Development of Hole Transport Materials for Stable and High Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells and Processing Technologies

The main objective of this project is to research and develop the hole transport materials (HTM) and p-type materials for stable and high efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSS) and the related processing technologies. The keys rely on more suitable HTMs that can improve the electrical conductivity and carrier transport characteristics. It will be essential to design and match the energy levels and interfacial characteristics between the perovskite sensitizers and the contact metal layers. A comprehensive investigation of the solar cell materials and devices need to be carried out. The three year objectives are listed below.  First year: To establish a standard platform for the perovskite solar cells by all layer structures, cell assembly process, and cell performance tests. The target is a stable and higher than 10% electro-optical efficiency. We will start by synthesizing new carbazole-based HTM materials and doping with cation salts of different structures. A series of iodine containing ionic liquids will be introduced to improve the interfacial characteristics. To develop patent processes that can be used to reduce cell internal resistance (RS) and to increase the cells fill factor (FF), thus improving the solar cell efficiency.  Second year: To further investigate polymer and inorganic HTM materials for perovskite solar cells. They are more environmentally stable than the small molecules. The suitable processing technologies need to be developed. Polymer HTM based on PEDOT and ProDOT will be investigated. The correlation among film deposition, spectral absorption, doping, and charge transport will be used to improve the solar cell efficiency. We will develop wet processes based on MoO3, MoS2, CuSCN, and dope by metals, and carbon derived C60, PCBM, graphene to improve the conductivity. It is essential to 19 control the film surface structure and to increase the layer contact characteristics.  Third year: To develop solar cell packaging materials and methods, including low temperature processes for flexible substrates. We will optimize the solar cell performance by integrating with the novel perovskite layers and high mobility, high transparent flexible substrates in the group project. The instrumental study includes EIS analysis for interfacial capacitance and resistance. Laser transient experiments will also be carried out to understand the fundamental characteristics, so that we can get the best possible performance. The project target for flexible perovskite solar cell efficiency is higher than 15%。

Project ID:PB10408-5750
External Project ID:MOST104-2221-E182-073