Concurrent cationic and anionic perovskite defect passivation enables 27.4% perovskite/silicon tandems with suppression of halide segregation

Stable and efficient perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells require defect passivation and suppression of light-induced phase segregation of the wide-band-gap perovskite. Here, we report how molecules containing both electron-rich and electron-poor moieties, such as phenformin hydrochloride (PhenHCl), can satisfy both requirements, independent of the perovskite's surface chemical composition and its grain boundaries and interfaces. PhenHCl-passivated wide-band-gap (similar to 1.68 eV) perovskite p-i-n single-junction solar cells deliver an open-circuit voltage (V-OC) similar to 100 mV higher than control devices, resulting in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) up to 20.5%. These devices do not show any V-OC losses after more than 3,000 h of thermal stress at 85 degrees C in a nitrogen ambient Moreover, PhenHCl passivation improves the PCE of textured perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells from 25.4% to 27.4%. Our findings provide critical insights for improved passivation of metal halide perovskite surfaces and the fabrication of highly efficient and stable perovskite-based single-junction and tandem solar cells.

Automated summary

The use of molecules containing both electron-rich and electron-poor moieties, such as phenformin hydrochloride (PhenHCl), can improve stability and efficiency of perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells by satisfying the requirements of defect passivation and suppression of light-induced phase segregation.