Stable and efficient perovskite solar cells based on tert-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate modified hole transport layer

Nowadays, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained significant attention as one of the most promising new energy technologies. However, the application of spiro-OMeTAD, a highly efficient organic hole transport material (HTM) in PSCs, is limited due to its inherent weaknesses in conductivity and hole mobility. Here, a free radical initiator, tert-butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexanoate (TBPEH) is introduced to induce the rapid and controllable oxidation of Spiro. TBPEH-modified hole transport layer (HTL) produces more free radical cations, increasing carrier mobility and electrical conductivity. A smoother surface of the modified HTL improves the charge transport efficiency. Additionally, trap-state density and defect-induced nonradiative recombination of TBPEH-modified device are decreased. In addition, better energy level matching between the HTL and perovskite layer enables more efficient hole transport. Consequently, the PSC doped with TBPEH achieves a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.33%, surpassing the PCE of 21.72% obtained from the pristine device. Furthermore, the TBPEH-modified devices show better stability. Storing in the atmosphere at 30% relative humidity for 42 days, the TBPEH-modified device maintains 90.8% of its highest efficiency, compared to the 73.8% of the pristine one.