Prof Henry Snaith FRS

Abstract:

Solution-processed organometal trihalide perovskite solar cells are attracting increasing interest, leading to high performances over 15% in thin film architectures. Here, we probe the presence of sub gap states in both solid and mesosuperstructured perovskite films and determine that they strongly influence the photoconductivity response and splitting of the quasi-Fermi levels in films and solar cells. We find that while the planar perovskite films are superior to the mesosuperstructured films in terms of charge carrier mobility (in excess of 20 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1)) and emissivity, the planar heterojunction solar cells are limited in photovoltage by the presence of sub gap states and low intrinsic doping densities.

Abstract:

The field of solution-processed photovoltaic cells is currently in its second spring. The dye-sensitized solar cell is a widely studied and longstanding candidate for future energy generation. Recently, inorganic absorber-based devices have reached new record efficiencies, with the benefits of all-solid-state devices. In this rapidly changing environment, this review sheds light on recent developments in all-solid-state solar cells in terms of electrode architecture, alternative sensitizers, and hole-transporting materials. These concepts are of general applicability to many next-generation device platforms. The field of solution-processed photovoltaic cells is currently in its second spring, with solid-state devices incorporating novel inorganic absorbers reaching record efficiencies. This review sheds light on recent developments in all-solid-state solar cells in terms of electrode architecture, alternative sensitizers, and hole-transporting materials: concepts applicable to many next-generation device platforms. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.