Novel Additive Boosts Efficiency of Tin Halide Solar Cells

• Revolutionary tin halide perovskite solar cell developed with 4PTSC additive for enhanced efficiency and stability. Eco-friendly option for photovoltaics.

Researchers led by Chungbuk National University in South Korea have developed a tin halide perovskite solar cell using the additive 4-Phenylthiosemicarbazide (4PTSC) to reduce imperfections in the perovskite layer. The use of wide bandgap tin halide perovskites could offer an eco-friendly option for multi-junction photovoltaics, but rapid crystallization often leads to poor film morphology and defect states, lowering device efficiency. The team's work aims to address these issues by introducing a multifunctional additive that enhances solution stability and delays perovskite crystallization, resulting in defect-free films with improved crystal growth.

The 4PTSC additive interacts with uncoordinated Sn ions to reduce defect states, prevent Sn oxidation, and enhance carrier lifetime and extraction in the solar cell. The cell design includes an ITO substrate, PEDOT:PSS hole transport layer, perovskite absorber, PCBM electron acceptor, BCP buffer layer, and Ag metal contact. Tested under standard illumination conditions, the cell achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency of 12.22% and demonstrated exceptional stability over 1,200 hours without encapsulation.

How does 4PTSC additive improve efficiency and stability of tin halide perovskite solar cells?

• The 4PTSC additive interacts with uncoordinated Sn ions to reduce defect states in the tin halide perovskite layer
  
• It helps prevent Sn oxidation and enhances carrier lifetime and extraction in the solar cell
  
• The cell design includes an ITO substrate, PEDOT:PSS hole transport layer, perovskite absorber, PCBM electron acceptor, BCP buffer layer, and Ag metal contact
• Under standard illumination conditions, the cell achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency of 12.22%
• The cell demonstrated exceptional stability over 1,200 hours without encapsulation, showcasing the effectiveness of the 4PTSC additive in improving efficiency and stability of tin halide perovskite solar cells.