Materials interface engineering for solution-processed photovoltaics

• Published in: Nature (London) Vol. 488; no. 7411; pp. 304 - 312
• Main Authors: Graetzel, Michael, Janssen, René A. J., Mitzi, David B., Sargent, Edward H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 16.08.2012; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 639/301/299; 639/624/1075/524; Boundaries; Charge transport; Conversion; Crystal structure; Electric power production; Flexibility; Grain boundaries; Humanities and Social Sciences; multidisciplinary; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaics; Quantum dots; review-article; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Semiconductors; Solar batteries; Solar cells; Solar energy; Solar power; United States; Switzerland; Netherlands
• ISSN: 0028-0836; 1476-4687
• DOI: 10.1038/nature11476

Advances in solar photovoltaics are urgently needed to increase the performance and reduce the cost of harvesting solar power. Solution-processed photovoltaics are cost-effective to manufacture and offer the potential for physical flexibility. Rapid progress in their development has increased their solar-power conversion efficiencies. The nanometre (electron) and micrometre (photon) scale interfaces between the crystalline domains that make up solution-processed solar cells are crucial for efficient charge transport. These interfaces include large surface area junctions between photoelectron donors and acceptors, the intralayer grain boundaries within the absorber, and the interfaces between photoactive layers and the top and bottom contacts. Controlling the collection and minimizing the trapping of charge carriers at these boundaries is crucial to efficiency.