Shuaifeng Hu

Abstract:

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with an "inverted" architecture are a key pathway for commercializing this emerging photovoltaic technology due to the better power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability as compared to the "normal" device structure. Specifically, PCEs of the inverted PSCs have exceeded 25% owing to the development of improved self-assembled molecules (SAMs)^1-5 and passivation strategies^6-8. Nevertheless, poor wettability and agglomerations of SAMs^9-12 will cause interfacial losses, impeding further improvement in PCE and stability. Herein, we report on molecular hybrid at the buried interface in inverted PSCs by co-assembling a multiple carboxylic acid functionalized aromatic compound of 4,4',4''-nitrilotribenzoicacid (NA) with a popular SAM of [4-(3,6-dime-thyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (Me-4PACz) to improve the heterojunction interface. The molecular hybrid of Me-4PACz with NA could substantially improve the interfacial characteristics. The resulting inverted PSCs demonstrated a record-certified steady-state efficiency of 26.54%. Crucially, this strategy aligns seamlessly with large-scale manufacturing, achieving the highest certified PCE for inverted mini-modules at 22.74% (aperture area: 11.1 cm²). Our device also maintained 96.1% of its initial PCE after more than 2,400 hours of 1-sun operation in ambient air.

Abstract:

Relative populations of the four energy-lowest IPR (isolated-pentagon-rule) isomers of Er@C82 under the high-temperature synthetic conditions are computed using the Gibbs energy based on characteristics from the density functional theory calculations (B3LYP/6-31+G*∼SDD energetics, B3LYP/6-31G*∼SDD entropy). Two leading isomers are predicted - Er@ (Formula presented.) -C82 and Er@ (Formula presented.) -C82. The calculated equilibrium isomeric relative populations agree with available observations. As Er@C82 is one of the metallofullerenes recently used as dopants for improvement of efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells, the calculations should help in finding rules for further selections of fullerene endohedrals for such new applications in photovoltaics.

Abstract:

All-perovskite tandem solar cells are attracting considerable interest in photovoltaics research, owing to their potential to surpass the theoretical efficiency limit of single-junction cells, in a cost-effective sustainable manner. Thanks to the bandgap-bowing effect, mixed tin−lead (Sn−Pb) perovskites possess a close to ideal narrow bandgap for constructing tandem cells, matched with wide-bandgap neat lead-based counterparts. The performance of all-perovskite tandems, however, has yet to reach its efficiency potential. One of the main obstacles that need to be overcome is the─oftentimes─low quality of the mixed Sn−Pb perovskite films, largely caused by the facile oxidation of Sn(II) to Sn(IV), as well as the difficult-to-control film crystallization dynamics. Additional detrimental imperfections are introduced in the perovskite thin film, particularly at its vulnerable surfaces, including the top and bottom interfaces as well as the grain boundaries. Due to these issues, the resultant device performance is distinctly far lower than their theoretically achievable maximum efficiency. Robust modifications and improvements to the surfaces of mixed Sn−Pb perovskite films are therefore critical for the advancement of the field. This Review describes the origins of imperfections in thin films and covers efforts made so far toward reaching a better understanding of mixed Sn−Pb perovskites, in particular with respect to surface modifications that improved the efficiency and stability of the narrow bandgap solar cells. In addition, we also outline the important issues of integrating the narrow bandgap subcells for achieving reliable and efficient all-perovskite double- and multi-junction tandems. Future work should focus on the characterization and visualization of the specific surface defects, as well as tracking their evolution under different external stimuli, guiding in turn the processing for efficient and stable single-junction and tandem solar cell devices.

Abstract:

High-quality perovskite polycrystalline thin films are generally achieved through antisolvent-assisted crystallization, a crucial process that facilitates desolvation. However, antisolvent method is limited by issues of toxicity and fabrication complexity. Here, we introduce a “binary volatile additive” strategy using methylammonium chloride (MACl) and trifluoroacetamide (TFAA) in dimethylformamide/N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone co-solvent system, enabling end-to-end management of antisolvent-free crystallization process. Combining in-situ characterizations and DFT calculations, we prove that TFAA adjusts coordination with perovskite intermediates, facilitating solvent removal and promoting the formation of nuclei, while MACl reduces the formation energy of α-phase formamidinium-based perovskite. Moreover, TFAA not only releases the residual strain caused by MACl, but also in combination with MACl, synergistically widens crystallization window and regulates ripening process, allowing for precise fabrication of homogeneous perovskite films with suppressed defects. By employing the “binary volatile additive” approach, we achieve perovskite solar cells with a power conversion efficiency up to 22.4% and elongated storage life (93% PCE retention over 1000 hours). Our study offers a simple and sustainable approach to produce high-quality perovskite films without the acquisition of antisolvent, streamlining the fabrication process.