Dimethyl Acridine Boosts Perovskite Solar Cells

Dimethyl Acridine Boosts Perovskite Solar Cells
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jul 29, 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are celebrated for their remarkable performance and easy fabrication process. However, traditional hole transport layers (HTLs) like Poly (triarylamine) (PTAA), Nickel Oxide (NiOx), and poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT) have inherent drawbacks that hinder their efficiency and stability. These materials often face issues such as hydrophobicity, high reactivity, and acidity, which adversely affect PSC performance. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop novel HTLs that can overcome these limitations and further enhance PSC capabilities.

A research team from Yunnan University and the University of Science and Technology of China has developed a new dimethyl acridine-based self-assembled monolayer (SAM), [2-(9,10-dihydro-9,9-dimethylacridine-10-yl)ethyl] phosphonic acid (2PADmA), for use as a hole transport layer in inverted PSCs. The study (DOI: 10.26599/EMD.2024.9370038) was published in Energy Materials and Devices on June 25, 2024.

The researchers synthesized the novel dimethyl acridine-based SAM, 2PADmA, and used it as a hole-transporting layer in inverted PSCs. This SAM modulates perovskite crystallization, enhances carrier transport, passivates defects, and reduces nonradiative recombination. The 2PADmA-based devices achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.01%, significantly higher than the 22.32% PCE of devices using the commonly employed 2PACz SAM. The enhanced performance is mainly due to an improved fill factor (FF) of 83.92% compared to 78.42% for the 2PACz-based devices. Additionally, the 2PADmA-based devices demonstrated better stability, retaining about 98% of their initial PCE after 1080 hours of dark storage and 87% after 400 hours of heating at 85 C, showcasing superior performance and durability.

Dr. Bing Cai, the lead researcher from Yunnan University, stated, "The development of the 2PADmA SAM represents a significant advancement in the field of PSCs. This novel SAM not only improves the efficiency and stability of PSCs but also offers a new approach to designing advanced HTLs for future solar cell technologies."

The innovative 2PADmA SAM provides new opportunities for enhancing the efficiency and stability of PSCs, making them more viable for commercial applications. This development could lead to more efficient and durable solar energy systems, supporting the global shift to renewable energy and aiding in the fight against climate change.

Research Report:Dimethyl acridine-based self-assembled monolayer as a hole transport layer for highly efficient inverted perovskite solar cells