Enhanced device efficiency and long-term stability via boronic acid-based self-assembled monolayer modification of indium tin oxide in a planar perovskite solar cell

WOS:000444355700085PubMed:30088757Interfacial engineering is essential for the development of highly efficient and stable solar cells through minimizing energetic losses at interfaces. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been shown as a handle to tune the work function (WF) of indium tin oxide (ITO), improving photovoltaic cell performance and device stability. In this study, we utilize a new class of boronic acid-based fluorine-terminated SAMs to modify ITO surfaces in planar perovskite solar cells. The SAM treatment demonstrates an increase of the WF of ITO, an enhancement of the short-circuit current, and a passivation of trap states at the ITO/[poly(3,4ethylenedioxylenethiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic acid)] interface. Device stability improves upon SAM modification, with efficiency decreasing only 20% after one month. Our work highlights a simple treatment route to achieve hysteresis-free, reproducible, stable, and highly efficient (16%) planar perovskite solar cells.Tubitak 2211-C special areas [1649B031502037]; TubitakTurkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [Tubitak 2214/A-1059B141501315]; Turkey Scholarship Council [2214/A -1059B141501316]; Office of Naval ResearchOffice of Naval Research [N00014-16-1-2612, N000147-14-1-0053]We acknowledge to Haydar Akdag and Dr. Cisem Kirbiyik for their valuable discussion during the study. D.A.K. thank to (Tubitak 2211-C special areas -1649B031502037) and to Tubitak research fellowship (Tubitak 2214/A-1059B141501315). K.K. thank to Turkey Scholarship Council (2214/A -1059B141501316). J.J.K., D.L.G.A., E.K.B., and A.L.B. acknowledge the Office of Naval Research (N00014-16-1-2612 and N000147-14-1-0053)