Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Incorporation of 1-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2-thiourea (PhTu-COOH) as a passivation agent significantly reduces trap-state density in printed MAPbI3 perovskite films. • PhTu-COOH modification leads to a notable increase in power conversion efficiency from 17.29% to 20.22% and open-circuit voltage from 1.043 V to 1.143 V. • Enhanced operational stability is achieved due to reduced trap-assisted nonradiative recombination. • Blade-coating method demonstrates scalability with a large-area module (11.28 cm2) achieving 17.07% PCE with negligible VOC loss.
Abstract
Although the certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single-junction perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has achieved a high level of 27%, approaching the single-crystalline silicon solar cells, the device stability remains an urgent issue to be resolved for the commercialization. Defect passivation emerged as a viable approach to enhance the operational stability of the solar devices. Herein, phenylthiourea (PhTu) derivatives are selected as effective passivation agents to enhance the optoelectronic properties of printed methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) films. It is demonstrated that incorporating a small amount of 1-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2-thiourea (PhTu-COOH) significantly reduces the trap-state density and leads to longer carrier lifetime of the perovskite films. As a result, the inverted solar device made of PhTu-COOH-modified MAPbI3 perovskite film shows remarkably improved efficiency (from 17.29% to 20.22%) and obviously increased open-circuit voltage (VOC) (from 1.043 to 1.143 V), as compared with the pristine device. Moreover, the PhTu-COOH-modified PSCs exhibit enhanced operational stability due to the significantly reduced trap-state density. Finally, the optimized solar module fabricated with an active area of 11.28 cm2 delivers a high PCE of 17.07% with negligible VOC loss, demonstrating the feasibility of the blade-coating method for large-area perovskite film deposition.
1. Introduction
The metal halide perovskite semiconductors show great potential for the fabrication of highly efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to their intriguing optoelectronic properties such as high optical absorption coefficient, tunable compositions, long carrier diffusion length, and high charge mobility[1−5]. Currently, the certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single-junction PSCs has soared to a high level of 27%, greatly approaching the single-crystalline silicon solar cells[6].
Despite the impressive progress, there are unavoidable defects at the grain boundaries (GBs) and film surface of perovskites during the low-temperature solution processing and rapid crystallization[7−10]. These defects, such as undercoordinated Pb2+ cations, vacancies (VMA, VI, etc.), lead to trap-assisted nonradiative recombination centers, oxygen/moisture invasion an
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Jinlong Hu, Runxin Li, Qiongfeng Zhan, Jiajun Qin, Dadong Wen, Bing Yi, Huisheng Peng, and Zhihang Tang (2025). Overcoming photovoltage deficit via phenylthiourea derivatives for efficient printed perovskite solar cells with enhanced stability. SinoTechIntel Verified Research. https://doi.org/10.1088/1674-4926/25080006
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main challenge addressed in this study?
The study addresses the stability issues and photovoltage deficit in perovskite solar cells, which hinder commercialization despite high efficiencies.
How does phenylthiourea derivative improve device performance?
Incorporating 1-(4-carboxyphenyl)-2-thiourea (PhTu-COOH) reduces trap-state density, leading to longer carrier lifetime, increased efficiency, and open-circuit voltage.
What are the key efficiency improvements reported?
The efficiency improved from 17.29% to 20.22%, and open-circuit voltage increased from 1.043 V to 1.143 V.
Is the method scalable for large-area modules?
Yes, a module with an active area of 11.28 cm2 achieved a PCE of 17.07% with negligible VOC loss, demonstrating the feasibility of blade-coating for large-area deposition.
What is the significance of enhanced operational stability?
Reduced trap-state density enhances operational stability, which is crucial for the long-term performance and commercialization of perovskite solar cells.
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