Area-Scalable Zn2SnO4 Electron Transport Layer for Highly Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Modules

The development of a scalable chemical bath deposition (CBD) process facilitates the realization of electron transporting layers (ETLs) for large-area perovskite solar modules (PSMs). Herein, a method to prepare a uniform and scalable thick Zn2SnO4 ETL by CBD, which yielded high-performance PSMs, is reported. This Zn2SnO4 ETL exhibits excellent electrical properties and enhanced optical transmittance in the visible region. Moreover, the Zn2SnO4 ETL influences the perovskite layer formation, yielding enhanced crystallinity, increased grain size, and a smoother surface, thus facilitating electron extraction and collection from the perovskite to the ETL. Zn2SnO4 thereby yields PSMs with a remarkable photovoltaic performance, low hysteresis index, and high device reproducibility. The champion PSM exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.59%, being among the highest values published so far. In addition, the CBD Zn2SnO4-based PSMs exhibit high stability, retaining more than 88% of initial efficiency over 1000 h under continuous illumination. This demonstrates that CBD Zn2SnO4 is an appropriate ETL for high-efficiency PSMs and a viable new process for their industrialization.

Automated summary

The method of preparing a uniform and scalable thick Zn2SnO4 ETL by CBD reported in this study yields high-performance PSMs, with excellent electrical properties and enhanced optical transmittance in the visible region. The Zn2SnO4 ETL influences the perovskite layer formation, facilitating electron extraction and collection, resulting in improved photovoltaic performance in PSMs.