Perovskite solar cells based on the synergy between carbon electrodes and polyethylene glycol additive with excellent stability

• Published in: Organic electronics 2020-08, Vol.83, p.105734, Article 105734
• Main Authors: Wang, Shaowei, Li, Hongyuan, Zhang, Bowen, Guo, Zu-an, Bala, Hari, Yao, Shujuan, Zhang, Jingyi, Chen, Can, Fu, Wuyou, Cao, Jianliang, Sun, Guang, Zhang, Zhanying
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon counter electrode; High stability; Hole-conductor-free; Hygroscopic polyethylene glycol additive; Perovskite solar cells
• ISSN: 1566-1199; 1878-5530
• DOI: 10.1016/j.orgel.2020.105734

The quality of the photoactive layer gravely affects the characteristics and stabilities of photovoltaic device. Here, by introducing polyethylene glycol (PEG) into the methylammonium lead trihalide (MAPbI3) precursor solution, we fabricate high-quality MAPbI3 perovskite film with high coverage and large grain size. By adjusting the PEG concentration into the perovskite film, the hole-conductor-free mesoporous perovskite solar cell with carbon electrode exhibits a boosted power conversion efficiency of 11.62%, which originates primarily from the enhancements of light absorption and acceleration of carriers transfer. Meanwhile, hygroscopic PEG protects the perovskite film from moisture, which leads to the perovskite film and corresponding device exhibit superior stability. This work confirms a high-efficiency and feasible strategy using polymer materials to enhance the performance in power conversion efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. [Display omitted] •Large grain size and high coverage perovskite film is induced by PEG additives.•Optical and electrical properties of PSC with high quality perovskite film are enhanced.•Both PEG-MAPbI3 film and corresponding device exhibit superior stability in air with a humidity of approximately 50%.•Hygroscopic PEG and hydrophobic carbon electrode synergistically prevent perovskite layers from moisture.