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Podapangi SK, Jafarzadeh F, Mattiello S, Korukonda TB, Singh A, Beverina L, Brown TM. Green solvents, materials, and lead-free semiconductors for sustainable fabrication of perovskite solar cells. RSC Adv 2023; 13:18165-18206. [PMID: 37333793 PMCID: PMC10269851 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra01692g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Perovskite materials research has received unprecedented recognition due to its applications in photovoltaics, LEDs, and other large area low-cost electronics. The exceptional improvement in the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) achieved over the last decade has prompted efforts to develop and optimize device fabrication technologies for the industrial and commercial space. However, unstable operation in outdoor environments and toxicity of the employed materials and solvents have hindered this proposition. While their optoelectronic properties are extensively studied, the environmental impacts of the materials and manufacturing methods require further attention. This review summarizes and discusses green and environment-friendly methods for fabricating PSCs, particularly non-toxic solvents, and lead-free alternatives. Greener solvent choices are surveyed for all the solar cell films, (i.e. electron and hole transport, semiconductor, and electrode layers) and their impact on thin film quality, morphology and device performance is explored. We also discuss lead content in perovskites, its environmental impact and sequestration routes, and progress in replacing lead with greener alternatives. This review provides an analysis of sustainable green routes in perovskite solar cell fabrication, discussing the impact of each layer in the device stack, via life cycle analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh K Podapangi
- CHOSE (Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy), Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome-Tor Vergata via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Farshad Jafarzadeh
- CHOSE (Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy), Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome-Tor Vergata via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
| | - Sara Mattiello
- Department of Materials Science, State University of Milano-Bicocca Via Cozzi 55 I-20126 Milano Italy
| | - Tulja Bhavani Korukonda
- Department of Centre for Energy Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Hauz Khas New Delhi-110016 India
| | - Akash Singh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University Durham NC 27708 USA
| | - Luca Beverina
- Department of Materials Science, State University of Milano-Bicocca Via Cozzi 55 I-20126 Milano Italy
| | - Thomas M Brown
- CHOSE (Centre for Hybrid and Organic Solar Energy), Department of Electronic Engineering, University of Rome-Tor Vergata via del Politecnico 1 00133 Rome Italy
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Gong X, Yin X, Wang F, Liu X, Yu J, Zhang S, Ding B. Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes: A Versatile Medium for Waterproof and Breathable Application. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2205067. [PMID: 36403221 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202205067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Waterproof and breathable membranes that prevent liquid water penetration, while allowing air and moisture transmission, have attracted significant attention for various applications. Electrospun nanofiber materials with adjustable pore structures, easily tunable wettability, and good pore connectivity, have shown significant potential for constructing waterproof and breathable membranes. Herein, a systematic overview of the recent progress in the design, fabrication, and application of waterproof and breathable nanofibrous membranes is provided. The various strategies for fabricating the membranes mainly including one-step electrospinning and post-treatment of nanofibers are given as a starting point for the discussion. The different design concepts and structural characteristics of each type of waterproof and breathable membrane are comprehensively analyzed. Then, some representative applications of the membranes are highlighted, involving personal protection, desalination, medical dressing, and electronics. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives associated with waterproof and breathable nanofibrous membranes are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobao Gong
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Xia Yin
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Jianyong Yu
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Shichao Zhang
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
| | - Bin Ding
- Innovation Center for Textile Science and Technology, College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, China
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Yao Y, Cheng C, Zhang C, Hu H, Wang K, De Wolf S. Organic Hole-Transport Layers for Efficient, Stable, and Scalable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2203794. [PMID: 35771986 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202203794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hole-transporting layers (HTLs) are an essential component in inverted, p-i-n perovskite solar cells (PSCs) where they play a decisive role in extraction and transport of holes, surface passivation, perovskite crystallization, device stability, and cost. Currently, the exploration of efficient, stable, highly transparent and low-cost HTLs is of vital importance for propelling p-i-n PSCs toward commercialization. Compared to their inorganic counterparts, organic HTLs offer multiple advantages such as a tunable bandgap and energy level, easy synthesis and purification, solution processability, and overall low cost. Here, recent progress of organic HTLs, including conductive polymers, small molecules, and self-assembled monolayers, as utilized in inverted PSCs is systematically reviewed and summarized. Their molecular structure, hole-transport properties, energy levels, and relevant device properties and resulting performances are presented and analyzed. A summary of design principles and a future outlook toward highly efficient organic HTLs in inverted PSCs is proposed. This review aims to inspire further innovative development of novel organic HTLs for more efficient, stable, and scalable inverted PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiguo Yao
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Caidong Cheng
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Hanlin Hu
- Hoffman Institute of Advanced Materials, Shenzhen Polytechnic, 7098 Liuxian Boulevard, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an, 710072, China
| | - Stefaan De Wolf
- Division of Physical Science and Engineering, and KAUST Solar Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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Cassella EJ, Spooner ELK, Thornber T, O'Kane ME, Catley TE, Bishop JE, Smith JA, Game OS, Lidzey DG. Gas-Assisted Spray Coating of Perovskite Solar Cells Incorporating Sprayed Self-Assembled Monolayers. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104848. [PMID: 35142096 PMCID: PMC9108661 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are becoming widely utilized as hole-selective layers in high-performance p-i-n architecture perovskite solar cells. Ultrasonic spray coating and airbrush coating are demonstrated here as effective methods to deposit MeO-2PACz; a carbazole-based SAM. Potential dewetting of hybrid perovskite precursor solutions from this layer is overcome using optimized solvent rinsing protocols. The use of air-knife gas-quenching is then explored to rapidly remove the volatile solvent from an MAPbI3 precursor film spray-coated onto an MeO-2PACz SAM, allowing fabrication of p-i-n devices with power conversion efficiencies in excess of 20%, with all other layers thermally evaporated. This combination of deposition techniques is consistent with a rapid, roll-to-roll manufacturing process for the fabrication of large-area solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena J. Cassella
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of SheffieldHicks Building, Hounsfield RoadSheffieldS3 7RHUK
| | - Emma L. K. Spooner
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of SheffieldHicks Building, Hounsfield RoadSheffieldS3 7RHUK
| | - Timothy Thornber
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of SheffieldHicks Building, Hounsfield RoadSheffieldS3 7RHUK
| | - Mary E. O'Kane
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of SheffieldHicks Building, Hounsfield RoadSheffieldS3 7RHUK
| | - Thomas E. Catley
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of SheffieldHicks Building, Hounsfield RoadSheffieldS3 7RHUK
| | - James E. Bishop
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of SheffieldHicks Building, Hounsfield RoadSheffieldS3 7RHUK
| | - Joel A. Smith
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of OxfordClarendon LaboratoryParks RoadOxfordOX1 3PUUK
| | - Onkar S. Game
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of SheffieldHicks Building, Hounsfield RoadSheffieldS3 7RHUK
| | - David G. Lidzey
- Department of Physics and AstronomyUniversity of SheffieldHicks Building, Hounsfield RoadSheffieldS3 7RHUK
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Ternes S, Mohacsi J, Lüdtke N, Pham HM, Arslan M, Scharfer P, Schabel W, Richards BS, Paetzold UW. Drying and Coating of Perovskite Thin Films: How to Control the Thin Film Morphology in Scalable Dynamic Coating Systems. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:11300-11312. [PMID: 35195981 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid perovskite photovoltaics combine high performance with the ease of solution processing. However, to date, a poor understanding of morphology formation in coated perovskite precursor thin films casts doubt on the feasibility of scaling-up laboratory-scale solution processes. Oblique slot jet drying is a widely used scalable method to induce fast crystallization in perovskite thin films, but deep knowledge and explicit guidance on how to control this dynamic method are missing. In response, we present a quantitative model of the drying dynamics under oblique slot jets. Using this model, we identify a simple criterion for successful scaling of perovskite solution printing and predict coating windows in terms of air velocity and web speed for reproducible fabrication of perovskite solar cells of ∼15% in power conversion efficiency─in direct correlation with the morphology of fabricated thin films. These findings are a corner stone toward scaling perovskite fabrication from simple principles instead of trial and error optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ternes
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Light Technology Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engesserstr. 13, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Thin Film Technology (TFT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jonas Mohacsi
- Thin Film Technology (TFT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Nico Lüdtke
- Thin Film Technology (TFT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - H Minh Pham
- Thin Film Technology (TFT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Meriç Arslan
- Light Technology Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engesserstr. 13, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Philip Scharfer
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Thin Film Technology (TFT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Schabel
- Thin Film Technology (TFT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Bryce S Richards
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Light Technology Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engesserstr. 13, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ulrich W Paetzold
- Institute of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Light Technology Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engesserstr. 13, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Sun Q, Zong B, Meng X, Shen B, Li X, Kang B, Silva SRP. Interface Regulation by an Ultrathin Wide-Bandgap Halide for Stable and Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:6702-6713. [PMID: 35077142 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The nonradiative recombination between hole transport layers (HTLs) and perovskites generally leads to obvious energy losses. The trap states at the HTL/perovskite interface directly influence the improvement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability. Interface regulation is a simple and commonly used method to decrease nonradiative recombination in inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, a wide-bandgap halide was used to regulate the PTAA/MAPbI3 interface, in which n-hexyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) was used to modify the upper surface of poly[bis(4-phenyl)-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)amine] (PTAA). Upon introduction of the HTAB layer, the contact between PTAA and MAPbI3 is strengthened, the defect state density in PSCs is reduced, the MAPbI3 crystallinity is improved, and the nonradiative recombination loss is suppressed. The device with HTAB delivers the highest PCE of 21.01% with negligible hysteresis, which is significantly higher than that of the control device (17.71%), and it maintains approximately 87% of its initial PCE for 1000 h without encapsulation in air with a relative humidity of 25 ± 5%. This work reveals an effective way of using a wide-bandgap halide to regulate the PTAA/MAPbI3 interface to simultaneously promote the PCE and stability of PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Sun
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Beibei Zong
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xiangxin Meng
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Bo Shen
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Xu Li
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Bonan Kang
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun 130012, China
| | - S Ravi P Silva
- Nanoelectronics Centre, Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
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Ge C, Liu X, Yang Z, Li H, Dong Q. Thermal Dynamic Self‐healing Supramolecular Dopant Towards Efficient and Stable Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202116602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chengda Ge
- Jilin University State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials CHINA
| | - Xiaoting Liu
- Jilin University State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials CHINA
| | - Ziqi Yang
- Jilin University State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials CHINA
| | - Hanming Li
- Jilin University State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials CHINA
| | - Qingfeng Dong
- Jilin University State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials 2699 Qianjin Street 130012 Changchun CHINA
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Ge C, Liu X, Yang Z, Li H, Dong Q. Thermal Dynamic Self-healing Supramolecular Dopant Towards Efficient and Stable Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202116602. [PMID: 34964219 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202116602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Flexible perovskite solar cells draw great attention due to their likeable traits like low cost, portability, light-weight, et al. However, mechanical stability is still the weak point in their practical application. Herein, we prepared efficient FPSC with remarkable mechanical stability by dynamic thermal self-healing effect, which can be realized by the usage of supramolecular adhesive. The colloidal adhesive was obtained by random copolymerization of acrylamide and n-butyl acrylate, which is amphiphilic, has a proper glass transition temperature and high density of hydrogen bond donors and receptors, providing the possibility of thermal dynamic repair of stress damage in FPSCs. The adhesive also greatly improves the leveling property of the precursor solution on the hydrophobic poly[bis(4-phenyl)(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)]amine (PTAA) surface. PSCs containing this adhesive achieves more than 20% power conversion efficiency (PCE) on flexible substrates and 21.99% PCE on rigid substrates (certified PCE of 21.27%), with improved electron mobility and reduced defect concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengda Ge
- Jilin University, State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, CHINA
| | - Xiaoting Liu
- Jilin University, State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, CHINA
| | - Ziqi Yang
- Jilin University, State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, CHINA
| | - Hanming Li
- Jilin University, State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, CHINA
| | - Qingfeng Dong
- Jilin University, State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, 2699 Qianjin Street, 130012, Changchun, CHINA
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