Stable Electron-Transport-Layer-Free Perovskite Solar Cells with over 22% Power Conversion Efficiency

Due to their low cost and simplified production process, electron-transport layer-free (ETL-free) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted great attention recently. However, the performance of ETL-free PSCs is still at a disadvantage compared to cells with a conventional n-i-p structure due to the severe recombination of charge carriers at the perovskite/anode interface. Here, we report a strategy to fabricate stable ETL-free FAPbI3 PSCs by in situ formation of a low dimensional perovskite layer between the FTO and the perovskite. This interlayer gives rise to the energy band bending and reduced defect density in the perovskite film and indirect contact and improved energy level alignment between the anode and perovskite, which facilitates charge carrier transport and collection and suppresses charge carrier recombination. As a result, ETL-free PSCs with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 22% are achieved under ambient conditions.

Automated summary

Due to their low cost and simplified production process, electron-transport layer-free (ETL-free) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted great attention recently. However, the performance of ETL-free PSCs is still at a disadvantage compared to cells with a conventional n-i-p structure due to the severe recombination of charge carriers at the perovskite/anode interface. In this study, a strategy was reported to fabricate stable ETL-free FAPbI3 PSCs by in situ formation of a low dimensional perovskite layer between the FTO and the perovskite. This interlayer improves energy level alignment between the anode and perovskite, facilitates charge carrier transport and collection, and suppresses charge carrier recombination, leading to ETL-free PSCs with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 22% under ambient conditions.