Buried Interface Passivation: A Key Strategy to Breakthrough the Efficiency of Perovskite Photovoltaics

Owing to the merits of low cost and high power conversion efficiency (PCE), perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become the best candidate to replace the commonly used silicon solar cells. However, PSCs have been slow to enter the market for a number of reasons, including poor stability, high toxicity, and rigorous preparation process. Passivation strategies including surface passivation and bulk passivation have been successfully applied to improve the device performance of PSCs. The passivation of the defects at the buried interface, which is regarded as a key strategy to breakthrough the device efficiency and stability of PSCs in the future, is ongoing with challenge. Herein, in detail the recent passivation of the buried interface is introduced from three aspects: perovskite layer, buried interlayer, and transport layer. The passivation effect of the buried interface is clearly demonstrated through three categories of salts, organics, and 2D materials. In addition, the transport layer is classified into electron transport layer (ETL) and hole transport layer (HTL). These classifications can help to have a clear understanding of substances which generate passivating effect and guide the continuous promotion of the follow-up buried interface passivating work.

Automated summary

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered as the best alternative to silicon solar cells due to their low cost and high power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, the commercialization of PSCs has been hindered by issues such as poor stability, high toxicity, and complex preparation process. Passivation strategies, including surface and bulk passivation, have been successfully employed to improve the performance of PSCs. This article provides an in-depth review of recent advances in passivating the buried interface of PSCs, focusing on the perovskite layer, buried interlayer, and transport layer. The effectiveness of passivating the buried interface is demonstrated using various salts, organics, and 2D materials. The classification of the transport layer into electron and hole transport layers helps to understand the substances that generate passivating effects and guide future research in buried interface passivation.