Alternatives for interface-modified and 2D/3D perovskite absorbers for perovskite solar cell application
Abstract
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are potentially useful for the Navy, especially for the rugged conditions in the field, given their high conversion efficiency, low-cost manufacturability, low weight, and scalability, and as prospect for low-power applications including wireless devices and sensors connected to the Internet of Things (IoT). Issues to resolve include perovskite degradation due todiffusion of oxygen and water, as well as the intrinsic instability of some 3D perovskites and other components of the cell, including adhesion problem between layers. Dimensional engineering of 2D-3D perovskite absorbers is a promising pathway to improve the performance and stability relative to their fully 3D counterparts in PSCs. Hence, there are significant opportunities to investigate the chemical richness of this family of materials by chemical design, synthetic strategies, and engineering of perovskite films. In this research, we intend to assemble 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures by the introduction of para substituted arylammonium as spacer cations with inductive electron #-withdrawing nature and enhanced #-donation ability. Regarding the hole-transport layer, the benchmark spiro-OMeTAD is expensive to manufacture, and the dopants added affect stability over time. We propose employing novel germanium-based HTLs bearing functional groups favoring stronger #-donation derived from para substituted arylamines. It is expected from DFTcalculations that these new HTLs will provide tunable electronic properties that could result in the capacity to transport holes effectively without the need to add dopants. Finally, the surface energies and work function of each layer (and interlayer) can be tailored with the use of interface modifiers and additives such as phosphonic acids and carbon quantum dots respectively. We intend to use the formers not only as interlayer modifiers but also as crosslinkers between perovskite grains to improve stability and charge transfer. In summary, the project tackles multiple issues that are holding back perovskite solar cells from moving to higher technology readiness levels; besides potentially offering improvements, the results of each modification is to be characterized with a manifold of techniques to understand as best as possible the influence of each parameter tweaked within the device. We expect multiple journal articles addressing the alternatives to be tested.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 03, 2023
- Source ID
- N629092312005
Entities
People
- Sergio Paniagua Barrantes
Organizations
- National High Technology Center
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy