Journal Article

2D metal–organic framework for stable perovskite solar cells with minimized lead leakage

Liu, Tiantian, Li, Zhen, Mu-Qing, Li, Tieu, Peter, Jen, Alex K-Y, Lin, Francis, Pan Xiaoqing, Diao Yingxue, Xu, Zhengtao, Zhu Zonglong, Gao Wenpei, Wu Shengfan, Feng, Qi, Zhang, Jie

2020

Overview

Despite the notable progress in perovskite solar cells, maintaining long-term operational stability and minimizing potentially leaked lead (Pb2+) ions are two challenges that are yet to be resolved. Here we address these issues using a thiol-functionalized 2D conjugated metal–organic framework as an electron-extraction layer at the perovskite/cathode interface. The resultant devices exhibit high power conversion efficiency (22.02%) along with a substantially improved long-term operational stability. The perovskite solar cell modified with a metal–organic framework could retain more than 90% of its initial efficiency under accelerated testing conditions, that is continuous light irradiation at maximum power point tracking for 1,000 h at 85 °C. More importantly, the functionalized metal–organic framework could capture most of the Pb2+ leaked from the degraded perovskite solar cells by forming water-insoluble solids. Therefore, this method that simultaneously tackles the operational stability and lead contamination issues in perovskite solar cells could greatly improve the feasibility of large-scale deployment of perovskite photovoltaic technology.Two-dimensional conjugated metal–organic frameworks used as an electron-extraction layer enable the realization of highly stable perovskite solar cells with minimized lead ion leakage.

• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• Subject: Accelerated tests / Contamination / Energy conversion efficiency / Irradiation / Lead / Leakage / Light irradiation / Maximum power tracking / Metal-organic frameworks / Metals / Perovskites / Photovoltaic cells / Photovoltaics / Radiation / Solar cells / Stability