Emerging Trends in Electron Transport Layer Development for Stable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) stand at the forefront of photovoltaic research, with current efficiencies surpassing 26.1%. This review critically examines the role of electron transport materials (ETMs) in enhancing the performance and longevity of PSCs. It presents an integrated overview of recent advancements in ETMs, like TiO₂, ZnO, SnO₂, fullerenes, non-fullerene polymers, and small molecules. Critical challenges are regulated grain structure, defect passivation techniques, energy level alignment, and interfacial engineering. Furthermore, the review highlights innovative materials that promise to redefine charge transport in PSCs. A detailed comparison of state-of-the-art ETMs elucidates their effectiveness in different perovskite systems. This review endeavors to inform the strategic enhancement and development of n-type electron transport layers (ETLs), delineating a pathway toward the realization of PSCs with superior efficiency and stability for potential commercial deployment.

Keywords: carrier recombination; device stability; electron transport layer; interface modification; perovskite solar cells.