This study introduces a novel approach centered around the design and synthesis of an interfacial passivating layer in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). This architectural innovation is realized through the development of a specialized material, termed dithiafulvene end-capped Spiro[fluorene-9,9'-xanthene], denoted by the acronym AF32. In this design architecture, dithiafulvene is thoughtfully attached to the spiroxanthene fluorene core with phenothiazine as the spacer unit, possessing multiple alkyl chains. AF32 passivates interfacial defects by coordinating the sulfur constituents of the phenothiazine and dithiafulvene frameworks to the uncoordinated Pb2+ cations on the surface of the perovskite film, and the alkyl chains construct a hydrophobic environment, preventing moisture from entering the hydrophilic perovskite layer and improving the long-term stability of PSCs. Furthermore, this conductive interlayer facilitates hole transport in PSCs due to its well-aligned molecular orbital levels. Such improvements translated into an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.6% for the device employing 1.5 mg/mL AF32, and it maintained 85% of its initial PCE after more than 1800 h under ambient conditions [illumination and 45 ± 5% relative humidity (RH)]. This study not only marks progress in photovoltaic technology but also expands our understanding of manipulating interfacial properties for optimized device performance and stability.
Keywords: bridging layer; dithiafulvene; efficiency and stability; molecular engineering; perovskite solar cells; uncoordinated Pb2+.