Issue 29, 2016

Probing the energy levels of perovskite solar cells via Kelvin probe and UV ambient pressure photoemission spectroscopy

Abstract

The field of organo-lead halide perovskite solar cells has been rapidly growing since their discovery in 2009. State of the art devices are now achieving efficiencies comparable to much older technologies like silicon, while utilising simple manufacturing processes and starting materials. A key parameter to consider when optimising solar cell devices or when designing new materials is the position and effects of the energy levels in the materials. We present here a comprehensive study of the energy levels present in a common structure of perovskite solar cell using an advanced macroscopic Kelvin probe and UV air photoemission setup. By constructing a detailed map of the energy levels in the system we are able to predict the importance of each layer to the open circuit voltage of the solar cell, which we then back up through measurements of the surface photovoltage of the cell under white illumination. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of air photoemission and Kelvin probe contact potential difference measurements as a method of identifying the factors contributing to the open circuit voltage in a solar cell, as well as being an excellent way of probing the physics of new materials.

Graphical abstract: Probing the energy levels of perovskite solar cells via Kelvin probe and UV ambient pressure photoemission spectroscopy

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
12 apr 2016
Accepted
16 jun 2016
First published
07 jul 2016
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016,18, 19738-19745

Author version available

Probing the energy levels of perovskite solar cells via Kelvin probe and UV ambient pressure photoemission spectroscopy

J. R. Harwell, T. K. Baikie, I. D. Baikie, J. L. Payne, C. Ni, J. T. S. Irvine, G. A. Turnbull and I. D. W. Samuel, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 19738 DOI: 10.1039/C6CP02446G

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