising absorber layer that can produce >21% PCE.     

Graded interface engineering of 3D/2D halide perovskite solar cells through ultrathin(PEA)_2PbI_4 nanosheets

2D halide perovskites have emerged as promising materials because of their stability and passivation effect in perovskite solar cells(PSCs).However,the introduction of bulky organic ammonium cations from 2D halide perovskites would decrease the device performance generally compared to the traditional 3D MAPbI_3.Incorporation of ultrathin 2D halide perovskite nanosheets(NSs) with 3D MAPbI_3 could address this issue.Herein,we re port a rationally designed PSCs with dimensional graded 3D/2D MAPbI_3/(PEA)2 PbI_4 heterojunction,in which 2D(PEA)2 PbI_4 NSs were synthesized and incorporated between 3D MAPbI_3 and hole-transporting layer.Besides the significantly improved stability,a notable increasement in power conversion efficiency(PCE) of 20% was obtained for the 3D/2D perovskite solar cells due to the favourable band alignment among(PEA)_2 PbI_4 NSs and the other components.The graded structure of MAPbI_3/(PEA)2 PbI_4 would upshift the energy level continuously,which enhances the hole extraction efficiency thus reduces the interface charge recombination,leading to the increasements of VOC from1.04 V to 1.07 V,Jsc from 21.81 mA/cm~2 to 23.15 mA/cm~2 and the fill factor from 67.89% to 74.78%,and therefore an overall PCE of 18.53%.     

3D/2D multidimensional perovskites: Balance of high performance and stability for perovskite solar cells

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Defect and doping concentration study with series and shunt resistance influence on graphene modified perovskite solar cell: A numerical investigation in SCAPS-1D framework

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have the potential to be highly efficient, low-cost next-generation solar cells. By raising open circuit voltage (V_oc), the interfacial recombination kinetics can further improve device performance. In this study, we used simulation concept to elucidate the influence of using graphene as a surface passivation material in perovskite solar cells. Graphene works well as an interlayer to promote hole extraction and reduce interfacial recombination. In order to evaluate the effect of graphene in PSCs, the simulation was done in the SCAPS-1D framework to compare the performance of a device with and without graphene. Three interface layers were included to the model: TiO₂/MAPbI₃, MAPbI₃/Graphene, and Graphene/Spiro-OMeTAD, in order to account for the impacts of interface defect density on device performance. The impacts of absorber doping concentration, absorber defect density, ETL doping concentration, HTL doping concentration, series resistance, and shunt resistance were also evaluated for the modelled PSC. Without any optimization, the control device with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.677% was outperformed by the graphene-modified device with PCE of 20.911%. This difference is mostly due to the lower recombination losses and more effective suppression of interfacial non-radiative recombination. With optimization, the modified graphene-based device has a PCE of 26.667%. This result shows an enhancement of ∼1.28 times over that of the pristine graphene-based device. The outcomes have opened the way for the development of cost-effective and comparable state-of-the-art, high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with graphene interlayer by eliminating defects and managing non-radiative recombination.     

Enhancing the performances of all-small-molecule ternary organic solar cells via achieving optimized morphology and 3D charge pathways

With the emergence of non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs), the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of all-small-molecule organic solar cells (ASM-OSCs) have been significantly improved. However, due to the strong crystallinities of small molecules, it is much more challenging to obtain the ideal phase separation morphology and efficient charge transport pathways for ASM-OSCs. Here, a high-efficiency ternary ASM-OSC has been successfully constructed based on H11/IDIC-4F system by introduction of IDIC with a similar backbone as IDIC-4F but weak crystallinity. Notably, the addition of IDIC has effectively suppressed large-scale phase aggregation and optimized the morphology of the blend film. More importantly, the molecular orientation has also been significantly adjusted, and a mixed face-on and edge-on orientation has formed, thus establishing a more favorable three-dimensional (3D) charge pathways in the active layer. With these improvements, the enhanced short-circuit current density (J_SC) and fill factor (FF) of the ternary system have been achieved. In addition, because of the high lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level of IDIC as well as the alloyed structure of the IDIC and IDIC-4F, the promoted open circuit voltage (V_OC) of the ternary system has also been realized.     

Ion‐Exchange‐Induced 2D–3D Conversion of HMA1−xFAxPbI3Cl Perovskite into a High‐Quality MA1−xFAxPbI3 Perovskite

High‐quality phase‐pure MA_1?xFA_xPbI₃ planar films (MA=methylammonium, FA=formamidinium) with extended absorption and enhanced thermal stability are difficult to deposit by regular simple solution chemistry approaches owing to crystallization competition between the easy‐to‐crystallize but unwanted δ‐FAPbI₃/MAPbI₃ and FA_xMA_1?xPbI₃ requiring rigid crystallization conditions. Here A 2D–3D conversion to transform compact 2D mixed composition HMA_1?xFA_xPbI₃Cl perovskite precursor films into 3D MA_1?xFA_xPbI₃ (x=0.1–0.9) perovskites is presented. The designed Cl/I and H/FA(MA) ion exchange reaction induced fast transformation of compact 2D perovskite film, helping to form the phase‐pure and high quality MA_1?xFA_xPbI₃ without δ‐FAPbI₃ and MAPbI₃ impurity. In all, we successfully developed a facile one‐step method to fabricate high quality phase‐pure MA_1?xFA_xPbI₃ (x=0.1–0.9) perovskite films by 2D–3D conversion of HMA_1?xFA_xPbI₃Cl perovskite. This 2D–3D conversion is a promising strategy for lead halide perovskite fabrication.     

铋基钙钛矿(CH3NH3)3Bi2I9薄膜的制备及在光伏电池中的应用

铋基钙钛矿由于稳定性强及毒性低,被认为是未来极具发展潜力的环保型钙钛矿材料。(CH₃NH₃)₃Bi₂I₉(MBI)因具有优异的光吸收性能而引起人们的普遍关注。本文介绍了MBI钙钛矿晶体的结构及性能,总结了其薄膜的制备方法,并重点叙述了不同方法制备的MBI钙钛矿薄膜在光伏电池中的应用情况。MBI钙钛矿与铅基钙钛矿的效率相比还有很大差距,如何提高其光电转换效率仍是今后研究的主要方向。     

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.     

Exfoliation methods for compositional and electronic characterization of interfacial Mo(Sex,Sy) in Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 solar cells by X-ray and UV photoelectron spectroscopy

Mo(Se_xS_y) is a transition metal dichalcogenide typically applied as a back contact interlayer in Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)₂ (CIGSSe) solar cells. Band alignment at the buried Mo/CIGSSe junction mediated by Mo(Se_xS_y) is important for current transport and enables quasi-ohmic behavior between the CIGSSe absorber and the Mo back electrode. Furthermore, the S/(Se + S) ratio is a crucial parameter that determines the height of the valence band offset at the CIGSSe/Mo(Se_xS_y) interface. Because the interlayer is formed during rapid thermal processing, an MoSe₂ or MoS₂ thin film grown on free substrate surfaces will not be representative for a realistic solar cell device. Thus, for fundamental thin-film material analysis, as well as functional characterization and modeling, appropriate preparation and analytical techniques are required in order to prevent artifacts. In principal, the weak van der Waals forces between two-dimensional stacked Mo(Se_xS_y) sheets allow the implementation of exfoliation procedures to generate free Mo(Se_xS_y) surfaces out of CIGSSe solar cell layer stacks. In this article, two different exfoliation-based Mo(Se_x,S_y) preparation methods are investigated and evaluated with respect to subsequent surface analytical characterization by X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. A special focus is laid on an artifact-free characterization of chemical and electronical properties of the exposed layers for a number of samples. In a first instance, the compositional Se/S and (Se + S)/Mo ratios at the surface are quantitatively analyzed on the basis of dedicated peak-fitting routines. Artifacts from carbonaceous contamination due to different exfoliation glues can be prevented through a detailed comparative analysis of carbon 1s and KLL Auger peaks. Furthermore, a significant surface band bending is observed that can be reduced by low-energy Ar ion in situ sputtering. A simple model for the sputter removal of a charged surface layer is presented, which allows to approximately calculate the absolute valence band maximum (VBM) positions required for band alignment and numerical device simulations. The presented exfoliation surface analysis methodology is important for the whole CIGS(Se) solar cell community and may be of general interest for emerging applications of further 2D transition metal dichalcogenides as well.     

A first-principle study of the stability and electronic properties of halide inorganic double perovskite Cs2PbX6 (X = Cl,I) for solar cell application

The problem of lead toxicity in perovskites materials that are currently performing with the most efficiency can be partially solved by choosing double perovskites compounds Cs₂PbX₆ (X = Cl,I), which have considerably reduced lead contents. These materials are slightly more stable, and substituting Cl and I with Br in small percentages further improves their mechanical stability and electronic properties. In this study, the properties of these promising materials were investigated in their pure and mixed forms.     

Nanostructured Three‐Dimensional (3D) Assembly of 2D MoS2 and Graphene Directly Build From Acidic Graphite Oxide

A 3D highly interconnected macroporous network of reduced GO having finely dispersed few‐layered 2D MoS₂ nanosheets was constructed through direct use of acidic graphite oxide (GO) for the first time. This facile and technologically scalable process can afford efficient hydrodesulfurization electrocatalysts as potential anode materials at lower cost, and can circumvent the poor thermal stability and recyclability of the material. The strategy provided here can be the basis to design and develop practical processes to address the ultimate goal of large‐scale manufacturing of hybrids composed of 2D materials for various energy and catalysis applications.     

二维(2D)沸石与三维(3D)沸石的制备及催化研究进展

如今在能源紧缺和“双碳”背景下, 能源清洁高效利用显得异常重要. 沸石催化剂是在能源加工过程中提高产出和品质的重要手段, 现已成为该领域的研究热点. 随着对沸石研究的进一步深入, 它们的性质和结构逐渐清晰, 广泛应用于催化、吸附、分离等行业. 独特晶体结构的二维沸石, 它们的片层结构在降低分子传输路径的同时, 可增大活性位点的可及性, 降低了积碳率, 具有较大应用潜力. 此外, 通过改变结构导向剂的结构可以拓宽二维沸石的种类, 符合工业上适应范围广的特点. 在此, 综述了两种维度分子筛的发展过程, 阐明了它们在不同领域中催化转化的构-效关系, 以及二维沸石的制备路径. 整理了合成机理并分析了二维沸石在比表面积和活性位点可及性上的优势, 为二维沸石分子筛在工业中的应用提供借鉴.     

高效液相色谱法测定滇白珠植物中滇白珠甙

提出反相高效液相色谱法测定滇白珠甙含量的方法。反相Kromasil C18柱，甲醇－乙腈－水（V／V）＝25：5：70为流动相，紫外220nm检测，外标法定量。线性范围为0.005-0.800g/L，r=0.9997-0.999，方法回收率和标准偏差分别在98.605-102.90%和0.58%-0.69%之间（n=6），3种甙的检测限在0.01-0.02mg/L之间。本方法快速、准确、重现性好，适用于工艺生产中质量控制。     

I2界面修饰对全无机CsPbBr3钙钛矿太阳能电池性能的影响

通过在 CsPbBr₃薄膜上旋涂一次 I₂的异丙醇溶液以修饰 CsPbBr₃吸光层,钝化 CsPbBr₃层表面缺陷,改善 CsPbBr₃薄膜形貌。同时通过利用环境友好的绿色溶剂水溶解 CsBr,显著提高了其溶解度,减少了旋涂次数,简化了电池制备流程。实验结果表明,在CsPbBr₃钙钛矿太阳能电池(perovskite solar cells,PSCs)中,使用5 mg·mL^-1 I₂的异丙醇溶液界面修饰的器件具有最佳光伏性能,其最高开路电压(open-circuit voltage,V_OC)为1.55 V,短路电流密度(short circuit current density,J_SC)为7.45 mA·cm^-2,填充因子(fill factor,FF)为85.54%,光电转换效率(photoelectric conversion efficiency,PCE)达到了9.88%。     

I2界面修饰对全无机CsPbBr3钙钛矿太阳能电池性能的影响

通过在 CsPbBr₃薄膜上旋涂一次 I₂的异丙醇溶液以修饰 CsPbBr₃吸光层,钝化 CsPbBr₃层表面缺陷,改善 CsPbBr₃薄膜形貌。同时通过利用环境友好的绿色溶剂水溶解 CsBr,显著提高了其溶解度,减少了旋涂次数,简化了电池制备流程。实验结果表明,在CsPbBr₃钙钛矿太阳能电池(perovskite solar cells,PSCs)中,使用5 mg·mL^-1 I₂的异丙醇溶液界面修饰的器件具有最佳光伏性能,其最高开路电压(open-circuit voltage,V_OC)为1.55 V,短路电流密度(short circuit current density,J_SC)为7.45 mA·cm^-2,填充因子(fill factor,FF)为85.54%,光电转换效率(photoelectric conversion efficiency,PCE)达到了9.88%。     

Characterization and reactivity of nanoscale La(Co,Cu)O3 perovskite catalyst precursors for CO hydrogenation

The characterization of La(Co,Cu)O₃ perovskites has been performed by several techniques including XRD, BET, H₂-TPR, O₂-TPO, TPRS, and the solids tested as catalysts for the hydrogenation of CO. The reducibility of the perovskites is strongly affected by the preparation route, calcination temperature, catalyst morphology, and the amount of remnant alkali. Compared with the citrate-derived perovskite, LaCoO₃ sample prepared by mechano-synthesis has various distinct Co³⁺ ions in perovskite lattice, which are reduced at different temperatures. Under typical conditions, the reduction of cobalt ions occurs in two consecutive steps: Co³⁺/Co²⁺ and Co²⁺/Co⁰, while the intra-lattice copper ions are directly reduced from Cu²⁺ to Cu⁰. The reducibility of cobalt ions is promoted by the presence of metallic copper, which is formed at a lower reduction temperature. The re-oxidation of the reduced lanthanum cobaltite perovskite could regenerate the original structure, whereas that of the reduced Co-Cu-based samples is less reversible under the same experimental conditions.The cobalt atom in the reduced perovskites plays an important role in the dissociation of CO, but the presence of a neighboring copper along with remnant sodium ions on the catalyst surface has remarkably affected the reactivity of cobalt for CO hydrogenation. The addition of copper into the perovskite framework leads to a change in the product distribution of CO hydrogenation and a decrease in reaction temperature. An increased copper content leads to a substantial decline in the rate of methanation and an increase in the formation of higher alcohols. A close proximity between cobalt and copper sites on the Na⁺-modified catalyst surface of the reduced nanocrystalline Co-Cu-based perovskites plays a crucial role in the synthesis of higher alcohols from syngas.     

3D Graphene Foam by Chemical Vapor Deposition: Synthesis,Properties, and Energy-Related Applications

In this review, we highlight recent advancements in 3D graphene foam synthesis by template-assisted chemical vapor deposition, as well as their potential energy storage and conversion applications. This method offers good control of the number of graphene layers and porosity, as well as continuous connection of the graphene sheets. The review covers all the substrate types, catalysts, and precursors used to synthesize 3D graphene by the CVD method, as well as their most viable energy-related applications.     

Dye‐sensitized solar cells based on zinc(II) phthalocyanines bearing 3‐pyridin‐3‐ylpropoxy anchoring groups

In this study, nonperipherally tetra‐substituted ( 2 ), peripherally tetra‐substituted ( 3 ), and peripherally octa‐substituted ( 4 ) zinc(II) phthalocyanines were synthesized as sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in which 3‐pyridin‐3‐ylpropoxy substituent acts as anchoring unit to bind TiO₂ surface. The optical results indicated that there is an interaction between the dyes and the TiO₂ surface. The photovoltaic performances of the DSSCs based on these dyes were found to depend on both the position and number of the substituents. Despite the more red‐shifted absorption, the DSSC based on 2 showed the conversion efficiency of 0.68%, which is lower than 1.36% and 0.92% for 3 and 4 , respectively, under one sun (AM 1.5G). The vertical orientation of the dye on TiO₂ surface could be the main reason for the higher photovoltaic performance of complex 3 , which is beneficial for not only injecting the electrons into the conduction band of TiO₂ but also reducing the charge recombination. Overall, these results demonstrate that the peripherally tetra‐substituted 3‐pyridin‐3‐ylpropoxy zinc(II) phthalocyanine complex ( 3 ) as a sensitizer can more efficiently utilize the photons in the red/near‐infrared region with respect to the other complexes studied.     

Synthesis of new-type donor–acceptor π-conjugated benzofuro[2,3-c]oxazolo[4,5-a]carbazole fluorescent dyes and their photovoltaic performances of dye-sensitized solar cells

New-type donor–acceptor π-conjugated benzofuro[2,3-c]oxazolo[4,5-a]carbazole fluorescent dyes with various lengths of non-conjugated alkyl chains containing a carboxyl group at the end position have been developed and their photovoltaic performances of dye-sensitized solar cells are investigated. It is found that in spite of the lengths of the alkyl chains, due to flexibility of alkyl chain, the cyano group of the dyes is located in close proximity to TiO₂ surface and thus a good electron communication between the dyes and TiO₂ surface is established.