Publication date: 2nd November 2020
Photovoltaics are a modern and promising solution for the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity. The efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) has increased rapidly in recent years, surpassing other 3rd generation PV technologies in terms of efficiency (power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 25 %). However, several issues including further efficiency increase and performance stabilization have not been effectively addressed yet. PSCs show different yields and different degrees of maturity depending on the materials involved (inorganic, organic) and find very promising applications. Their application field is further expanded following deposition of the perovskite absorber in the form of thin films on top of glass and flexible plastic substrates. The device presents a layered architecture based on the deposition of successive thin films (compact layer-CL and / or intermediate layer electron transfer-ETL, perovskite, HTM, metal contacts). An important role in the behavior of PSCs is played by the nature, structure and morphology of each layer but also the functionality of the respective interfaces (ETL / perovskite and perovskite / HTM). [1]
In this work, we mainly focused on the modification of the ETL / perovskite interface by graphitic carbon nitride incorporation (g-C3N4). This material has attracted research interest due to its significant physical and chemical properties and its potential integration into energy storage and conversion devices. Most importantly, modern graphitic carbon nitride 2D nanostructures can provide interesting ion and electron diffusion properties, high electrochemical activity and create functional interfaces with high electron conductivity and improved chemical stability. [2]
In this contribution we present the results of a comprehensive study on the synthesis of innovative graphitic carbon nitride materials and their application as electron transport mediators in planar perovskite solar cells. Specifically, we have prepared nanostructured derivatives of g-C3N4 which were used to modify the ETL of planar PSCs, resulting in devices with high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and improved stability. The investigation of the photoelectrochemical properties confirmed that g-C3N4–based devices present enhanced short-circuit photocurrent density and greater stability. The obtained results are attributed to the particular structure and the morphology of the graphitic carbon nitride materials and open new perspectives in the field of PSCs.
The authors acknowledge support of this work from the project ‘‘Functional Interfaces in Perovskite Solar Cells of high Efficiency and Stability” (MIS 5047816) which is implemented under the ‘‘Action for the Strategic Development on the Research and Technological Sector’’, funded by the Operational Programme ‘‘Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation’’ (NSRF 2014–2020) and co-financed by Greece and the European Union (European Regional Development Fund).
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