@article{ZhangHosseiniGunderetal.2019,
  author    = {Zhang, Shanshan and Hosseini, Seyed Mehrdad and Gunder, Rene and Petsiuk, Andrei and Caprioglio, Pietro and Wolff, Christian Michael and Shoaee, Safa and Meredith, Paul and Schorr, Susan and Unold, Thomas and Burn, Paul L. and Neher, Dieter and Stolterfoht, Martin},
  title     = {The Role of Bulk and Interface Recombination in High-Efficiency Low-Dimensional Perovskite Solar Cells},
  series = {Advanced materials},
  volume    = {31},
  journal   = {Advanced materials},
  number    = {30},
  publisher = {Wiley-VCH},
  address   = {Weinheim},
  issn      = {0935-9648},
  doi       = {10.1002/adma.201901090},
  pages     = {11},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {2D Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite (RPP) solar cells have excellent environmental stability. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of RPP cells remains inferior to 3D perovskite-based cells. Herein, 2D (CH3(CH2)(3)NH3)(2)(CH3NH3)(n-1)PbnI3n+1 perovskite cells with different numbers of [PbI6](4-) sheets (n = 2-4) are analyzed. Photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) measurements show that nonradiative open-circuit voltage (V-OC) losses outweigh radiative losses in materials with n > 2. The n = 3 and n = 4 films exhibit a higher PLQY than the standard 3D methylammonium lead iodide perovskite although this is accompanied by increased interfacial recombination at the top perovskite/C-60 interface. This tradeoff results in a similar PLQY in all devices, including the n = 2 system where the perovskite bulk dominates the recombination properties of the cell. In most cases the quasi-Fermi level splitting matches the device V-OC within 20 meV, which indicates minimal recombination losses at the metal contacts. The results show that poor charge transport rather than exciton dissociation is the primary reason for the reduction in fill factor of the RPP devices. Optimized n = 4 RPP solar cells had PCEs of 13\% with significant potential for further improvements.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{WolffZuPaulkeetal.2017,
  author    = {Wolff, Christian Michael and Zu, Fengshuo and Paulke, Andreas and Toro, Lorena Perdigon and Koch, Norbert and Neher, Dieter},
  title     = {Reduced Interface-Mediated Recombination for High Open-Circuit Voltages in CH3NH3PbI3 Solar Cells},
  series = {Advanced materials},
  volume    = {29},
  journal   = {Advanced materials},
  publisher = {Wiley-VCH},
  address   = {Weinheim},
  issn      = {0935-9648},
  doi       = {10.1002/adma.201700159},
  pages     = {8},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Perovskite solar cells with all-organic transport layers exhibit efficiencies rivaling their counterparts that employ inorganic transport layers, while avoiding high-temperature processing. Herein, it is investigated how the choice of the fullerene derivative employed in the electron-transporting layer of inverted perovskite cells affects the open-circuit voltage (V-OC). It is shown that nonradiative recombination mediated by the electron-transporting layer is the limiting factor for the V-OC in the cells. By inserting an ultrathin layer of an insulating polymer between the active CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite and the fullerene, an external radiative efficiency of up to 0.3\%, a V-OC as high as 1.16 V, and a power conversion efficiency of 19.4\% are realized. The results show that the reduction of nonradiative recombination due to charge-blocking at the perovskite/organic interface is more important than proper level alignment in the search for ideal selective contacts toward high V-OC and efficiency.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{WolffCaprioglioStolterfohtetal.2019,
  author    = {Wolff, Christian Michael and Caprioglio, Pietro and Stolterfoht, Martin and Neher, Dieter},
  title     = {Nonradiative recombination in perovskite solar cells},
  series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {772},
  issn      = {1866-8372},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-43762},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-437626},
  pages     = {20},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Perovskite solar cells combine high carrier mobilities with long carrier lifetimes and high radiative efficiencies. Despite this, full devices suffer from significant nonradiative recombination losses, limiting their VOC to values well below the Shockley-Queisser limit. Here, recent advances in understanding nonradiative recombination in perovskite solar cells from picoseconds to steady state are presented, with an emphasis on the interfaces between the perovskite absorber and the charge transport layers. Quantification of the quasi-Fermi level splitting in perovskite films with and without attached transport layers allows to identify the origin of nonradiative recombination, and to explain the VOC of operational devices. These measurements prove that in state-of-the-art solar cells, nonradiative recombination at the interfaces between the perovskite and the transport layers is more important than processes in the bulk or at grain boundaries. Optical pump-probe techniques give complementary access to the interfacial recombination pathways and provide quantitative information on transfer rates and recombination velocities. Promising optimization strategies are also highlighted, in particular in view of the role of energy level alignment and the importance of surface passivation. Recent record perovskite solar cells with low nonradiative losses are presented where interfacial recombination is effectively overcome—paving the way to the thermodynamic efficiency limit.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{WolffCaprioglioStolterfohtetal.2019,
  author    = {Wolff, Christian Michael and Caprioglio, Pietro and Stolterfoht, Martin and Neher, Dieter},
  title     = {Nonradiative Recombination in Perovskite Solar Cells},
  series = {Advanced materials},
  volume    = {31},
  journal   = {Advanced materials},
  number    = {52},
  publisher = {Wiley-VCH},
  address   = {Weinheim},
  issn      = {0935-9648},
  doi       = {10.1002/adma.201902762},
  pages     = {20},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Perovskite solar cells combine high carrier mobilities with long carrier lifetimes and high radiative efficiencies. Despite this, full devices suffer from significant nonradiative recombination losses, limiting their V-OC to values well below the Shockley-Queisser limit. Here, recent advances in understanding nonradiative recombination in perovskite solar cells from picoseconds to steady state are presented, with an emphasis on the interfaces between the perovskite absorber and the charge transport layers. Quantification of the quasi-Fermi level splitting in perovskite films with and without attached transport layers allows to identify the origin of nonradiative recombination, and to explain the V-OC of operational devices. These measurements prove that in state-of-the-art solar cells, nonradiative recombination at the interfaces between the perovskite and the transport layers is more important than processes in the bulk or at grain boundaries. Optical pump-probe techniques give complementary access to the interfacial recombination pathways and provide quantitative information on transfer rates and recombination velocities. Promising optimization strategies are also highlighted, in particular in view of the role of energy level alignment and the importance of surface passivation. Recent record perovskite solar cells with low nonradiative losses are presented where interfacial recombination is effectively overcome-paving the way to the thermodynamic efficiency limit.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Wolff2020,
  author    = {Wolff, Christian Michael},
  title     = {Identification and reduction of losses in perovskite solar cells},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-47930},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-479301},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam},
  pages     = {x, 158},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Perovskite solar cells have become one of the most studied systems in the quest for new, cheap and efficient solar cell materials. Within a decade device efficiencies have risen to >25\% in single-junction and >29\% in tandem devices on top of silicon. This rapid improvement was in many ways fortunate, as e. g. the energy levels of commonly used halide perovskites are compatible with already existing materials from other photovoltaic technologies such as dye-sensitized or organic solar cells. Despite this rapid success, fundamental working principles must be understood to allow concerted further improvements. This thesis focuses on a comprehensive understanding of recombination processes in functioning devices. First the impact the energy level alignment between the perovskite and the electron transport layer based on fullerenes is investigated. This controversial topic is comprehensively addressed and recombination is mitigated through reducing the energy difference between the perovskite conduction band minimum and the LUMO of the fullerene. Additionally, an insulating blocking layer is introduced, which is even more effective in reducing this recombination, without compromising carrier collection and thus efficiency. With the rapid efficiency development (certified efficiencies have broken through the 20\% ceiling) and thousands of researchers working on perovskite-based optoelectronic devices, reliable protocols on how to reach these efficiencies are lacking. Having established robust methods for >20\% devices, while keeping track of possible pitfalls, a detailed description of the fabrication of perovskite solar cells at the highest efficiency level (>20\%) is provided. The fabrication of low-temperature p-i-n structured devices is described, commenting on important factors such as practical experience, processing atmosphere \& temperature, material purity and solution age. Analogous to reliable fabrication methods, a method to identify recombination losses is needed to further improve efficiencies. Thus, absolute photoluminescence is identified as a direct way to quantify the Quasi-Fermi level splitting of the perovskite absorber (1.21eV) and interfacial recombination losses the transport layers impose, reducing the latter to ~1.1eV. Implementing very thin interlayers at both the p- and n-interface (PFN-P2 and LiF, respectively), these losses are suppressed, enabling a VOC of up to 1.17eV. Optimizing the device dimensions and the bandgap, 20\% devices with 1cm2 active area are demonstrated. Another important consideration is the solar cells' stability if subjected to field-relevant stressors during operation. In particular these are heat, light, bias or a combination thereof. Perovskite layers - especially those incorporating organic cations - have been shown to degrade if subjected to these stressors. Keeping in mind that several interlayers have been successfully used to mitigate recombination losses, a family of perfluorinated self-assembled monolayers (X-PFCn, where X denotes I/Br and n = 7-12) are introduced as interlayers at the n-interface. Indeed, they reduce interfacial recombination losses enabling device efficiencies up to 21.3\%. Even more importantly they improve the stability of the devices. The solar cells with IPFC10 are stable over 3000h stored in the ambient and withstand a harsh 250h of MPP at 85◦C without appreciable efficiency losses. To advance further and improve device efficiencies, a sound understanding of the photophysics of a device is imperative. Many experimental observations in recent years have however drawn an inconclusive picture, often suffering from technical of physical impediments, disguising e. g. capacitive discharge as recombination dynamics. To circumvent these obstacles, fully operational, highly efficient perovskites solar cells are investigated by a combination of multiple optical and optoelectronic probes, allowing to draw a conclusive picture of the recombination dynamics in operation. Supported by drift-diffusion simulations, the device recombination dynamics can be fully described by a combination of first-, second- and third-order recombination and JV curves as well as luminescence efficiencies over multiple illumination intensities are well described within the model. On this basis steady state carrier densities, effective recombination constants, densities-of-states and effective masses are calculated, putting the devices at the brink of the radiative regime. Moreover, a comprehensive review of recombination in state-of-the-art devices is given, highlighting the importance of interfaces in nonradiative recombination. Different strategies to assess these are discussed, before emphasizing successful strategies to reduce interfacial recombination and pointing towards the necessary steps to further improve device efficiency and stability. Overall, the main findings represent an advancement in understanding loss mechanisms in highly efficient solar cells. Different reliable optoelectronic techniques are used and interfacial losses are found to be of grave importance for both efficiency and stability. Addressing the interfaces, several interlayers are introduced, which mitigate recombination losses and degradation.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{WangMosconiWolffetal.2019,
  author    = {Wang, Qiong and Mosconi, Edoardo and Wolff, Christian Michael and Li, Junming and Neher, Dieter and De Angelis, Filippo and Suranna, Gian Paolo and Grisorio, Roberto and Abate, Antonio},
  title     = {Rationalizing the molecular design of hole-selective contacts to improve charge extraction in Perovskite solar cells},
  series = {dvanced energy materials},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {dvanced energy materials},
  number    = {28},
  publisher = {Wiley-VCH},
  address   = {Weinheim},
  issn      = {1614-6832},
  doi       = {10.1002/aenm.201900990},
  pages     = {9},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Two new hole selective materials (HSMs) based on dangling methylsulfanyl groups connected to the C-9 position of the fluorene core are synthesized and applied in perovskite solar cells. Being structurally similar to a half of Spiro-OMeTAD molecule, these HSMs (referred as FS and DFS) share similar redox potentials but are endowed with slightly higher hole mobility, due to the planarity and large extension of their structure. Competitive power conversion efficiency (up to 18.6\%) is achieved by using the new HSMs in suitable perovskite solar cells. Time-resolved photoluminescence decay measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy show more efficient charge extraction at the HSM/perovskite interface with respect to Spiro-OMeTAD, which is reflected in higher photocurrents exhibited by DFS/FS-integrated perovskite solar cells. Density functional theory simulations reveal that the interactions of methylammonium with methylsulfanyl groups in DFS/FS strengthen their electrostatic attraction with the perovskite surface, providing an additional path for hole extraction compared to the sole presence of methoxy groups in Spiro-OMeTAD. Importantly, the low-cost synthesis of FS makes it significantly attractive for the future commercialization of perovskite solar cells.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{VollbrechtBrus2021,
  author    = {Vollbrecht, Joachim and Brus, Viktor V.},
  title     = {Effects of recombination order on open-circuit voltage decay measurements of organic and perovskite solar cells},
  series = {Energies : open-access journal of related scientific research, technology development and studies in policy and management / Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)},
  volume    = {14},
  journal   = {Energies : open-access journal of related scientific research, technology development and studies in policy and management / Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)},
  number    = {16},
  publisher = {MDPI},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1996-1073},
  doi       = {10.3390/en14164800},
  pages     = {16},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Non-geminate recombination, as one of the most relevant loss mechanisms in organic and perovskite solar cells, deserves special attention in research efforts to further increase device performance. It can be subdivided into first, second, and third order processes, which can be elucidated by the effects that they have on the time-dependent open-circuit voltage decay. In this study, analytical expressions for the open-circuit voltage decay exhibiting one of the aforementioned recombination mechanisms were derived. It was possible to support the analytical models with experimental examples of three different solar cells, each of them dominated either by first (PBDBT:CETIC-4F), second (PM6:Y6), or third (irradiated CH3NH3PbI3) order recombination. Furthermore, a simple approach to estimate the dominant recombination process was also introduced and tested on these examples. Moreover, limitations of the analytical models and the measurement technique itself were discussed.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{UchidaBinetAroraetal.2018,
  author    = {Uchida, Ryusuke and Binet, Silvia and Arora, Neha and Jacopin, Gwenole and Alotaibi, Mohammad Hayal and Taubert, Andreas and Zakeeruddin, Shaik Mohammed and Dar, M. Ibrahim and Graetzel, Michael},
  title     = {Insights about the Absence of Rb Cation from the 3D Perovskite Lattice},
  series = {Small},
  volume    = {14},
  journal   = {Small},
  number    = {36},
  publisher = {Wiley-VCH},
  address   = {Weinheim},
  issn      = {1613-6810},
  doi       = {10.1002/smll.201802033},
  pages     = {7},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {Efficiencies >20\% are obtained from the perovskite solar cells (PSCs) employing Cs+ and Rb+ based perovskite compositions; therefore, it is important to understand the effect of these inorganic cations specifically Rb+ on the properties of perovskite structures. Here the influence of Cs+ and Rb+ is elucidated on the structural, morphological, and photophysical properties of perovskite structures and the photovoltaic performances of resulting PSCs. Structural, photoluminescence (PL), and external quantum efficiency studies establish the incorporation of Cs+ (x < 10\%) but amply rule out the possibility of Rb-incorporation into the MAPbI(3) (MA = CH3NH3+) lattice. Moreover, morphological studies and time-resolved PL show that both Cs+ and Rb+ detrimentally affect the surface coverage of MAPbI(3) layers and charge-carrier dynamics, respectively, by influencing nucleation density and by inducing nonradiative recombination. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry shows that the transition from orthorhombic to tetragonal phase occurring around 160 K requires more thermal energy for the Cs-containing MAPbI(3) systems compared to the pristine MAPbI(3). Investigation including mixed halide (I/Br) and mixed cation A-cation based compositions further confirms the absence of Rb+ from the 3D-perovskite lattice. The fundamental insights gained through this work will be of great significance to further understand highly promising perovskite compositions.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{StolterfohtGrischekCaprioglioetal.2020,
  author    = {Stolterfoht, Martin and Grischek, Max and Caprioglio, Pietro and Wolff, Christian Michael and Gutierrez-Partida, Emilio and Pe{\~n}a-Camargo, Francisco and Rothhardt, Daniel and Zhang, Shanshan and Raoufi, Meysam and Wolansky, Jakob and Abdi-Jalebi, Mojtaba and Stranks, Samuel D. and Albrecht, Steve and Kirchartz, Thomas and Neher, Dieter},
  title     = {How to quantify the efficiency potential of neat perovskite films},
  series = {Zweitver{\"o}ffentlichungen der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Zweitver{\"o}ffentlichungen der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {17},
  issn      = {1866-8372},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-51662},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-516622},
  pages     = {12},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Perovskite photovoltaic (PV) cells have demonstrated power conversion efficiencies (PCE) that are close to those of monocrystalline silicon cells; however, in contrast to silicon PV, perovskites are not limited by Auger recombination under 1-sun illumination. Nevertheless, compared to GaAs and monocrystalline silicon PV, perovskite cells have significantly lower fill factors due to a combination of resistive and non-radiative recombination losses. This necessitates a deeper understanding of the underlying loss mechanisms and in particular the ideality factor of the cell. By measuring the intensity dependence of the external open-circuit voltage and the internal quasi-Fermi level splitting (QFLS), the transport resistance-free efficiency of the complete cell as well as the efficiency potential of any neat perovskite film with or without attached transport layers are quantified. Moreover, intensity-dependent QFLS measurements on different perovskite compositions allows for disentangling of the impact of the interfaces and the perovskite surface on the non-radiative fill factor and open-circuit voltage loss. It is found that potassium-passivated triple cation perovskite films stand out by their exceptionally high implied PCEs > 28\%, which could be achieved with ideal transport layers. Finally, strategies are presented to reduce both the ideality factor and transport losses to push the efficiency to the thermodynamic limit.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{StolterfohtGrischekCaprioglioetal.2020,
  author    = {Stolterfoht, Martin and Grischek, Max and Caprioglio, Pietro and Wolff, Christian Michael and Gutierrez-Partida, Emilio and Pe{\~n}a-Camargo, Francisco and Rothhardt, Daniel and Zhang, Shanshan and Raoufi, Meysam and Wolansky, Jakob and Abdi-Jalebi, Mojtaba and Stranks, Samuel D. and Albrecht, Steve and Kirchartz, Thomas and Neher, Dieter},
  title     = {How to quantify the efficiency potential of neat perovskite films},
  series = {Advanced Materials},
  volume    = {32},
  journal   = {Advanced Materials},
  number    = {17},
  publisher = {Wiley-VCH},
  address   = {Weinheim},
  issn      = {0935-9648},
  doi       = {10.1002/adma.202000080},
  pages     = {1 -- 10},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Perovskite photovoltaic (PV) cells have demonstrated power conversion efficiencies (PCE) that are close to those of monocrystalline silicon cells; however, in contrast to silicon PV, perovskites are not limited by Auger recombination under 1-sun illumination. Nevertheless, compared to GaAs and monocrystalline silicon PV, perovskite cells have significantly lower fill factors due to a combination of resistive and non-radiative recombination losses. This necessitates a deeper understanding of the underlying loss mechanisms and in particular the ideality factor of the cell. By measuring the intensity dependence of the external open-circuit voltage and the internal quasi-Fermi level splitting (QFLS), the transport resistance-free efficiency of the complete cell as well as the efficiency potential of any neat perovskite film with or without attached transport layers are quantified. Moreover, intensity-dependent QFLS measurements on different perovskite compositions allows for disentangling of the impact of the interfaces and the perovskite surface on the non-radiative fill factor and open-circuit voltage loss. It is found that potassium-passivated triple cation perovskite films stand out by their exceptionally high implied PCEs > 28\%, which could be achieved with ideal transport layers. Finally, strategies are presented to reduce both the ideality factor and transport losses to push the efficiency to the thermodynamic limit.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{SchulzeBettBivouretal.2020,
  author    = {Schulze, Patricia S. C. and Bett, Alexander J. and Bivour, Martin and Caprioglio, Pietro and Gerspacher, Fabian M. and Kabakl{\i}, {\"O}zde Ş. and Richter, Armin and Stolterfoht, Martin and Zhang, Qinxin and Neher, Dieter and Hermle, Martin and Hillebrecht, Harald and Glunz, Stefan W. and Goldschmidt, Jan Christoph},
  title     = {25.1\% high-efficiency monolithic perovskite silicon tandem solar cell with a high bandgap perovskite absorber},
  series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {7},
  issn      = {1866-8372},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-52566},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-525668},
  pages     = {12},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Monolithic perovskite silicon tandem solar cells can overcome the theoretical efficiency limit of silicon solar cells. This requires an optimum bandgap, high quantum efficiency, and high stability of the perovskite. Herein, a silicon heterojunction bottom cell is combined with a perovskite top cell, with an optimum bandgap of 1.68 eV in planar p-i-n tandem configuration. A methylammonium-free FA(0.75)Cs(0.25)Pb(I0.8Br0.2)(3) perovskite with high Cs content is investigated for improved stability. A 10\% molarity increase to 1.1 m of the perovskite precursor solution results in approximate to 75 nm thicker absorber layers and 0.7 mA cm(-2) higher short-circuit current density. With the optimized absorber, tandem devices reach a high fill factor of 80\% and up to 25.1\% certified efficiency. The unencapsulated tandem device shows an efficiency improvement of 2.3\% (absolute) over 5 months, showing the robustness of the absorber against degradation. Moreover, a photoluminescence quantum yield analysis reveals that with adapted charge transport materials and surface passivation, along with improved antireflection measures, the high bandgap perovskite absorber has the potential for 30\% tandem efficiency in the near future.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchulzeBettBivouretal.2020,
  author    = {Schulze, Patricia S. C. and Bett, Alexander J. and Bivour, Martin and Caprioglio, Pietro and Gerspacher, Fabian M. and Kabakl{\i}, {\"O}zde Ş. and Richter, Armin and Stolterfoht, Martin and Zhang, Qinxin and Neher, Dieter and Hermle, Martin and Hillebrecht, Harald and Glunz, Stefan W. and Goldschmidt, Jan Christoph},
  title     = {25.1\% high-efficiency monolithic perovskite silicon tandem solar cell with a high bandgap perovskite absorber},
  series = {Solar RRL},
  volume    = {4},
  journal   = {Solar RRL},
  number    = {7},
  publisher = {John Wiley \& Sons, Inc.},
  address   = {New Jersey},
  pages     = {10},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Monolithic perovskite silicon tandem solar cells can overcome the theoretical efficiency limit of silicon solar cells. This requires an optimum bandgap, high quantum efficiency, and high stability of the perovskite. Herein, a silicon heterojunction bottom cell is combined with a perovskite top cell, with an optimum bandgap of 1.68 eV in planar p-i-n tandem configuration. A methylammonium-free FA(0.75)Cs(0.25)Pb(I0.8Br0.2)(3) perovskite with high Cs content is investigated for improved stability. A 10\% molarity increase to 1.1 m of the perovskite precursor solution results in approximate to 75 nm thicker absorber layers and 0.7 mA cm(-2) higher short-circuit current density. With the optimized absorber, tandem devices reach a high fill factor of 80\% and up to 25.1\% certified efficiency. The unencapsulated tandem device shows an efficiency improvement of 2.3\% (absolute) over 5 months, showing the robustness of the absorber against degradation. Moreover, a photoluminescence quantum yield analysis reveals that with adapted charge transport materials and surface passivation, along with improved antireflection measures, the high bandgap perovskite absorber has the potential for 30\% tandem efficiency in the near future.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SandbergKurpiersStolterfohtetal.2020,
  author    = {Sandberg, Oskar J. and Kurpiers, Jona and Stolterfoht, Martin and Neher, Dieter and Meredith, Paul and Shoaee, Safa and Armin, Ardalan},
  title     = {On the question of the need for a built-in potential in Perovskite solar cells},
  series = {Advanced materials interfaces},
  volume    = {7},
  journal   = {Advanced materials interfaces},
  number    = {10},
  publisher = {Wiley},
  address   = {Hoboken},
  issn      = {2196-7350},
  doi       = {10.1002/admi.202000041},
  pages     = {8},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Perovskite semiconductors as the active materials in efficient solar cells exhibit free carrier diffusion lengths on the order of microns at low illumination fluxes and many hundreds of nanometers under 1 sun conditions. These lengthscales are significantly larger than typical junction thicknesses, and thus the carrier transport and charge collection should be expected to be diffusion controlled. A consensus along these lines is emerging in the field. However, the question as to whether the built-in potential plays any role is still of matter of some conjecture. This important question using phase-sensitive photocurrent measurements and theoretical device simulations based upon the drift-diffusion framework is addressed. In particular, the role of the built-in electric field and charge-selective transport layers in state-of-the-art p-i-n perovskite solar cells comparing experimental findings and simulation predictions is probed. It is found that while charge collection in the junction does not require a drift field per se, a built-in potential is still needed to avoid the formation of reverse electric fields inside the active layer, and to ensure efficient extraction through the charge transport layers.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{OmarovaYerezhepAldiyarovetal.2022,
  author    = {Omarova, Zhansaya and Yerezhep, Darkhan and Aldiyarov, Abdurakhman and Tokmoldin, Nurlan},
  title     = {In Silico Investigation of the Impact of Hole-Transport Layers on the Performance of CH3NH3SnI3 Perovskite Photovoltaic Cells},
  series = {Crystals},
  volume    = {12},
  journal   = {Crystals},
  number    = {5},
  publisher = {MDPI},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {2073-4352},
  doi       = {10.3390/cryst12050699},
  pages     = {17},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Perovskite solar cells represent one of the recent success stories in photovoltaics. The device efficiency has been steadily increasing over the past years, but further work is needed to enhance the performance, for example, through the reduction of defects to prevent carrier recombination. SCAPS-1D simulations were performed to assess efficiency limits and identify approaches to decrease the impact of defects, through the selection of an optimal hole-transport material and a hole-collecting electrode. Particular attention was given to evaluation of the influence of bulk defects within light-absorbing CH3NH3SnI3 layers. In addition, the study demonstrates the influence of interface defects at the TiO2/CH3NH3SnI3 (IL1) and CH3NH3SnI3/HTL (IL2) interfaces across the similar range of defect densities. Finally, the optimal device architecture TiO2/CH3NH3SnI3/Cu2O is proposed for the given absorber layer using the readily available Cu2O hole-transporting material with PCE = 27.95\%, FF = 84.05\%, V-OC = 1.02 V and J(SC) = 32.60 mA/cm(2), providing optimal performance and enhanced resistance to defects.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LeCorreStolterfohtPerdigonToroetal.2019,
  author    = {Le Corre, Vincent M. and Stolterfoht, Martin and Perdigon Toro, Lorena and Feuerstein, Markus and Wolff, Christian Michael and Gil-Escrig, Lidon and Bolink, Henk J. and Neher, Dieter and Koster, L. Jan Anton},
  title     = {Charge Transport Layers Limiting the Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells: How To Optimize Conductivity, Doping, and Thickness},
  series = {ACS Applied Energy Materials},
  volume    = {2},
  journal   = {ACS Applied Energy Materials},
  number    = {9},
  publisher = {American Chemical Society},
  address   = {Washington},
  issn      = {2574-0962},
  doi       = {10.1021/acsaem.9b00856},
  pages     = {6280 -- 6287},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are one of the main research topics of the photovoltaic community; with efficiencies now reaching up to 24\%, PSCs are on the way to catching up with classical inorganic solar cells. However, PSCs have not yet reached their full potential. In fact, their efficiency is still limited by nonradiative recombination, mainly via trap-states and by losses due to the poor transport properties of the commonly used transport layers (TLs). Indeed, state-of-the-art TLs (especially if organic) suffer from rather low mobilities, typically within 10(-5) and 10(-2) cm(-2) V-1 s(-1), when compared to the high mobilities, 1-10 cm(-2) V-1 s(-1), measured for perovskites. This work presents a comprehensive analysis of the effect of the mobility, thickness, and doping density of the transport layers based on combined experimental and modeling results of two sets of devices made of a solution-processed high-performing triple-cation (PCE approximate to 20\%). The results are also cross-checked on vacuum-processed MAPbI(3) devices. From this analysis, general guidelines on how to optimize a TL are introduced and especially a new and simple formula to easily calculate the amount of doping necessary to counterbalance the low mobility of the TLs.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LeCorreDiekmannPenaCamargoetal.2022,
  author    = {Le Corre, Vincent M. and Diekmann, Jonas and Pe{\~n}a-Camargo, Francisco and Thiesbrummel, Jarla and Tokmoldin, Nurlan and Gutierrez-Partida, Emilio and Peters, Karol Pawel and Perdig{\´o}n-Toro, Lorena and Futscher, Moritz H. and Lang, Felix and Warby, Jonathan and Snaith, Henry J. and Neher, Dieter and Stolterfoht, Martin},
  title     = {Quantification of efficiency losses due to mobile ions in Perovskite solar cells via fast hysteresis measurements},
  series = {Solar RRL},
  volume    = {6},
  journal   = {Solar RRL},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {Wiley-VCH},
  address   = {Weinheim},
  issn      = {2367-198X},
  doi       = {10.1002/solr.202100772},
  pages     = {10},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Perovskite semiconductors differ from most inorganic and organic semiconductors due to the presence of mobile ions in the material. Although the phenomenon is intensively investigated, important questions such as the exact impact of the mobile ions on the steady-state power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability remain. Herein, a simple method is proposed to estimate the efficiency loss due to mobile ions via "fast-hysteresis" measurements by preventing the perturbation of mobile ions out of their equilibrium position at fast scan speeds (approximate to 1000 V s(-1)). The "ion-free" PCE is between 1\% and 3\% higher than the steady-state PCE, demonstrating the importance of ion-induced losses, even in cells with low levels of hysteresis at typical scan speeds (approximate to 100mv s(-1)). The hysteresis over many orders of magnitude in scan speed provides important information on the effective ion diffusion constant from the peak hysteresis position. The fast-hysteresis measurements are corroborated by transient charge extraction and capacitance measurements and numerical simulations, which confirm the experimental findings and provide important insights into the charge carrier dynamics. The proposed method to quantify PCE losses due to field screening induced by mobile ions clarifies several important experimental observations and opens up a large range of future experiments.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{JoštAlbrechtKegelmannetal.2017,
  author    = {Jošt, Marko and Albrecht, Steve and Kegelmann, Lukas and Wolff, Christian Michael and Lang, Felix and Lipovšek, Benjamin and Krč, Janez and Korte, Lars and Neher, Dieter and Rech, Bernd and Topič, Marko},
  title     = {Efficient light management by textured nanoimprinted layers for perovskite solar cells},
  series = {ACS photonics},
  volume    = {4},
  journal   = {ACS photonics},
  publisher = {American Chemical Society},
  address   = {Washington},
  issn      = {2330-4022},
  doi       = {10.1021/acsphotonics.7b00138},
  pages     = {1232 -- 1239},
  year      = {2017},
  abstract  = {Inorganic-organic perovskites like methylammonium-lead-iodide have proven to be an effective class of 17 materials for fabricating efficient solar cells. To improve their performance, light management techniques using textured surfaces, similar to those used in established solar cell technologies, should be considered. Here, we apply a light management foil created by UV nanoimprint lithography on the glass side of an inverted (p-i-n) perovskite solar cell with 16.3\% efficiency. The obtained 1 mA cm(-2) increase in the short-circuit current density translates to a relative improvement in cell performance of 5\%, which results in a power conversion efficiency of 17.1\%. Optical 3D simulations based on experimentally obtained parameters were used to support the experimental findings. A good match between the simulated and experimental data was obtained, validating the model. Optical simulations reveal that the main improvement in device performance is due to a reduction in total reflection and that relative improvement in the short-circuit current density of up to 10\% is possible for large-area devices. Therefore, our results present the potential of light management foils for improving the device performance of perovskite solar cells and pave the way for further use of optical simulations in the field of perovskite solar cells.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Iqbal2023,
  author    = {Iqbal, Zafar},
  title     = {Interface design and characterization for stable inorganic perovskite solar cells},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-61831},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-618315},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam},
  pages     = {ix, 133},
  year      = {2023},
  abstract  = {We live in an era driven by fossil fuels. The prevailing climate change suggests that we have to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The only way forward is to use renewable energy sources. Among those, solar energy is a clean, affordable, and sustainable source of energy. It has the potential to satisfy the world's energy demand in the future. However, there is a need to develop new materials that can make solar energy usable. Photovoltaics (PV) are devices that convert photon energy into electrical energy. The most commonly used solar cells are based on crystalline silicon. However, the fabrication process for silicon solar cells is technologically difficult and costly. Solar cells based on lead halide perovskites (PSCs) have emerged as a new candidate for PV applications since 2009. To date, PSCs have achieved 26\% power-conversion-efficiency (PCE) for its single junction, and 33.7\% PCE for tandem junction devices. However, there is still room for improvement in overall performance. The main challenge for the commercialization of this technology is the stability of the solar cells under operational conditions. Inorganic perovskite CsPbI3 has attracted researchers' interest due to its stability at elevated temperatures, however, inorganic perovskites also have associated challenges, e.g. phase stability, larger voltage loss compared to their organic-inorganic hybrid counterparts, and interface energy misalignment. The most efficient inorganic perovskite solar cell is stable for up to a few hundred hours while the most stable device in the field of inorganic PSCs reported so far is at 17\% PCE. This suggests the need for improvement of the interfaces for enhanced open circuit voltage (VOC), and optimization of the energy alignment at the interfaces. This dissertation presents the study on interfaces between the perovskite layer and hole transport layer (HTL) for stable CsPbI3 solar cells. The first part of the thesis presents an investigation of the CsPbI3 film annealing environment and its subsequent effects on the perovskite/HTL interface dynamics. Thin films annealed in dry air were compared with thin films annealed in ambient air. Synchrotron-based hard X-ray spectroscopy (HAXPES) measurements reveal that annealing in ambient air does not have an adverse effect; instead, those samples undergo surface band bending. This surface band modification induces changes in interface charge dynamics and, consequently, an improvement in charge extraction at the interfaces. Further, transient surface photovoltage (tr-SPV) simulations show that air-annealed samples exhibit fewer trap states compared to samples annealed in dry air. Finally, by annealing the CsPbI3 films in ambient air, a PCE of 19.8\% and Voc of 1.23 V were achieved for an n-i-p structured device. Interface engineering has emerged as a strategy to extract the charge and optimize the energy alignment in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). An interface with fewer trap states and energy band levels closer to the selective contact helps to attain improved efficiencies in PSCs. The second part of the thesis presents a design for the CsPbI3/HTM interface. In this work, an interface between CsPbI3 perovskite and its hole selective contact N2,N2,N2′,N2′,N7,N7,N7′,N7′-octakis(4-methoxyphenyl)-9,9′-spirobi[9H-fluorene]-2,2′,7,7′-tetramine(Spiro-OMeTAD), realized by trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), a dipole molecule is introduced. On top of a perovskite film well-passivated by n-octyl ammonium Iodide (OAI), it created an upward surface band-bending at the interface byTOPO that optimizes energy level alignment and enhances the extraction of holes from the perovskite layer to the hole transport material. Consequently, a Voc of 1.2 V and high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) of over 19\% were achieved for inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells. In addition, the work also sheds light on the interfacial charge-selectivity and the long-term stability of CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells. The third part of the thesis extends the previous studies to polymeric poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) as HTL. The CsPbI3/P3HT interface is critical due to high non-radiative recombination. This work presents a CsPbI3/P3HT interface modified with a long-chain alkyl halide molecule, n-hexyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HTAB). This molecule largely passivates the CsPbI3 perovskite surface and improves the charge extraction across the interface. Consequently, a Voc of over 1.00 V and 14.2\% PCE were achieved for CsPbI3 with P3HT as HTM. Overall the results presented in this dissertation introduce and discuss methods to design and study the interfaces in CsPbI3-based solar cells. This study can pave the way for novel interface designs between CsPbI3 and HTM for charge extraction, efficiency and stability.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Hussein2024,
  author    = {Hussein, Mahmoud},
  title     = {Solvent engineering for highly-efficiency lead-free perovskite solar cells},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-63037},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-630375},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam},
  pages     = {137},
  year      = {2024},
  abstract  = {Global warming, driven primarily by the excessive emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, has led to severe and detrimental environmental impacts. Rising global temperatures have triggered a cascade of adverse effects, including melting glaciers and polar ice caps, more frequent and intense heat waves disrupted weather patterns, and the acidification of oceans. These changes adversely affect ecosystems, biodiversity, and human societies, threatening food security, water availability, and livelihoods. One promising solution to mitigate the harmful effects of global warming is the widespread adoption of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells. Solar cells harness sunlight to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or other pollutants. By replacing fossil fuel-based energy sources, solar cells can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, a significant contributor to global warming. This transition to clean, renewable energy can help curb the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, thereby slowing down the rate of global temperature rise. Solar energy's positive impact extends beyond emission reduction. As solar panels become more efficient and affordable, they empower individuals, communities, and even entire nations to generate electricity and become less dependent on fossil fuels. This decentralized energy generation can enhance resilience in the face of climate-related challenges. Moreover, implementing solar cells creates green jobs and stimulates technological innovation, further promoting sustainable economic growth. As solar technology advances, its integration with energy storage systems and smart grids can ensure a stable and reliable energy supply, reducing the need for backup fossil fuel power plants that exacerbate environmental degradation. The market-dominant solar cell technology is silicon-based, highly matured technology with a highly systematic production procedure. However, it suffers from several drawbacks, such as: 1) Cost: still relatively high due to high energy consumption due to the need to melt and purify silicon, and the use of silver as an electrode, which hinders their widespread availability, especially in low-income countries. 2) Efficiency: theoretically, it should deliver around 29\%; however, the efficiency of most of the commercially available silicon-based solar cells ranges from 18 - 22\%. 3) Temperature sensitivity: The efficiency decreases with the increase in the temperature, affecting their output. 4) Resource constraints: silicon as a raw material is unavailable in all countries, creating supply chain challenges. Perovskite solar cells arose in 2011 and matured very rapidly in the last decade as a highly efficient and versatile solar cell technology. With an efficiency of 26\%, high absorption coefficients, solution processability, and tunable band gap, it attracted the attention of the solar cells community. It represented a hope for cheap, efficient, and easily processable next-generation solar cells. However, lead toxicity might be the block stone hindering perovskite solar cells' market reach. Lead is a heavy and bioavailable element that makes perovskite solar cells environmentally unfriendly technology. As a result, scientists try to replace lead with a more environmentally friendly element. Among several possible alternatives, tin was the most suitable element due to its electronic and atomic structure similarity to lead. Tin perovskites were developed to alleviate the challenge of lead toxicity. Theoretically, it shows very high absorption coefficients, an optimum band gap of 1.35 eV for FASnI3, and a very high short circuit current, which nominates it to deliver the highest possible efficiency of a single junction solar cell, which is around 30.1\% according to Schockly-Quisser limit. However, tin perovskites' efficiency still lags below 15\% and is irreproducible, especially from lab to lab. This humble performance could be attributed to three reasons: 1) Tin (II) oxidation to tin (IV), which would happen due to oxygen, water, or even by the effect of the solvent, as was discovered recently. 2) fast crystallization dynamics, which occurs due to the lateral exposure of the P-orbitals of the tin atom, which enhances its reactivity and increases the crystallization pace. 3) Energy band misalignment: The energy bands at the interfaces between the perovskite absorber material and the charge selective layers are not aligned, leading to high interfacial charge recombination, which devastates the photovoltaic performance. To solve these issues, we implemented several techniques and approaches that enhanced the efficiency of tin halide perovskites, providing new chemically safe solvents and antisolvents. In addition, we studied the energy band alignment between the charge transport layers and the tin perovskite absorber. Recent research has shown that the principal source of tin oxidation is the solvent known as dimethylsulfoxide, which also happens to be one of the most effective solvents for processing perovskite. The search for a stable solvent might prove to be the factor that makes all the difference in the stability of tin-based perovskites. We started with a database of over 2,000 solvents and narrowed it down to a series of 12 new solvents that are suitable for processing FASnI3 experimentally. This was accomplished by looking into 1) the solubility of the precursor chemicals FAI and SnI2, 2) the thermal stability of the precursor solution, and 3) the potential to form perovskite. Finally, we show that it is possible to manufacture solar cells using a novel solvent system that outperforms those produced using DMSO. The results of our research give some suggestions that may be used in the search for novel solvents or mixes of solvents that can be used to manufacture stable tin-based perovskites. Due to the quick crystallization of tin, it is more difficult to deposit tin-based perovskite films from a solution than manufacturing lead-based perovskite films since lead perovskite is more often utilized. The most efficient way to get high efficiencies is to deposit perovskite from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which slows down the quick construction of the tin-iodine network that is responsible for perovskite synthesis. This is the most successful approach for achieving high efficiencies. Dimethyl sulfoxide, which is used in the processing, is responsible for the oxidation of tin, which is a disadvantage of this method. This research presents a potentially fruitful alternative in which 4-(tert-butyl) pyridine can substitute dimethyl sulfoxide in the process of regulating crystallization without causing tin oxidation to take place. Perovskite films that have been formed from pyridine have been shown to have a much-reduced defect density. This has resulted in increased charge mobility and better photovoltaic performance, making pyridine a desirable alternative for use in the deposition of tin perovskite films. The precise control of perovskite precursor crystallization inside a thin film is of utmost importance for optimizing the efficiency and manufacturing of solar cells. The deposition process of tin-based perovskite films from a solution presents difficulties due to the quick crystallization of tin compared to the more often employed lead perovskite. The optimal approach for attaining elevated efficiencies entails using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a medium for depositing perovskite. This choice of solvent impedes the tin-iodine network's fast aggregation, which plays a crucial role in the production of perovskite. Nevertheless, this methodology is limited since the utilization of dimethyl sulfoxide leads to the oxidation of tin throughout the processing stage. In this thesis, we present a potentially advantageous alternative approach wherein 4-(tert-butyl) pyridine is proposed as a substitute for dimethyl sulfoxide in regulating crystallization processes while avoiding the undesired consequence of tin oxidation. Films of perovskite formed using pyridine as a solvent have a notably reduced density of defects, resulting in higher mobility of charges and improved performance in solar applications. Consequently, the utilization of pyridine for the deposition of tin perovskite films is considered advantageous. Tin perovskites are suffering from an apparent energy band misalignment. However, the band diagrams published in the current body of research display contradictions, resulting in a dearth of unanimity. Moreover, comprehensive information about the dynamics connected with charge extraction is lacking. This thesis aims to ascertain the energy band locations of tin perovskites by employing the kelvin probe and Photoelectron yield spectroscopy methods. This thesis aims to construct a precise band diagram for the often-utilized device stack. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis is performed to assess the energy deficits inherent in the current energetic structure of tin halide perovskites. In addition, we investigate the influence of BCP on the improvement of electron extraction in C60/BCP systems, with a specific emphasis on the energy factors involved. Furthermore, transient surface photovoltage was utilized to investigate the charge extraction kinetics of frequently studied charge transport layers, such as NiOx and PEDOT as hole transport layers and C60, ICBA, and PCBM as electron transport layers. The Hall effect, KP, and TRPL approaches accurately ascertain the p-doping concentration in FASnI3. The results consistently demonstrated a value of 1.5 * 1017 cm-3. Our research findings highlight the imperative nature of autonomously constructing the charge extraction layers for tin halide perovskites, apart from those used for lead perovskites. The crystallization of perovskite precursors relies mainly on the utilization of two solvents. The first one dissolves the perovskite powder to form the precursor solution, usually called the solvent. The second one precipitates the perovskite precursor, forming the wet film, which is a supersaturated solution of perovskite precursor and in the remains of the solvent and the antisolvent. Later, this wet film crystallizes upon annealing into a full perovskite crystallized film. In our research context, we proposed new solvents to dissolve FASnI3, but when we tried to form a film, most of them did not crystallize. This is attributed to the high coordination strength between the metal halide and the solvent molecules, which is unbreakable by the traditionally used antisolvents such as Toluene and Chlorobenzene. To solve this issue, we introduce a high-throughput antisolvent screening in which we screened around 73 selected antisolvents against 15 solvents that can form a 1M FASnI3 solution. We used for the first time in tin perovskites machine learning algorithm to understand and predict the effect of an antisolvent on the crystallization of a precursor solution in a particular solvent. We relied on film darkness as a primary criterion to judge the efficacy of a solvent-antisolvent pair. We found that the relative polarity between solvent and antisolvent is the primary factor that affects the solvent-antisolvent interaction. Based on our findings, we prepared several high-quality tin perovskite films free from DMSO and achieved an efficiency of 9\%, which is the highest DMSO tin perovskite device so far.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Flatken2022,
  author    = {Flatken, Marion A.},
  title     = {The early stages of halide perovskites thin film formation},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-55259},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-552599},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam},
  pages     = {VI, 144},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {As climate change worsens, there is a growing urgency to promote renewable energies and improve their accessibility to society. Here, solar energy harvesting is of particular importance. Currently, metal halide perovskite (MHP) solar cells are indispensable in future solar energy generation research. MHPs are crystalline semiconductors increasingly relevant as low-cost, high-performance materials for optoelectronics. Their processing from solution at low temperature enables easy fabrication of thin film elements, encompassing solar cells and light-emitting diodes or photodetectors. Understanding the coordination chemistry of MHPs in their precursor solution would allow control over the thin film crystallization, the material properties and the final device performance. In this work, we elaborate on the key parameters to manipulate the precursor solution with the long-term objective of enabling systematic process control. We focus on the nanostructural characterization of the initial arrangements of MHPs in the precursor solutions. Small-angle scattering is particularly well suited for measuring nanoparticles in solution. This technique proved to be valuable for the direct analyzes of perovskite precursor solutions in standard processing concentrations without causing radiation damage. We gain insights into the chemical nature of widely used precursor structures such as methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3), presenting first insights into the complex arrangements and interaction within this precursor state. Furthermore, we transfer the preceding results to other more complex perovskite precursors. The influence of compositional engineering is investigated using the addition of alkali cations as an example. As a result, we propose a detailed working mechanism on how the alkali cations suppress the formation of intermediate phases and improve the quality of the crystalline thin film. In addition, we investigate the crystallization process of a tin-based perovskite composition (FASnI3) under the influence of fluoride chemistry. We prove that the frequently used additive, tin fluoride (SnF2), selectively binds undesired oxidized tin (Sn(IV)) in the precursor solution. This prevents its incorporation into the actual crystal structure and thus reduces the defect density of the material. Furthermore, SnF2 leads to a more homogeneous crystal growth process, which results in improved crystal quality of the thin film material. In total, this study provides a detailed characterization of the complex system of perovskite precursor chemistry. We thereby cover relevant parameters for future MHP solar cell process control, such as (I) the environmental impact based on concentration and temperature (II) the addition of counter ions to reduce the diffuse layer surrounding the precursor nanostructures and (III) the targeted use of additives to eliminate unwanted components selectively and to ensure a more homogeneous crystal growth.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{CaprioglioStolterfohtWolffetal.2019,
  author    = {Caprioglio, Pietro and Stolterfoht, Martin and Wolff, Christian Michael and Unold, Thomas and Rech, Bernd and Albrecht, Steve and Neher, Dieter},
  title     = {On the relation between the open-circuit voltage and quasi-Fermi level splitting in efficient perovskite solar cells},
  series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {774},
  issn      = {1866-8372},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-43759},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-437595},
  pages     = {10},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Today's perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are limited mainly by their open-circuit voltage (VOC) due to nonradiative recombination. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the relevant recombination pathways is needed. Here, intensity-dependent measurements of the quasi-Fermi level splitting (QFLS) and of the VOC on the very same devices, including pin-type PSCs with efficiencies above 20\%, are performed. It is found that the QFLS in the perovskite lies significantly below its radiative limit for all intensities but also that the VOC is generally lower than the QFLS, violating one main assumption of the Shockley-Queisser theory. This has far-reaching implications for the applicability of some well-established techniques, which use the VOC as a measure of the carrier densities in the absorber. By performing drift-diffusion simulations, the intensity dependence of the QFLS, the QFLS-VOC offset and the ideality factor are consistently explained by trap-assisted recombination and energetic misalignment at the interfaces. Additionally, it is found that the saturation of the VOC at high intensities is caused by insufficient contact selectivity while heating effects are of minor importance. It is concluded that the analysis of the VOC does not provide reliable conclusions of the recombination pathways and that the knowledge of the QFLS-VOC relation is of great importance.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{CaprioglioStolterfohtWolffetal.2019,
  author    = {Caprioglio, Pietro and Stolterfoht, Martin and Wolff, Christian Michael and Unold, Thomas and Rech, Bernd and Albrecht, Steve and Neher, Dieter},
  title     = {On the relation between the open-circuit voltage and quasi-fermi level splitting in efficient perovskite solar cells},
  series = {advanced energy materials},
  volume    = {9},
  journal   = {advanced energy materials},
  number    = {33},
  publisher = {Wiley-VCH},
  address   = {Weinheim},
  issn      = {1614-6832},
  doi       = {10.1002/aenm.201901631},
  pages     = {10},
  year      = {2019},
  abstract  = {Today's perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are limited mainly by their open-circuit voltage (VOC) due to nonradiative recombination. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the relevant recombination pathways is needed. Here, intensity-dependent measurements of the quasi-Fermi level splitting (QFLS) and of the VOC on the very same devices, including pin-type PSCs with efficiencies above 20\%, are performed. It is found that the QFLS in the perovskite lies significantly below its radiative limit for all intensities but also that the VOC is generally lower than the QFLS, violating one main assumption of the Shockley-Queisser theory. This has far-reaching implications for the applicability of some well-established techniques, which use the VOC as a measure of the carrier densities in the absorber. By performing drift-diffusion simulations, the intensity dependence of the QFLS, the QFLS-VOC offset and the ideality factor are consistently explained by trap-assisted recombination and energetic misalignment at the interfaces. Additionally, it is found that the saturation of the VOC at high intensities is caused by insufficient contact selectivity while heating effects are of minor importance. It is concluded that the analysis of the VOC does not provide reliable conclusions of the recombination pathways and that the knowledge of the QFLS-VOC relation is of great importance.},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Canil2021,
  author    = {Canil, Laura},
  title     = {Tuning Interfacial Properties in Perovskite Solar Cells through Defined Molecular Assemblies},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-54633},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-546333},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam},
  pages     = {vii, 157},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {In the frame of a world fighting a dramatic global warming caused by human-related activities, research towards the development of renewable energies plays a crucial role. Solar energy is one of the most important clean energy sources and its role in the satisfaction of the global energy demand is set to increase. In this context, a particular class of materials captured the attention of the scientific community for its attractive properties: halide perovskites. Devices with perovskite as light-absorber saw an impressive development within the last decade, reaching nowadays efficiencies comparable to mature photovoltaic technologies like silicon solar cells. Yet, there are still several roadblocks to overcome before a wide-spread commercialization of this kind of devices is enabled. One of the critical points lies at the interfaces: perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are made of several layers with different chemical and physical features. In order for the device to function properly, these properties have to be well-matched. This dissertation deals with some of the challenges related to interfaces in PSCs, with a focus on the interface between the perovskite material itself and the subsequent charge transport layer. In particular, molecular assemblies with specific properties are deposited on the perovskite surface to functionalize it. The functionalization results in energy level alignment adjustment, interfacial losses reduction, and stability improvement. First, a strategy to tune the perovskite's energy levels is introduced: self-assembled monolayers of dipolar molecules are used to functionalize the surface, obtaining simultaneously a shift in the vacuum level position and a saturation of the dangling bonds at the surface. A shift in the vacuum level corresponds to an equal change in work function, ionization energy, and electron affinity. The direction of the shift depends on the direction of the collective interfacial dipole. The magnitude of the shift can be tailored by controlling the deposition parameters, such as the concentration of the solution used for the deposition. The shift for different molecules is characterized by several non-invasive techniques, including in particular Kelvin probe. Overall, it is shown that it is possible to shift the perovskite energy levels in both directions by several hundreds of meV. Moreover, interesting insights on the molecules deposition dynamics are revealed. Secondly, the application of this strategy in perovskite solar cells is explored. Devices with different perovskite compositions ("triple cation perovskite" and MAPbBr3) are prepared. The two resulting model systems present different energetic offsets at the perovskite/hole-transport layer interface. Upon tailored perovskite surface functionalization, the devices show a stabilized open circuit voltage (Voc) enhancement of approximately 60 meV on average for devices with MAPbBr3, while the impact is limited on triple-cation solar cells. This suggests that the proposed energy level tuning method is valid, but its effectiveness depends on factors such as the significance of the energetic offset compared to the other losses in the devices. Finally, the above presented method is further developed by incorporating the ability to interact with the perovskite surface directly into a novel hole-transport material (HTM), named PFI. The HTM can anchor to the perovskite halide ions via halogen bonding (XB). Its behaviour is compared to that of another HTM (PF) with same chemical structure and properties, except for the ability of forming XB. The interaction of perovskite with PFI and PF is characterized through UV-Vis, atomic force microscopy and Kelvin probe measurements combined with simulations. Compared to PF, PFI exhibits enhanced resilience against solvent exposure and improved energy level alignment with the perovskite layer. As a consequence, devices comprising PFI show enhanced Voc and operational stability during maximum-power-point tracking, in addition to hysteresis reduction. XB promotes the formation of a high-quality interface by anchoring to the halide ions and forming a stable and ordered interfacial layer, showing to be a particularly interesting candidate for the development of tailored charge transport materials in PSCs. Overall, the results exposed in this dissertation introduce and discuss a versatile tool to functionalize the perovskite surface and tune its energy levels. The application of this method in devices is explored and insights on its challenges and advantages are given. Within this frame, the results shed light on XB as ideal interaction for enhancing stability and efficiency in perovskite-based devices.},
  language  = {en}
}