High-performance semitransparent perovskite solar cells with solution-processed silver nanowires as top electrodes

Abstract

In this work, we report efficient semitransparent perovskite solar cells using solution-processed silver nanowires (AgNWs) as top electrodes. A thin layer of zinc oxide nanoparticles is introduced beneath the AgNWs, which fulfills two essential functionalities: it ensures ohmic contact between the PC 60 BM and the AgNWs and it serves as a physical foundation that enables the solution-deposition of AgNWs without causing damage to the underlying perovskite. The as-fabricated semitransparent perovskite cells show a high fill factor of 66.8%, V oc = 0.964 V, J sc = 13.18 mA cm −2 , yielding an overall efficiency of 8.49% which corresponds to 80% of the reference devices with reflective opaque electrodes.Inorganic-organic halide perovskite solar cells have recently emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology due to their high efficiencies and low-cost processing potential. [1][2][3][4] The exceptional optoelectronic properties of the perovskite crystals such as high carrier mobility and long charge diffusion length promise highly efficient charge separation. 5,6 These intriguing characteristics make perovskites ideal materials for photovoltaic applications. Since the first device demonstration in 2009, power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells processed by both vacuum-deposition and solutionprocessing has surged to over 15%. 2,4,[7][8][9] The continuous and fast progress in the research related to perovskite solar devices has established them as a serious contestant to the traditional silicon-based panels.Together with the considerable efforts devoted to pursuing high efficiencies via improved crystallization of perovskite and searching for low-cost interface materials, 4,10-13 aesthetic semitransparent perovskite solar cells have been simultaneously receiving growing attention because of their specific application in transparent architectures, 14-17 such as windows, rooftops, greenhouses and other fashion elements. To achieve efficient semitransparent perovskite devices, both the anode and the cathode of the devices should be highly transparent and conductive in order to minimize the optical and resistance losses. To date, several studies have reported semitransparent perovskite solar cells, but most of these devices employed thin metal films (Al, Ag, Au) as top electrodes which were fabricated based on energy-intensive evaporation processes. [15][16][17] It is well known that, in addition to low-cost materials, the cost reduction of photovoltaic devices substantially depends on the ability to use high-throughput coating techniques in combination with roll-to-roll processing. 18 Despite its importance, however, less attention has been paid to the exploration of solution-processable transparent electrodes for perovskite solar cells. Carbon based materials have received much attention for use as conducting electrodes for perovskite solar cells, due to their low-cost and high stability. 14,19,20 For example, Li et al.have recently reported semitransparent perovskite solar cells using carbon nanotub...

Fully printed organic tandem solar cells using solution-processed silver nanowires and opaque silver as charge collecting electrodes

“…Solutionprocessed AgNWs have recently attracted substantial attention as a transparent electrode for various organic as well as inorganic photovoltaic devices. [32][33][34][35][36][37][38] The outstanding optoelectronic properties and successful device demonstrations encourage us to further exploit the application of AgNWs as a window electrode for our tandem devices. As shown in Fig.…”

Advances in Perovskite Solar Cells

“…Guo cells with an 8.5% PCE and a 28.4% AVT by using solutionprocessed AgNWs electrode (Figure 6 c). [ 74 ] The deposition of AgNWs electrode did not affect the device transmittance much (Figure 6 d). Bailie et al reported semitransparent perovskite solar cells with AgNWs electrode giving a 12.7% PCE.…”

Research Update: Strategies for improving the stability of perovskite solar cells

“…[55][56][57][58] This can result in the formation of an insulating barrier such as Ag- which will impair charge extraction at this electrode. 59 Long-term operability of these devices requires therefore, that, additionally to moisture ingress from the outside, the diffusion of ions from the perovskite to the electrode is blocked in order to avoid electrode corrosion. Sanehira and co-workers found that this degradation pathway can be blocked for aluminum by inserting a thin layer of MoO x between the spiro-OMeTAD layer and the metal electrode.…”