Rapid Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of SnO2 Quantum Dots for Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

SnO2 has been the most commonly used electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its excellent electron mobility and stability. To meet the applications of SnO2 ETL in large-scale solar cells, a rapid but inexpensive synthesis of high-quality SnO2 film is urgently needed. Herein, SnO2 quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized through a super rapid (similar to 3 min), additive-free microwave-assisted reaction. Comparing with the crystalized SnO2 films, the small-sized SnO2 QDs present improved electronic properties, including the Fermi level, conductivity, electron mobility, and trap density. Hence, with this SnO2 ETL, the power conversion efficiency of the PSCs reached 20.24% using a CH3NH3PbI3 absorber, which is among the highest values in the same rank. Overall, these results demonstrate a bright future for the facile microwave-assisted synthesis of SnO2 QDs along with their application for highly flexible and efficient PSCs.

Automated summary

The rapid synthesis of SnO2 quantum dots using microwave-assisted reaction has shown improved electronic properties and boosted power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells. This suggests a promising future for the application of SnO2 quantum dots in flexible and efficient solar cells.