Perovskite Nanomaterials for Solar Cells and Optoelectronic Applications

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Solar Energy and Solar Cells".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 15499

Special Issue Editor

Physics Department, College of Science and General Studies, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
Interests: new renewable energies; solar energy; modeling and simulation of nanomaterials; artificial intelligence and machine learning applied to materials discovery and design

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, solar cells based on perovskites have attracted considerable attention. Consequently, thanks to the intensive research work carried out, the efficiencies of these cells have evolved very quickly to recently reach a record of 25.2%. Their hybrid character (organic and inorganic) endows this class of materials with interesting optoelectronic properties, such as high optical absorption, long diffusion length of charge carriers, as well as ease of solution and low-cost manufacturing. Nonetheless, among the challenges that remain for the industrialization of this technology, the problem of long-term stability is arguably one of the main ones. The present Special Issue aims to provide an overview of recent developments in solar cells based on perovskites, including but not limited to:

  • High-efficiency perovskite solar cells;
  • Evolution of perovskite solar cell architecture, fabrication techniques, commercialization issues;
  • Recent progress of efficiency and long-term stability for perovskite solar cells;
  • Ongoing challenges, and the future outlooks of perovskite solar cells;
  • Stability of perovskite solar cells: degradation mechanisms ;
  • All-perovskite double-junction solar cells;
  • Computational modeling and theoretical approaches for perovskites’ physical properties;
  • Inorganic metal halide perovskites;
  • Perovskite nanoparticles;
  • All-perovskite tandem solar cells;
  • MXenes in perovskite solar cells;
  • Perovskite-sensitized solar cells;
  • Lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs);
  • Commercialization of perovskite PV technology.

Dr. Souraya Goumri-Said
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Perovskite solar cells
  • MXene
  • Power conversion efficiency
  • Tandem
  • Inorganic metal halide
  • Electron-transport layer
  • Single-junction solar cells.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 1813 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Surface Modification and Carrier Extraction in Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells via Self-Assembled Monolayers
by Gisung Kim, Hyojung Kim, Mijoung Kim, Jaegwan Sin, Moonhoe Kim, Jaeho Kim, Haoran Zhou, Sung Ho Kang, Hye Min Oh and JungYup Yang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(2), 214; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano14020214 - 19 Jan 2024
Viewed by 848
Abstract
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been significantly improved by utilizing an inorganic hole-transporting layer (HTL), such as nickel oxide. Despite the promising properties, there are still limitations due to defects. Recently, research on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) is being actively conducted, which shows promise [...] Read more.
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been significantly improved by utilizing an inorganic hole-transporting layer (HTL), such as nickel oxide. Despite the promising properties, there are still limitations due to defects. Recently, research on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) is being actively conducted, which shows promise in reducing defects and enhancing device performance. In this study, we successfully engineered a p-i-n perovskite solar cell structure utilizing HC-A1 and HC-A4 molecules. These SAM molecules were found to enhance the grain morphology and uniformity of the perovskite film, which are critical factors in determining optical properties and device performance. Notably, HC-A4 demonstrated superior performance due to its distinct hydrophilic properties with a contact angle of 50.3°, attributable to its unique functional groups. Overall, the HC-A4-applied film exhibited efficient carrier extraction properties, attaining a carrier lifetime of 117.33 ns. Furthermore, HC-A4 contributed to superior device performance, achieving the highest device efficiency of 20% and demonstrating outstanding thermal stability over 300 h. Full article
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18 pages, 5621 KiB  
Article
SCAPS-1D Modeling of Hydrogenated Lead-Free Cs2AgBiBr6 Double Perovskite Solar Cells with a Remarkable Efficiency of 26.3%
by Hussein Sabbah, Zaher Abdel Baki, Rabih Mezher and Jack Arayro
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(1), 48; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano14010048 - 23 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1130
Abstract
In this investigation, we employ a numerical simulation approach to model a hydrogenated lead-free Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite solar cell with a p-i-n inverted structure, utilizing SCAPS-1D. Contrary to traditional lead-based perovskite solar cells, the [...] Read more.
In this investigation, we employ a numerical simulation approach to model a hydrogenated lead-free Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite solar cell with a p-i-n inverted structure, utilizing SCAPS-1D. Contrary to traditional lead-based perovskite solar cells, the Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite exhibits reduced toxicity and enhanced stability, boasting a maximum power conversion efficiency of 6.37%. Given its potential for improved environmental compatibility, achieving higher efficiency is imperative for its practical implementation in solar cells. This paper offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of the hydrogenated lead-free Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite solar cell, aiming to optimize its structural parameters. Our exploration involves an in-depth investigation of various electron transport layer materials to augment efficiency. Variables that affect the photovoltaic efficiency of the perovskite solar cell are closely examined, including the absorber layer’s thickness and doping concentration, the hole transport layer, and the absorber defect density. We also investigate the impact of the doping concentration of the electron transport layer and the energy level alignment between the absorber and the interface on the photovoltaic output of the cell. After careful consideration, zinc oxide is chosen to serve as the electron transport layer. This optimized configuration surpasses the original structure by over four times, resulting in an impressive power conversion efficiency of 26.3%, an open-circuit voltage of 1.278 V, a fill factor of 88.21%, and a short-circuit current density of 23.30 mA.cm2. This study highlights the critical role that numerical simulations play in improving the chances of commercializing Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite solar cells through increased structural optimization and efficiency. Full article
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18 pages, 5701 KiB  
Article
Selective Growth of MAPbBr3 Rounded Microcrystals on Micro-Patterned Single-Layer Graphene Oxide/Graphene Platforms with Enhanced Photo-Stability
by Javier Bartolomé, María Vila, Carlos Redondo-Obispo, Alicia de Andrés and Carmen Coya
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(18), 2513; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano13182513 - 08 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1034
Abstract
The synergistic combination of hybrid perovskites with graphene-related materials is leading to optoelectronic devices with enhanced performance and stability. Still, taking advantage of the solution processing of perovskite onto graphene is especially challenging. Here, MAPbBr3 perovskite is grown on single-layer graphene/graphene oxide [...] Read more.
The synergistic combination of hybrid perovskites with graphene-related materials is leading to optoelectronic devices with enhanced performance and stability. Still, taking advantage of the solution processing of perovskite onto graphene is especially challenging. Here, MAPbBr3 perovskite is grown on single-layer graphene/graphene oxide (Gr/GO) patterns with 120 µm periodicity using a solution-processed method. MAPbBr3 rounded crystals are formed with sizes ranging from nanometers to microns, either forming continuous films or dispersed particles. A detailed morphological and structural study reveals a fully oriented perovskite and very different growth habits on the Gr/GO micro-patterns, which we relate to the substrate characteristics and the nucleation rate. A simple method for controlling the nucleation rate is proposed based on the concentration of the precursor solution and the number of deposited perovskite layers. The photoluminescence is analyzed in terms of the crystal size, strain, and structural changes observed. Notably, the growth on top of Gr/GO leads to a huge photostability of the MAPbBr3 compared with that on glass. Especially outstanding is that of the microcrystals, which endure light densities as high as 130 kW/cm2. These results allow for anticipating the design of integrated nanostructures and nanoengineered devices by growing high-stability perovskite directly on Gr/GO substrates. Full article
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14 pages, 7667 KiB  
Article
Numerical Investigation of Photo-Generated Carrier Recombination Dynamics on the Device Characteristics for the Perovskite/Carbon Nitride Absorber-Layer Solar Cell
by Faisal Saeed, Muhammad Haseeb Khan, Haider Ali Tauqeer, Asfand Haroon, Asad Idrees, Syed Mzhar Shehrazi, Lukas Prokop, Vojtech Blazek, Stanislav Misak and Nasim Ullah
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 4012; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12224012 - 15 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1702
Abstract
The nitrogenated holey two-dimensional carbon nitride (C2N) has been efficaciously utilized in the fabrication of transistors, sensors, and batteries in recent years, but lacks application in the photovoltaic industry. The C2N possesses favorable optoelectronic properties. To investigate [...] Read more.
The nitrogenated holey two-dimensional carbon nitride (C2N) has been efficaciously utilized in the fabrication of transistors, sensors, and batteries in recent years, but lacks application in the photovoltaic industry. The C2N possesses favorable optoelectronic properties. To investigate its potential feasibility for solar cells (as either an absorber layer/interface layer), we foremost detailed the numerical modeling of the double-absorber-layer–methyl ammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) –carbon nitride (C2N) layer solar cell and subsequently provided in-depth insight into the active-layer-associated recombination losses limiting the efficiency (η) of the solar cell. Under the recombination kinetics phenomena, we explored the influence of radiative recombination, Auger recombination, Shockley Read Hall recombination, the energy distribution of defects, Band Tail recombination (Hoping Model), Gaussian distribution, and metastable defect states, including single-donor (0/+), single-acceptor (−/0), double-donor (0/+/2+), double-acceptor (2/−/0−), and the interface-layer defects on the output characteristics of the solar cell. Setting the defect (or trap) density to 1015cm3 with a uniform energy distribution of defects for all layers, we achieved an η of 24.16%. A considerable enhancement in power-conversion efficiency ( η~27%) was perceived as we reduced the trap density to 1014cm3 for the absorber layers. Furthermore, it was observed that, for the absorber layer with double-donor defect states, the active layer should be carefully synthesized to reduce crystal-order defects to keep the total defect density as low as 1017cm3 to achieve efficient device characteristics. Full article
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9 pages, 2618 KiB  
Article
Size-Dependent Phonon-Assisted Anti-Stokes Photoluminescence in Nanocrystals of Organometal Perovskites
by Kairolla Sekerbayev, Yerzhan Taurbayev, Gauhar Mussabek, Saule Baktygerey, Nikolay S. Pokryshkin, Valery G. Yakunin, Zhandos Utegulov and Victor Yu. Timoshenko
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(18), 3184; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12183184 - 14 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1435
Abstract
Anti-Stokes photoluminescence (ASPL), which is an up-conversion phonon-assisted process of the radiative recombination of photoexcited charge carriers, was investigated in methylammonium lead bromide (MALB) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) with mean sizes that varied from about 6 to 120 nm. The structure properties of the [...] Read more.
Anti-Stokes photoluminescence (ASPL), which is an up-conversion phonon-assisted process of the radiative recombination of photoexcited charge carriers, was investigated in methylammonium lead bromide (MALB) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) with mean sizes that varied from about 6 to 120 nm. The structure properties of the MALB NCs were investigated by means of the scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. ASPL spectra of MALB NCs were measured under near-resonant laser excitation with a photon energy of 2.33 eV and they were compared with the results of the photoluminescence (PL) measurements under non-resonant excitation at 3.06 eV to reveal a contribution of phonon-assisted processes in ASPL. MALB NCs with a mean size of about 6 nm were found to demonstrate the most efficient ASPL, which is explained by an enhanced contribution of the phonon absorption process during the photoexcitation of small NCs. The obtained results can be useful for the application of nanocrystalline organometal perovskites in optoelectronic and all-optical solid-state cooling devices. Full article
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15 pages, 4785 KiB  
Article
Low-Cost Inorganic Strontium Ferrite a Novel Hole Transporting Material for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
by Ankush Kumar Tangra, Mohammed Benali Kanoun, Souraya Goumri-Said, Ahmed-Ali Kanoun, Kevin Musselman, Jaspinder Kaur and Gurmeet Singh Lotey
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(5), 826; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12050826 - 01 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1967
Abstract
Perovskite solar cells attract significant interest due to their high-power conversion efficiencies. The replacement of charge-transporting layers using inorganic materials is an effective approach for improving stability and performance, as these materials are low-cost, highly durable, and environmentally friendly. This work focuses on [...] Read more.
Perovskite solar cells attract significant interest due to their high-power conversion efficiencies. The replacement of charge-transporting layers using inorganic materials is an effective approach for improving stability and performance, as these materials are low-cost, highly durable, and environmentally friendly. This work focuses on the inorganic hole and electron transport layers (HTL and ETL), strontium ferrite (SrFe2O4), and zinc oxide (ZnO), respectively, to enhance the efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Favorable band alignment and high charge-collection capability make these materials promising. Experimental and computational studies revealed that the power conversion efficiency of the fabricated device is 7.80% and 8.83%, respectively. Investigating electronic properties and interface charge transfer through density functional theory calculations further corroborated that SrFe2O4 is a good HTL candidate. Our numerical device modeling reveals the importance of optimizing the thickness (100 nm and 300 nm) of the HTL and perovskite layers and defect density (1016 cm−3) of the absorber to achieve better solar cell performance. Full article
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Review

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24 pages, 2832 KiB  
Review
A Review of Perovskite-Based Photodetectors and Their Applications
by Haiyan Wang, Yu Sun, Jin Chen, Fengchao Wang, Ruiyi Han, Canyun Zhang, Jinfang Kong, Lan Li and Jing Yang
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(24), 4390; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12244390 - 09 Dec 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6568
Abstract
Perovskite photodetectors have attracted much research and attention because of their outstanding photoelectric characteristics, such as good light harvesting capability, excellent carrier migration behavior, tunable band gap, and so on. Recently, the reported studies mainly focus on materials synthesis, device structure design, interface [...] Read more.
Perovskite photodetectors have attracted much research and attention because of their outstanding photoelectric characteristics, such as good light harvesting capability, excellent carrier migration behavior, tunable band gap, and so on. Recently, the reported studies mainly focus on materials synthesis, device structure design, interface engineering and physical mechanism analysis to improve the device characteristics, including stability, sensitivity, response speed, device noise, etc. This paper systematically summarizes the application fields and device structures of several perovskite photodetectors, including perovskite photoconductors, perovskite photodiodes, and perovskite phototransistors. Moreover, based on their molecular structure, 3D, 2D, 1D, and 0D perovskite photodetectors are introduced in detail. The research achievements and applications of perovskite photodetectors are summarized. Eventually, the future research directions and main challenges of perovskite photodetectors are prospected, and some possible solutions are proposed. The aim of the work is to provide a new thinking direction for further improving the performance of perovskite photodetectors. Full article
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