Exploring the Properties of Hole-Transport Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells: Toward Scalable and Ultra-Flexible Applications
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Metal halide perovskites are a promising and cost-effective option for high-efficiency solar cells. However, challenges related to stability and scalability remain. This thesis focuses on optimizing the deposition process and investigating the impact of [2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (2PACz) stability and performance of inverted perovskite solar cells for both rigid and ultra-flexible substrates. The morphological and energetic properties of 2PACz films deposited via scalable methods such as spray coating and thermal evaporation, were systematically studied. Comprehensive characterization of 2PACz monolayers and thick films revealed that spray-coated 2PACz can slightly enhance performance. In contrast, thermally evaporated 2PACz requires post-deposition treatment and exhibits lower stability than its solution-processed counterpart. Additionally, proof-of-concept perovskite solar modules were fabricated, demonstrating that spray coating is a promising and scalable technique for 2PACz deposition. Furthermore, this work explores the application of carbazole based self-assembled monolayer (SAM) hole transport materials, specifically 2PACz, in the fabrication of ultra-flexible perovskite solar cells. A dual-hole transport layer architecture was investigated, where 2PACz serves as a passivation layer on nickel oxide (NiOX) nanoparticles, enabling record stability of 1,200 h under inert conditions with negligible power conversion efficiency degradation. Ambient stability was also significantly improved by implementing a flexible gas barrier while maintaining ultra-thin and lightweight properties. Finally, a preliminary characterization of the 2PACz/perovskite interface stability was conducted, comparing photo and thermal decomposition processes with and without 2PACz passivation. The results highlight the necessity of advanced interface-sensitive techniques to probe buried interface characteristics under conditions that closely resemble real device operation conditions.
DOI: 10.15102/0002000981
Author: Rabehi, Ilhem Nadia
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7111390169
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