Fabrication of Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cell under Ambient Condition ^†

Abstract

In this study, the viability of the commercial production of ambient air perovskite solar cells is investigated. In order to address issues with overlapping and non-uniform layers and minimize recombination losses, this study suggests a novel device architecture. A 2 × 2cm² perovskite solar cell with a 4.2% power conversion efficiency (PCE) was successfully created utilizing a straightforward screen-printing technique. After humidity treatment, the short-circuit current (jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) were stabilized at 5.36% due to layer optimization. These results show the potential for the widespread industrial production of more durable and efficient perovskite solar cells.

1. Introduction

The perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received a lot of interest in recent years from academics due to their unique characteristics [1,2,3]. Although the reported power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of PSCs have improved significantly, the perovskite community is currently placing more attention on improving device stability [4]. The high durability of carbon-based back electrodes (CPSCs) across a variety of environmental and operating situations has been noted [5,6]. It is important to note that their PCEs still fall short of those of cutting-edge PSCs that use metal-based electrodes [7].

A hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite substance called MAPbI₃ is regarded as one of the most alluring options for inexpensive yet powerful absorber materials for solar energy applications [8,9]. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells based on methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) has significantly improved recently, with reported PCEs rising from 3.8% to 20.01% [10]. In a recent study, MAPbI₃ was mechanically deposited onto the TiO₂ layer in order to create a completely printable mesoscopic solar cell utilizing TiO₂/ZrO₂/Carbon (TZC) sheets [11]. Because an organic hole-transporting material (HTM) is not present, TZC-based materials offer lower material costs and better stability.

During this research, we successfully fabricated a perovskite solar cell in the laboratory under full ambient conditions using a FTO/C-TiO₂/M-TiO₂/ZrO₂/carbon/MAPbI₃ architecture. By carefully optimizing the pattern of each layer to prevent the material from overlapping, we achieved a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.2%. Moreover, the device’s performance was significantly improved to a PCE of 5.36% through humidity treatment. These findings underscore the potential of ambient air perovskite solar cells as a cost-effective and efficient approach for commercial production. The demonstrated stability and performance enhancements lay the foundation for upscaling perovskite solar cell manufacturing on an industrial level, offering a hopeful path towards sustainable and renewable energy solutions.

2. Cell Fabrication by Using Screen Printing Methodology

The normal cleaning procedure is washing the samples with hand soap detergent, followed by 15 min of sonication in deionized (DI) water. The samples are then subjected to a 15 min sonication process with acetone, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), and acetone at a temperature of 40 °C. The samples are then dried with a flow of nitrogen gas after being sonicated with the abovementioned solvents, and they are then kept at room temperature for quick usage in the next phases. In the second phase, we created and deposited the perovskite solar architecture “FTO/C-TiO₂/M-TiO₂/ZrO₂/Carbon paste/MAPbI₃” using the screen printing technique, as shown in the Figure 1 [12]. To create a solar cell, several meshes are employed for various materials. The open mesh pores hold the viscous ink in place when it is applied to the screen by a squeegee. Compact TiO₂ is thinly placed over a glass surface that has been coated in fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) to prepare the substrate. Utilising ethanol and acetone, the compact TiO₂ layer’s mesh structure is cleaned. The film is then given a 30 min annealing treatment at 500 °C to encourage crystallization. Mesoporous TiO₂ (m-TiO₂) is the fourth layer in the manufacturing process. This layer is essential to perovskite solar cells (PSCs) because it serves as a scaffold for perovskite crystal growth as well as being a selective contact for electron extraction. On top of the compact TiO₂ (C-TiO₂) layer that was previously deposited, the M-TiO₂ layer is applied. Following deposition, the substrate is subjected to a 30 min annealing process at 500 °C to encourage the crystallization and structural stability of the M-TiO₂ layer. Applying a ZrO₂ paste using a screen-printing process over the TiO₂ layer is the following step. After that, control cells are put through a 30 min sintering process at 400 °C. The carbon back electrode is placed onto the ZrO₂ layer after the prior procedures. The sample is subsequently heated to 40 °C for 30 min to guarantee adequate bonding and structural stability. The perovskite solar cell’s performance and general efficiency are improved by this technique. Using the drop casting method, the last layer of perovskite is put onto the substrate. The perovskite film is then improved by annealing it for an hour at 70 °C to promote further crystallization [13].

3. Result and Discussion

The fabricated perovskite solar cell comprised of the FTO/C-TIO₂/M-TIO₂/ZrO₂/carbon/MAPbI₃ architecture exhibited an initial efficiency of 4.2%. This efficient structure offered several advantages; notably, a well-defined interface which potentially improved the charge collection and light absorption capabilities, thus leading to increased efficiency.

Post fabrication, the solar cell underwent a humidity treatment, resulting in a noticeable enhancement in the overall efficiency to 5.36%. This could be attributed to the fact that a controlled humidity environment can facilitate the crystallization of perovskite, enhancing the perovskite layer’s quality and, hence, the device performance. Moreover, the induced humidity could potentially have optimized the morphology of the MAPbI₃ layer, which can further contribute to efficiency enhancement. Figure 2a shows the J-V curve before and after humidity treatment of the perovskite solar cell.

Figure 2b shows the absorption, reflection, and transmission spectra of the perovskite solar cell, in which almost 90% of the absorption was achieved in our device and only a low amount of reflection has been observed of approximately 10%. Moreover, it can be seen that nearly 0% transmission has been observed.

4. Conclusions

A highly stable 5.36% efficient solar cell is reported which can be scaled up to fabricate large-area perovskite-based solar modules. This structure utilizes the mesoporous zirconia layer, which is used as an insulation layer, as an alternative for the hole transport layer, which is highly stable. Though this layer reduces the efficiency, it is cost effective and increases the stability of the structure, thus increasing its prospects for commercialization. A dual titania layer, i.e., thin compact titania along with a mesoporous titania, is used as an electron transport layer. The structure utilizes a carbon black blend along with graphite particles as the hole selector layer, as well as cathode. Due to its hydrophobic nature, this layer provides a protective cover to perovskite crystals, thus increasing the lifetime of this solar cell. The perovskite precursor solution 5-AVA-MAPbI₃ is infiltrated in the mesoporous layers. Due to the presence of aminovaleric acid along with organic cation, this perovskite is more stable compared to conventional methylammonium lead iodide crystals. Silver is used at both electrodes for charge collection due to its cost-effectiveness and efficient charge transportation. Thus, these solar cells are an excellent alternative for conventional silicon-based solar cells since these cells are cost effective and have simple fabrication processes. The screen printing technique is used for the fabrication of these solar cells, which can easily be used for layer thickness optimization and scaling up the module size. Moreover, these solar cells can be used as a basic model for the commercialization and initiation of perovskite solar manufacturing in Pakistan.