Managing Excess Lead Iodide with Functionalized Oxo-Graphene Nanosheets for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Stability issues could prevent lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) from commercialization despite it having a comparable power conversion efficiency (PCE) to silicon solar cells. Overcoming drawbacks affecting their long-term stability is gaining incremental importance. Excess lead iodide (PbI2) causes perovskite degradation, although it aids in crystal growth and defect passivation. Herein, we synthesized functionalized oxo-graphene nanosheets (Dec-oxoG NSs) to effectively manage the excess PbI2. Dec-oxoG NSs provide anchoring sites to bind the excess PbI2 and passivate perovskite grain boundaries, thereby reducing charge recombination loss and significantly boosting the extraction of free electrons. The inclusion of Dec-oxoG NSs leads to a PCE of 23.7 % in inverted (p-i-n) PSCs. The devices retain 93.8 % of their initial efficiency after 1,000 hours of tracking at maximum power points under continuous one-sun illumination and exhibit high stability under thermal and ambient conditions.

Automated summary

Functionalized oxo-graphene nanosheets (Dec-oxoG NSs) are synthesized to manage excess lead iodide (PbI2) and improve the stability of perovskite solar cells. Dec-oxoG NSs provide anchoring sites to bind the excess PbI2 and passivate perovskite grain boundaries, resulting in reduced charge recombination loss and enhanced electron extraction. The inclusion of Dec-oxoG NSs leads to a high efficiency of 23.7% in inverted (p-i-n) perovskite solar cells, with 93.8% of their initial efficiency retained after 1,000 hours of continuous one-sun illumination and high stability under thermal and ambient conditions.