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Title: Remnant PbI 2 , an unforeseen necessity in high-efficiency hybrid perovskite-based solar cells?

Journal Article · · APL Materials
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4895038· OSTI ID:1179634
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Perovskite-containing solar cells were fabricated in a two-step procedure in which PbI2 is deposited via spin-coating and subsequently converted to the CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite by dipping in a solution of CH3NH3I. By varying the dipping time from 5 s to 2 h, we observe that the device performance shows an unexpectedly remarkable trend. At dipping times below 15 min the current density and voltage of the device are enhanced from 10.1 mA/cm2 and 933 mV (5 s) to 15.1 mA/cm2 and 1036 mV (15 min). However, upon further conversion, the current density decreases to 9.7 mA/cm2 and 846 mV after 2 h. Based on X-ray diffraction data, we determined that remnant PbI2 is always present in these devices. Work function and dark current measurements showed that the remnant PbI2 has a beneficial effect and acts as a blocking layer between the TiO2 semiconductor and the perovskite itself reducing the probability of back electron transfer (charge recombination). Furthermore, we find that increased dipping time leads to an increase in the size of perovskite crystals at the perovskite-hole-transporting material interface. Overall, approximately 15 min dipping time (~2% unconverted PbI2) is necessary for achieving optimal device efficiency.

Research Organization:
Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC) (United States). Argonne-Northwestern Solar Energy Research Center (ANSER)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0001059
OSTI ID:
1179634
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1386314
Journal Information:
APL Materials, Journal Name: APL Materials Vol. 2 Journal Issue: 9; ISSN 2166-532X
Publisher:
American Institute of PhysicsCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 249 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
catalysis (homogeneous)
catalysis (heterogeneous)
solar (photovoltaic)
solar (fuels)
photosynthesis (natural and artificial)
bio-inspired
hydrogen and fuel cells
electrodes - solar
defects
charge transport
spin dynamics
membrane
materials and chemistry by design
optics
synthesis (novel materials)
synthesis (self-assembly)