Multifunctional Green Solvent for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

Organometal trihalide perovskite has recently been considered as one of the leading candidates to achieve highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, current PSC procedures commonly rely on the large volume of highly toxic halogenated or highly flammable solvents which are not favorable for the large-scale commercialization of PSCs. Herein, we employ nontoxic and nonhalogenated salicylaldehyde from the buckwheat as a both nonpolar (antisolvent) and polar (posttreatment-dissolving) solvent for the multifunctional purpose. Salicylaldehyde has a semipolar characteristic due to the hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the benzene ring, enabling it to utilize both polar and nonpolar solvents in the PSCs fabrications. As a result, the PSC using green solvent achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 20.23%. Encapsulated devices retained over 80% of their initial PCE, after similar to 750 h of constant 1-sun illumination, and after similar to 1100 h under 60 degrees C heat. Overall, this work demonstrates that salicylaldehyde can be an alternative solvent for green and efficient fabrication in the PSC. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The study investigated the use of salicylaldehyde as a green solvent for the fabrication of perovskite solar cells. Results showed that solar cells prepared using the green solvent exhibited a power conversion efficiency of up to 20.23% and maintained high efficiency even under prolonged illumination and elevated temperature.