Stable and High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells Using Effective Additive Ytterbium Fluoride

Small. 2023 Nov;19(45):e2303017. doi: 10.1002/smll.202303017. Epub 2023 Jul 21.

Abstract

With better light utilization, larger tolerance factor, and higher power conversion efficiency (PCE), the HC(NH2 )2 + (FA)-based perovskite is proven superior to the popular CH3 NH3 + (MA)- and Cs-based halide perovskites in solar cell applications. Unfortunately, limited by intrinsic defects within the FA-based perovskite films, the perovskite films can be easily transformed into a yellow δ-phase at room temperature in the fabrication process, a troublesome challenge for its further development. Here, ytterbium fluoride (YbF3 ) is introduced into the perovskite precursor for three objectives. First of all, the partial substitution of Yb3+ for Pb2+ in the perovskite lattice increases the tolerance factor of the perovskite lattice and facilitates the formation of the α phase. Second, YbF3 and DMSO in the solvent form a Lewis acid complex YbF3 ·DMSO, which can passivate the perovskite film, reduce defects, and improve device stability. Consequently, the YbF3 modified Perovskite solar cell exhibits a champion conversion efficiency of 24.53% and still maintains 90% of its initial efficiency after 60 days of air exposure under 30% relative humidity.

Keywords: high efficiency; perovskite solar cell; precursor; stable; ytterbium fluoride.