Tuning the performance of PSCs using rare-earth elements

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are an emerging and promising alternative to the market-leading solar cells due to their high performance, low fabrication cost, and versatile material modification. There are still opportunities to enhance the performance of PSCs, such as regulating mismatched absorption and limiting degradation brought on by some parts of light. Rare-earth elements (REEs) have the potential to be useful in this context. Due to their diverse energetic transition orbitals, REEs can transform light from the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) into the visible spectrum, which helps to improve the photostability of PSCs in addition to allowing more light absorption. Furthermore, their reversible redox potential can help prevent degradation caused by the redox reaction of other functional materials used in PSCs. As an interface modifier, REEs have the ability to induce a donor-acceptor complex, which can get over the interface barrier and enable high charge-carrier collecting ability. In this regard, we will scrutinize PSCs that utilize REEs in electron transporting materials, hole transporting materials, additives in perovskites, and interface modifiers. We also offer the possible future research directions and limitations of using REEs in PSCs for high stability and increased efficiency.