Abstract:
Lead-tin (Pb-Sn) mixed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) enable bandgap tuning (1.1–1.4
eV), reduce toxicity, and offer great potential for efficient all-perovskite tandem
devices. Although they exhibit promising optoelectronic properties, Pb–Sn mixed
perovskites still face significant challenges that limit their overall device performance.
One critical issue is the loss of open-circuit voltage (VOC) due to energy-level
misalignment and defects arising from the coexistence of Pb and Sn within the
perovskite structure. This energy-level mismatch hinders efficient charge extraction
at the interfaces. At the same time, the mixed-metal-induced defects create local
variations in the conduction and valence bands, leading to band tailing, bandgap
fluctuations, and enhanced non-radiative recombination. Another issue is the rapid
formation of the perovskite film, especially the Sn-rich phase, leading to tiny gaps
where Pb and Sn atoms should be, thereby creating vacancies. Consequently, the
resulting films exhibit poor interface between the perovskite and adjacent transport
layers, further promoting recombination. Moreover, uncontrolled and poor
crystallization of the perovskite film can create tiny gaps, pinholes, or grain
boundaries, which act as shunt pathways. These key factors lead to leakage currents
and a reduction in VOC, consequently decreasing overall device efficiency. This thesis
aims to address these limitations by using interfacial engineering and controlling
crystallization kinetics.
In the first project, we improved the charge transport dynamics of the Pb-Sn
perovskite (FASnI₃)₀.₆(MAPbI₃)₀.₄ using an interface engineering strategy by
inserting an ultra-thin layer of poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA)
between the commonly used hole transport layer (HTL) poly(3,4
ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonic acid (PEDOT: PSS) and the Pb-Sn
mixed perovskite layer. This selective interfacial material effectively passivates
surface defects, aligns more closely with the perovskite’s valence band, and thereby
enhances charge extraction. As a result, the VOC was substantially improved,
reaching 0.82 V, thereby increasing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) to 20.3%.
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In the second project, the HTL–perovskite interface was improved by optimizing the
PTAA interlayer concentration in single-junction narrow-bandgap (NBG) perovskite
solar cells. This work built upon the advancements of the first project to enhance the
compatibility of NBG cells within all-perovskite tandem architectures. In these
configurations, the NBG sub-cell functions as the bottom cell, where efficient charge
extraction and suppressed interfacial recombination are critical for maximizing device
performance. By integrating this high-performance NBG cell with a wide-bandgap
(WBG) top cell, a monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cell was realized.
Specifically, Cs₀.₃FA₀.₆MA₀.₁Pb(I₀.₇Br₀.₃)₃, which has a bandgap of approximately
1.70 eV—the system was successfully translated into an all-perovskite tandem
structure, achieving a VOC exceeding 2.0 V and a PCE of 25.1%.
In the third project, a gas quenching (GQ) approach is introduced as an alternative to
conventional anti-solvent (AS) quenching to achieve slower crystallization, smoother
perovskite films with fewer pinholes, enhanced VOC, and improved PSC efficiency.
The GQ approach resulted in slower crystallization and modified film quality. Devices
fabricated using the GQ approach also demonstrated better performance with higher
VOC values. Specifically, devices prepared with the AS method achieved a champion
PCE of 18.3%, whereas those prepared with the GQ method achieved a higher PCE
of 19.1%.
This improvement in efficiency, combined with enhanced reproducibility and the
simplicity and environmental friendliness of the GQ approach, underscores its
advantages for processing NBG Pb-Sn mixed perovskite films. Therefore, the GQ
method holds significant potential for application in the fabrication of NBG Pb-Sn
PSCs.