Progress in Photovoltaics最新文献

Reliable steady-state testing protocols are crucial for accurately evaluating the performance of perovskite solar cells. In this study, we systematically compare the asymptotic P_MAX scan and the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method to assess their effectiveness in steady-state efficiency measurements. We introduce the current density standard deviation factor as a stability criterion in the asymptotic P_MAX scan, and implement a convergence amplitude to regulate the voltage adjustment speed toward the maximum power point. There is a possible tendency that the performance of state-of-the-art perovskite solar cells improved in the asymptotic P_MAX scan in low-to-high voltage directions. Numerical device simulations reveal that this improvement is due to a reduction in the trap state density in both the perovskite bulk and at the interfaces. We further compare asymptotic P_MAX scans conducted in both low-to-high and high-to-low voltage directions, demonstrating their strong consistency and repeatability on state-of-the-art perovskite solar cells. Our results show that the steady-state P_MAX obtained from the asymptotic P_MAX scan closely matches, but can be slightly higher than, that from MPPT. This work provides a comprehensive evaluation of steady-state testing methods for perovskite solar cells, offering a foundation for more accurate performance characterization and certification.

Vapor-phase deposition techniques widely adopted in the coating and semiconductor industry are facilitating the consolidation and market penetration of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, the efficiency of inverted p-i-n PSCs prepared by vapor methods lags far behind that of solution methods. The multidimensional defects at the buried interface of the perovskite layer could be considered the largest obstacle to improving the photovoltaic performance of vapor-processed devices, particularly in devices prepared by vapor-solid-reaction methods. In this study, a two-step thermal evaporation method is adopted to fabricate the perovskite precursor film. An ultrathin layer of RbCl is preburied at the bottom of the precursor film, and then RbCl and PbI₂ are co-evaporated. The introduced RbCl achieves a concurrent passivation effect towards multidimensional defects: (1) The predeposited RbCl layer reacts with PbI₂, forming an ultrathin dielectric layer of RbPbI_xCl_3-x, which acts as crystallization nuclei, thereby effectively reducing the void defect density at the buried interface; (2) the RbCl doped in the bulk phase reacts with excess PbI₂ to form (PbI₂)₂RbCl, further improving the structural stability of perovskites. The optimized device exhibited an improved fill factor of up to 82.91% and a power conversion efficiency of 22.28%, making it a leading value among vapor-processed inverted PSCs. Under ambient conditions, the packaged device retained 95% of the initial efficiency after 1200 h of output, proving that the synergistic passivation strategy results in a significant effect on improving device stability.

Recent advancements in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have marked a transformative milestone in photovoltaics, offering innovative and cost-effective solutions for efficient energy generation. However, challenges related to stability have impeded their commercialization. To address these challenges, researchers have focused on approaches like interfacial and structural engineering, particularly in the development of efficient hole transport materials (HTMs). Additionally, side-chain engineering of HTMs plays a key role in improving hole mobility and stability, further boosting the overall performance of PSCs. This review highlights how side-chain engineering in triarylamine-based HTMs and thienyl derivatives enhance π–π stacking, resulting in deeper highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels and improved intermolecular interactions. Triarylamine-based HTMs with electron-donating substituents show improved interfacial interactions with the perovskite (PVK) absorber, passivating defects and reducing recombination losses. Similarly, polymeric thienyl derivatives with optimized supramolecular ordering demonstrate enhanced charge mobility and stability due to rigid polymer stacking. The incorporation of fluorine and sulfur-enriched molecules in the structure broadens light absorption spectra. Moreover, fine-tuning molecular weight and modifying donor–π–acceptor architectures significantly enhance mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. This review provides insights into developing novel HTMs through side-chain engineering to overcome stability issues and accelerate the commercialization of PSCs.

Tin-based perovskites usher in a promising avenue for eco-friendly photovoltaics. However, their further development is hindered by the intrinsic issues of easy Sn²⁺ oxidation and the difficulty in controlling crystallization. In tin-based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs), zwitterionic additives can ameliorate perovskite films through hydrogen bonding and coordination with components of perovskite. Yet, the role of additive dipole moments remains underexplored. Herein, the critical role of zwitterionic additive polarity in modulating the performance of TPSCs is systematically investigated through polarity engineering. Polarities of zwitterionic additives (β-alanine (β-Ala), 2-aminoethylsulfonic acid (ACES), and 2-aminoethylphosphate (2-AEP)) are regulated by introducing distinct acid groups. Among them, β-Ala, with an optimal dipole moment of 5.35 D, forms optimal hydrogen bonds and moderate coordination interaction with Sn²⁺, resulting in a lower absolute zeta potential of the solution colloid. Attributed to more uniform colloid size and larger colloid particles, the β-Ala-Sn perovskite exhibits faster uniform nucleation and delayed crystallization kinetics. The optimized perovskite film demonstrates excellent crystallinity, prolonged carrier lifetime, and reduced defect density, along with improved energy level matching. Consequently, the optimized device achieves an enhanced power conversion efficiency of 8.75% and maintains 85% of its initial efficiency after 2000 h of storage in a nitrogen environment.

As a third-generation photovoltaic technology, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved record-breaking power conversion efficiencies (PCEs > 27%) alongside industrial-grade operational stability, yet their commercialization hinges on resolving scale-up bottlenecks in perovskite solar module (PSM) fabrication. This study pioneers a data envelopment analysis (DEA) framework to evaluate eight industrial PSM designs by quantifying manufacturing inputs (device costs and process steps) against performance outputs (PCE, degradation resistance). Results identify Pareto-optimal candidates (DMUs with CTE = 1) that simultaneously achieve < 5¢ W⁻¹ production costs and roll-to-roll process compatibility, directly aligning with US DOE's photovoltaic cost roadmaps. By bridging materials innovation and high-throughput manufacturing metrics, this work establishes actionable guidelines to accelerate GW-year⁻¹ deployment of PSMs while maintaining stoichiometric adaptability.

NiO_x has emerged as a commonly used hole transport material in p–i–n perovskite solar cells owing to outstanding p-type characteristics and robust stability. However, the undesired redox reaction at the perovskite/NiO_x interface significantly impairs the device performance and stability. Hence, we develop an anion–cation synergetic strategy to inhibit Ni²⁺ oxidation and optimize the buried interface of perovskites. The cuprous cation (Cu⁺) from CuX (X = Cl, Br, or I) layer suppressed the undesired Ni²⁺ oxidation, while halogen ions passivated vacancy defects and modulated crystal growth of perovskites simultaneously, then achieving an excellent interface with quick charge transport and extraction. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of different anions on NiO_x and perovskite layers is further quantified and revealed. Consequently, the optimized flexible triple-cation and FAPbI₃ composition PSCs yield a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.64% and 22.93%, respectively, along with notably improved device stability, maintaining 85% of the initial efficiency even after 6000 h storage. This work offers a reference approach to enhance the performance and stability of inverted flexible PSCs by an anion–cation synergetic strategy.

Understanding degradation in perovskite solar modules (PSMs) is crucial for improving long-term stability, yet accessing internal layers without introducing artifacts remains difficult. We present a controlled coring method tailored for PSMs that enables mechanical extraction of intact device sections while preserving their structural, chemical, and optoelectronic properties. Comprehensive characterizations confirm that the cored devices remain representative of the original module, with no detectable artifacts introduced during extraction. Applying this technique to field-aged modules operated outdoors for 10 months reveals nonuniform photoluminescence, bandgap shifts, Ag oxidation, and the α-to-δ phase transition of formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI₃), which are clear evidence of moisture-driven Ag corrosion and ion migration at the perovskite/Ag interface. This work establishes a reliable approach for accessing encapsulated perovskite modules and provides direct insight into real-world degradation pathways, offering guidance for improving the durability of perovskite photovoltaic technologies.

In printable mesoscopic perovskite solar cells (p-MPSCs), the carbon electrode work function is a pivotal parameter governing efficient hole extraction; yet, devising environmentally benign approaches for its modulation remains a critical challenge. Herein, we report a mechanochemical strategy to construct robust P–C bonds by high-energy ball milling black phosphorus (BP) with graphite, enabling homogeneous P distribution without compromising the intrinsic graphitization degree of carbon. The tailored electronic structure leads to an optimized work function, reduced defect-state density, and improved perovskite infiltration, thereby enhancing the open-circuit voltage (V_OC) and fill factor (FF). At an optimal BP loading (3 wt%), the carbon electrode delivers a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.45%, representing a 15.8% improvement over the undoped control. This work pioneers P–C bond engineering through mechanochemistry as a highly effective and scalable strategy, marking a significant advancement in the development of high-performance carbon-based perovskite solar cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a research hotspot in the photovoltaic field due to their excellent photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE), simple preparation process, and low-cost characteristics. Among them, flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) possess unique advantages such as lightweight and wearability. Compared with rigid devices (RPSCs), the efficiency improvement of FPSCs faces multiple challenges: the limitations of the light transmittance of flexible substrates, insufficient temperature and weather resistance, as well as interface defects and mechanical stress damage caused by low-temperature preparation processes, which severely restrict the device performance and stability. This paper systematically reviews the latest research progress in interface engineering and defect passivation strategies for PEN/ITO flexible substrates and n-i-p device structures. It focuses on key technical routes such as surface reconstruction of functional layers, chemical regulation of grain boundaries, and modification of heterojunction interfaces. Through strategies such as the introduction of novel passivation molecules, self-assembled monolayers, and gradient energy level design, the charge transport and recombination characteristics have been effectively improved. In addition, regarding the large-scale preparation technology of flexible perovskite modules, the optimization schemes for large-area film formation processes are summarized, and the transition from small-scale devices to large-area photovoltaic modules for various applications is discussed. The methods for stress control and defect suppression during the R2R manufacturing process are analyzed. This study has important reference value for promoting the industrial application of flexible perovskite photovoltaic technology.