Researchers have developed a new approach to improve the efficiency of n–i–p perovskite solar cells, which have been lagging behind their p–i–n counterparts. The performance gap is due to non-radiative recombination at the electron transport layer (ETL)/perovskite interfaces. The team discovered that this issue stems from band misalignment and electron accumulation at the interface. To tackle this, they created a graded n+/n-doped SnO2 ETL using a ligand-competitive binding strategy, which establishes a built-in electric field. This innovation reduces band offset and speeds up electron extraction, significantly decreasing recombination losses. As a result, the n–i–p perovskite solar cells achieved a record power conversion efficiency of 27.17%, with scalability demonstrated in larger devices. This breakthrough offers a new paradigm for energy-band engineering in metal-oxide transport layers, addressing a key efficiency bottleneck in perovskite photovoltaics.
QUESTION: How might advancements in solar cell efficiency impact the future of renewable energy and its adoption in everyday life?
