Graphene-Based Materials in Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have recently become the most promising new-generation solar cells, with a breathtaking growth of efficiency from 3.8% to 25.2% in just one decade. Scientists have abandoned the traditional high-temperature-processed mesoscopic layer of the initial mesoscopic PSCs in designing and manufacturing planar PSCs. This new feature endows planar PSCs with possibilities of low-temperature processibility and large-scale production. Nevertheless, the advancement of planar PSCs remains limited by two bottlenecks: charge loss and device degradation. To address these two issues, researchers have adopted graphene-based materials, which demonstrate tremendous potentials due to their superb optical transparency, outstanding carrier mobility, remarkable electrical conductivity, and superior physicochemical stability. Defects inside films and at interfaces are regulated by graphene, thereby contributing to more efficient charge extraction and suppressed charge recombination. The graphene protective layer enhances the moisture and heat stability of planar PSCs, thereby extending the lifetime of devices. Herein, the typical synthesis methods of graphene and the recent applications of graphene in planar PSCs are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, concluding perspectives on current challenges and the future development of graphene in planar PSCs are proposed.