Recent Advances in Metal Oxide Electron Transport Layers for Enhancing the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted considerable interest owing to their low processing costs and high efficiency. A crucial component of these devices is the electron transport layer (ETL), which plays a key role in extracting and transmitting light-induced electrons, modifying interfaces, and adjusting surface energy levels. This minimizes charge recombination in PSCs, a critical factor in their performance. Among the various ETL materials, titanium dioxide (TiO ₂) and tin dioxide (SnO ₂) stand out due to their excellent electron mobility, suitable band alignment, high transparency, and stability. TiO ₂ is widely used because of its appropriate conduction band position, easy fabrication, and favorable charge extraction properties. SnO ₂, on the other hand, offers higher electron mobility, better stability under UV illumination, and lower processing temperatures, making it a promising alternative. This paper summarizes the latest advancements in the research of electron transport materials, including material selection and a discussion of electron collection. Additionally, it examines doping techniques that enhance electron mobility and surface modification technologies that improve interface quality and reduce recombination. The impact of these parameters on the performance and passivation behavior of PSCs is also examined. Technological advancements in the ETL, especially those involving TiO ₂ and SnO ₂, are currently a prominent research direction for achieving high-efficiency PSCs. This review covers the current state and future directions in ETL research for PSCs, highlighting the crucial role of TiO ₂ and SnO ₂ in enhancing device performance.