Nanoscale localized contacts for high fill factors in polymer-passivated perovskite solar cells

Polymer passivation layers can improve the open-circuit voltage of perovskite solar cells when inserted at the perovskite-charge transport layer interfaces. Unfortunately, many such layers are poor conductors, leading to a trade-off between passivation quality (voltage) and series resistance (fill factor, FF). Here, we introduce a nanopatterned electron transport layer that overcomes this trade-off by modifying the spatial distribution of the passivation layer to form nanoscale localized charge transport pathways through an otherwise passivated interface, thereby providing both effective passivation and excellent charge extraction. By combining the nanopatterned electron transport layer with a dopant-free hole transport layer, we achieved a certified power conversion efficiency of 21.6% for a 1-square-centimeter cell with FF of 0.839, and demonstrate an encapsulated cell that retains similar to 91.7% of its initial efficiency after 1000 hours of damp heat exposure.

Automated summary

This research introduces a nanopatterned electron transport layer that overcomes the trade-off between passivation quality and series resistance in traditional polymer passivation layers. Combining the nanopatterned electron transport layer with a dopant-free hole transport layer improves the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells.