Improving the performance of nickel oxide-based MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells

Steensma, B. (2017) Improving the performance of nickel oxide-based MAPbI3 perovskite solar cells. Master's Thesis / Essay, Applied Physics.

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Abstract

In this thesis perovskite solar cells are investigated with an active layer of MAPbI3 and a HTL of NiO. The inorganic NiO was chosen since it is more stable (in air) than organic HTLs, and leads to a higher Voc. Furthermore both MAPbI3 and NiO are solution processable, which allows for upscaling, and therefore a reduction in the production costs. Two device structures were studied, where the ETL was varied between PTEG-1 and PCBM. The solvent used to process this layer was varied between chlorobenzene and chloroform. Overall the devices made with PTEG-1 achieved about 3% higher power conversion efficiencies, with the champion cell reaching 17.7%. The change of ETL from PCBM to PTEG-1 resulted in a Jsc of up to 23 mA/cm2, an increase of nearly 3 mA/cm2, while further slightly improving the Voc from 1.05 V to 1.1 V. The increase of Jsc and Voc can possibly be explained by the reduction of trap-assisted recombination at the perovskite-ETL interface. Both device structures show a severe light soaking effect, and have inconsistent fill factors, reaching anywhere from 35% to 70%. Changing the solvent for PTEG-1 from chlorobenzene to chloroform reduced the light soaking effect significantly, possibly due to an improved morphology. The addition of the ternary solvent NMP to the perovskite solution combined with an anti-solvent treatment, was investigated in order to improve the fill factor of the devices. The morphology improved considerably, allowing for fill factors up to 73%: the highest in this thesis. Unfortunately the Jsc and Voc were reduced due to thinner MAPbI3 films. Next, three different precursors for the NiO were explored. The thickness and morphology of the NiO layers were subsequently studied, aiming at improving the NiO layer. Finally a qualitative experiment is presented, which discusses the influence and necessity of scrubbing of the ITO anodic contacts.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay)
Degree programme:	Applied Physics
Thesis type:	Master's Thesis / Essay
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	15 Feb 2018 08:31
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2018 08:31
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/15827

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