Flexible transparent conducting electrodes unexpectedly influence MAPbI3 film morphology and perovskite solar cell performance

Bhandari, Bishal; Bonner, Justin C.; Allen, Cody R.; Hsu, Julia W.P.

doi:10.1016/j.solmat.2025.113698

Flexible transparent conducting electrodes unexpectedly influence MAPbI₃ film morphology and perovskite solar cell performance

Journal Article · Sat May 17 00:00:00 EDT 2025 · Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2025.113698· OSTI ID:2567949

^[1]; ^[1]; Allen, Cody R. ^[1]; ^[1]

University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX (United States)

Fabricating perovskite solar cells (PSCs) on plastic substrates will enable cost-effective manufacturing of lightweight and portable energy systems. Here, we study the influence of flexible transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) on the methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) film morphology and PSC performance. Three types of TCEs on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are compared: a custom-made AgNWs/indium zinc oxide hybrid TCE and two commercial substrates with indium tin oxide (ITO) or metal/insulator/metal (MIM) as the TCE. Using the same p-i-n architecture and hole transport layer (HTL), we find that PSCs fabricated on the hybrid TCE show better performance and stability compared to those made on commercial TCEs. The PSC performance enhancement is attributed to the superior structural and optical properties of MAPbI3 film deposited on the hybrid TCE, which is explained by the surface energy difference of the HTL. While it is anticipated that solar cell performance can be affected by TCEs’ transmittance and sheet resistance as they determine light absorption and carrier transport, respectively, our finding of TCE influencing the morphology and crystallinity of MAPbI3 film, and hence PSC performance, is unexpected.

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Research Organization:: University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE); USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office

Grant/Contract Number:: EE0009518

OSTI ID:: 2567949

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 2572017

Journal Information:: Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, Journal Name: Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells Vol. 290; ISSN 0927-0248

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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