Large-Area Blade-Coated Solar Cells: Advances and Perspectives

High-efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and organic solar cells (OSCs) are promising alternatives for silicon-based solar cells. At present, the key point for commercialization of PSCs and OSCs is realizing large-scale production while maintaining the same high efficiency as small-area ones. In this review, the blade-coating method for preparing large-area films is introduced first and the recent advances of blade-coated OSCs and PSCs are summarized. Then, the effects of blading parameters on the crystal growth and film formation of the light-harvesting materials are discussed. Moreover, the limitations and advantages of making high-quality films via blade-coating are discussed. Finally, some strategies for the up-scaling of solar cells via blade-coating are proposed.

Automated summary

This review introduces the blade-coating method for preparing large-area films, summarizes recent advances in blade-coated organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells, discusses the effects of blade parameters on the crystal growth of light-harvesting materials, and the limitations and advantages of making high-quality films via blade-coating. Finally, strategies for up-scaling solar cells via blade-coating are proposed.