Boosting Efficiency and Stability of Tin-Lead Perovskite Photovoltaics with Chemically Smart Device Architectures

ongoing

Perovskite photovoltaics offer a low-cost, high-efficiency solution to speed up the transition to net-zero emissions. In particular, tin-lead perovskite solar cells have ideal optical properties for peak performance. However, their large-scale use is hampered by stability issues at perovskite surfaces, i.e., oxidation, vulnerable defects, and chemical mismatch with ordinary charge transport layers in solar cells. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are alternative transport layers that allow the manipulation of critical interface regions, yet their use in tin-lead perovskite photovoltaics remains in its infancy. Careful choice of SAM functional groups, molecular structure and redox chemistry are key to tackle perovskite limitations. SAMper will develop ultrastable and highly efficient tin-lead perovskite solar cells by designing SAM device architectures with interface-specific smart functionality. Defect-passivating, perovskite-healing and oxidant scavenging SAM moieties will afford the targeted properties, as will be demonstrated via structural, chemical and electrical interface analysis. Top SAM-based devices will be tested outdoors to demonstrate their excellent durability and efficiency, comprising the first example of tin-lead perovskite solar cell testing under real-world conditions and paving the way towards their commercial deployment. SAMper contributes towards clean energy in alignment with European Green Deal decarbonisation targets. The project will further the researcher's excellence and career prospects via training on cutting-edge multidisciplinary research. Knowledge transfer with the supervisor will foster the researcher's scientific independence via key management skills. The secondment for outdoor tests will facilitate international synergies. Project outputs and datasets will adhere to FAIR principles, aiding the benchmarking of the technologies herein. Various activities will disseminate these results, and foster STEM vocations among local youth.