Regulating surface potential maximizes voltage in all-perovskite tandems

The open-circuit voltage (V-OC) deficit in perovskite solar cells is greater in wide-bandgap (over 1.7 eV) cells than in perovskites of roughly 1.5 eV (refs. (1,2)). Quasi-Fermi-level-splitting measurements show V-OC-limiting recombination at the electron-transport-layer contact3-5. This, we find, stems from inhomogeneous surface potential and poor perovskite-electron transport layer energetic alignment. Common monoammonium surface treatments fail to address this; as an alternative, we introduce diammonium molecules to modify perovskite surface states and achieve a more uniform spatial distribution of surface potential. Using 1,3-propane diammonium, quasi-Fermi-level splitting increases by 90 meV, enabling 1.79 eV perovskite solar cells with a certified 1.33 V V-OC and over 19% power conversion efficiency (PCE). Incorporating this layer into a monolithic all-perovskite tandem, we report a record V-OC of 2.19 V (89% of the detailed balance V-OC limit) and over 27% PCE (26.3% certified quasi-steady state). These tandems retained more than 86% of their initial PCE after 500 h of operation.

Automated summary

The open-circuit voltage (V-OC) deficit in perovskite solar cells is attributed to the poor alignment of surface potential and energetic levels. Introducing diammonium molecules for surface treatment can enhance the quasi-Fermi-level splitting and achieve high efficiency in perovskite solar cells.