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Nanomaterials
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Nanomaterials and Thin Films for Perovskite Solar Cells
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Nanomaterials and Thin Films for Perovskite Solar Cells

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Solar Energy and Solar Cells".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2024) | Viewed by 20515

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jie Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fuel Cell Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Interests: perovskite solar cell; metal-oxide nanomaterials and thin films

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recently, perovskite solar cells have emerged as the most promising new generation of photovoltaic technology. Although significant progress with power conversion efficiency exceeding 25% has been made in recent years, the advances in new perovskite materials and additives, understanding of the role of interfaces in devices, and new techniques for perovskite solar cells are still far from satisfactory.

In this Special Issue, we would like to provide an overview of the recent developments in the field of perovskite solar cells based on nanomaterials and thin films, including, for example, new structures of perovskite materials, lead-free perovskite solar cells, new fabrication techniques, the evolution of device architectures, degradation mechanisms for devices under water, heat and light, the challenges and outlooks of perovskite solar cells, and so on. Computational modeling and theoretical approaches for the physical properties and commercialization of perovskite solar cells also welcome.

Dr. Jie Zhang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • perovskite solar cells
  • structure and composition
  • lead-free perovskite
  • interface modification
  • deposition technique
  • stability
  • additives

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 3688 KiB  
Article
Exploring Solar Cells Based on Lead- and Iodide-Deficient Halide Perovskite (d-HP) Thin Films
by Liam Gollino, Nicolas Mercier and Thierry Pauporté
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071245 - 31 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2094
Abstract
Perovskite solar cells have become more and more attractive and competitive. However, their toxicity induced by the presence of lead and their rather low stability hinders their potential and future commercialization. Reducing lead content while improving stability then appears as a major axis [...] Read more.
Perovskite solar cells have become more and more attractive and competitive. However, their toxicity induced by the presence of lead and their rather low stability hinders their potential and future commercialization. Reducing lead content while improving stability then appears as a major axis of development. In the last years, we have reported a new family of perovskite presenting PbI+ unit vacancies inside the lattice caused by the insertion of big organic cations that do not respect the Goldschmidt tolerance factor: hydroxyethylammonium HO-(CH2)2-NH3+ (HEA+) and thioethylammonium HS-(CH2)2-NH3+ (TEA+). These perovskites, named d-HPs for lead and halide-deficient perovskites, present a 3D perovskite corner-shared Pb1−xI3−x network that can be assimilated to a lead-iodide-deficient MAPbI3 or FAPbI3 network. Here, we propose the chemical engineering of both systems for solar cell optimization. For d-MAPbI3-HEA, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) reached 11.47% while displaying enhanced stability and reduced lead content of 13% compared to MAPbI3. On the other hand, d-FAPbI3-TEA delivered a PCE of 8.33% with astounding perovskite film stability compared to classic α-FAPI. The presence of TEA+ within the lattice impedes α-FAPI degradation into yellow δ-FAPbI3 by direct degradation into inactive Pb(OH)I, thus dramatically slowing the aging of d-FAPbI3-TEA perovskite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Thin Films for Perovskite Solar Cells)
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17 pages, 3054 KiB  
Article
Lead-Free Perovskite Homojunction-Based HTM-Free Perovskite Solar Cells: Theoretical and Experimental Viewpoints
by Sajid Sajid, Salem Alzahmi, Imen Ben Salem, Jongee Park and Ihab M. Obaidat
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6), 983; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13060983 - 8 Mar 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3264
Abstract
Simplifying the design of lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has drawn a lot of interest due to their low manufacturing cost and relative non-toxic nature. Focus has been placed mostly on reducing the toxic lead element and eliminating the requirement for expensive hole [...] Read more.
Simplifying the design of lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has drawn a lot of interest due to their low manufacturing cost and relative non-toxic nature. Focus has been placed mostly on reducing the toxic lead element and eliminating the requirement for expensive hole transport materials (HTMs). However, in terms of power conversion efficiency (PCE), the PSCs using all charge transport materials surpass the environmentally beneficial HTM-free PSCs. The low PCEs of the lead-free HTM-free PSCs could be linked to poorer hole transport and extraction as well as lower light harvesting. In this context, a lead-free perovskite homojunction-based HTM-free PSC was investigated, and the performance was then assessed using a Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS). A two-step method was employed to fabricate lead-free perovskite homojunction-based HTM-free PSCs in order to validate the simulation results. The simulation results show that high hole mobility and a narrow band gap of cesium tin iodide (CsSnI3) boosted the hole collection and absorption spectrum, respectively. Additionally, the homojunction’s built-in electric field, which was identified using SCAPS simulations, promoted the directed transport of the photo-induced charges, lowering carrier recombination losses. Homojunction-based HTM-free PSCs having a CsSnI3 layer with a thickness of 100 nm, defect density of 1015 cm−3, and interface defect density of 1018 cm−3 were found to be capable of delivering high PCEs under a working temperature of 300 K. When compared to formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3)-based devices, the open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and PCE of FASnI3/CsSnI3 homojunction-based HTM-free PSCs were all improved from 0.66 to 0.78 V, 26.07 to 27.65 mA cm−2, 76.37 to 79.74%, and 14.62 to 19.03%, respectively. In comparison to a FASnI3-based device (PCE = 8.94%), an experimentally fabricated device using homojunction of FASnI3/CsSnI3 performs better with Voc of 0.84 V, Jsc of 22.06 mA cm−2, FF of 63.50%, and PCE of 11.77%. Moreover, FASnI3/CsSnI3-based PSC is more stable over time than its FASnI3-based counterpart, preserving 89% of its initial PCE. These findings provide promising guidelines for developing highly efficient and environmentally friendly HTM-free PSCs based on perovskite homojunction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Thin Films for Perovskite Solar Cells)
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Review

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43 pages, 5142 KiB  
Review
Recent Progress in Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
by Steponas Ašmontas and Muhammad Mujahid
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(12), 1886; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13121886 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 11792
Abstract
Tandem solar cells are widely considered the industry’s next step in photovoltaics because of their excellent power conversion efficiency. Since halide perovskite absorber material was developed, it has been feasible to develop tandem solar cells that are more efficient. The European Solar Test [...] Read more.
Tandem solar cells are widely considered the industry’s next step in photovoltaics because of their excellent power conversion efficiency. Since halide perovskite absorber material was developed, it has been feasible to develop tandem solar cells that are more efficient. The European Solar Test Installation has verified a 32.5% efficiency for perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. There has been an increase in the perovskite/Si tandem devices’ power conversion efficiency, but it is still not as high as it might be. Their instability and difficulties in large-area realization are significant challenges in commercialization. In the first part of this overview, we set the stage by discussing the background of tandem solar cells and their development over time. Subsequently, a concise summary of recent advancements in perovskite tandem solar cells utilizing various device topologies is presented. In addition, we explore the many possible configurations of tandem module technology: the present work addresses the characteristics and efficacy of 2T monolithic and mechanically stacked four-terminal devices. Next, we explore ways to boost perovskite tandem solar cells’ power conversion efficiencies. Recent advancements in the efficiency of tandem cells are described, along with the limitations that are still restricting their efficiency. Stability is also a significant hurdle in commercializing such devices, so we proposed eliminating ion migration as a cornerstone strategy for solving intrinsic instability problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Thin Films for Perovskite Solar Cells)
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Other

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12 pages, 2211 KiB  
Commentary
Recent Developments in Atomic Layer Deposition of Functional Overlayers in Perovskite Solar Cells
by Helen Hejin Park and David J. Fermin
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(24), 3112; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13243112 - 10 Dec 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2653
Abstract
Over the last decade, research in organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has gathered unprecedented momentum, putting the technology on the brink of full-scale commercialization. A wide range of strategies have been implemented for enhancing the power conversion efficiency of devices and [...] Read more.
Over the last decade, research in organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has gathered unprecedented momentum, putting the technology on the brink of full-scale commercialization. A wide range of strategies have been implemented for enhancing the power conversion efficiency of devices and modules, as well as improving stability toward high levels of irradiation, temperature, and humidity. Another key element in the path to commercialization is the scalability of device manufacturing, which requires large-scale deposition of conformal layers without compromising the delicate structure of the perovskite film. In this context, atomic layer deposition (ALD) tools excel in depositing high-quality conformal films with precise control of film composition and thickness over large areas at relatively low processing temperatures. In this commentary, we will briefly outline recent progress in PSC technology enabled by ALD tools, focusing on layers deposited above the absorber layer. These interlayers include charge transport layers, passivation layers, buffer layers, and encapsulation techniques. Additionally, we will discuss some of the challenges and potential avenues for research in PSC technology underpinned by ALD tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials and Thin Films for Perovskite Solar Cells)
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