Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • P3-based non-fullerene ETL achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.06% on 0.04 cm2 TPSCs, surpassing fullerene-based ICBA devices, indicating superior charge extraction and reduced interfacial recombination. • • The non-fullerene ETLs (P1, P2, P3) exhibit higher electron mobility than ICBA, as confirmed by space-charge-limited current (SCLC) measurements, enabling more efficient charge transport in the device. • • The P3 ETL demonstrates a larger water-contact angle compared to ICBA, indicating improved moisture resistance, which is critical for device stability under ambient conditions. • • The molecular engineering of fluorinated tri-receptor polymers allows for simplified synthesis and low cost, addressing the high synthesis costs of fullerene derivatives and facilitating scalable production.
Abstract
Tin (Sn)-based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) are a leading candidate for next-generation photovoltaics due to their ideal optical bandgap, high carrier mobility, and excellent light absorption, yet their performance lags behind lead-based counterparts. The primary limitations include the inherent oxidation sensitivity of Sn2+ and rapid crystallization kinetics, as well as the reliance on fullerene-based electron transport layers (ETLs) such as ICBA and PCBM, which suffer from low electron mobility, weak interfacial interaction, high synthesis costs, and poor stability against moisture and light. These drawbacks impede charge extraction and transport, exacerbating interfacial non-radiative recombination. To address this, Liang and coworkers designed a novel series of non-fullerene polymer ETLs based on fluorinated tri-receptor polymers (P1, P2, and P3), featuring simplified synthesis, low cost, and strong structural tunability. Among these, P3-based devices achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.06% on 0.04 cm2 cells and maintained high performance on 1 cm2 cells, demonstrating significant breakthroughs in efficiency, stability, and large-area scaling. The non-fullerene ETLs exhibit enhanced electron mobility, improved energy-level alignment, and stronger interaction with the perovskite interface, effectively suppressing non-radiative recombination. This work provides a promising strategy to replace fullerene-based ETLs, advancing the commercial viability of TPSCs.
1. Introduction
Tin-based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative to lead-based counterparts due to their non-toxicity and excellent optoelectronic properties, including an ideal bandgap and high carrier mobility. However, their performance is severely hindered by the rapid oxidation of Sn2+ and uncontrolled crystallization, leading to high defect densities and non-radiative recombination. Beyond the perovskite layer, the electron transport layer (ETL) plays a critical role in device efficiency and stability. Conventional fullerene-based ETLs, such as ICBA and PCBM, are widely used but suffer from low electron mobility, weak interfacial interaction with tin perovskite, high synthesis costs, and poor environmental stability. These limitations impede efficient charge extraction and transport, exacerbating interfacial losses and limiting the overall device performance.
To overcome these bottlenecks, Liang and coworkers have developed a novel series of non-fullerene polymer ETLs based on fluorinated tri-receptor polymers (P1, P2, and P3). These materials are designed from a molecular engineering perspective, offering simplified synthesis, low cost, and tunable energy levels. The P3-based ETL demonstrates a significant improvement in power conversion efficiency, achieving 16.06% on small-area cells and maintaining high performance on 1 cm2 devices. This breakthrough addresses the critical need for stable, efficient, and scalable ETLs, paving the way for the commercialization of TPSCs.
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ZOU Qiaojiao, ZHANG Xiaodan (2026). Breakthrough in Centimeter-Scale Fullerene-Free Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cells. SCIENCE CHINA Materials. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-025-3954-9
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the specific power conversion efficiency (PCE) achieved with the P3-based non-fullerene ETL, and how does it compare to conventional fullerene-based ICBA?
The P3-based devices achieved a PCE of 16.06% on 0.04 cm2 cells, which is a significant improvement over ICBA-based devices. The exact PCE for ICBA is not provided in the text, but the breakthrough indicates superior performance.
How does the electron mobility of the non-fullerene ETLs (P1, P2, P3) compare to that of ICBA, and what measurement technique was used?
The electron mobilities were calculated from space-charge-limited current (SCLC) measurements. The non-fullerene ETLs exhibit higher mobilities than ICBA, as indicated by the improved charge transport and device performance.
What is the impact of the non-fullerene ETLs on device stability, particularly regarding moisture resistance?
The P3 ETL shows a larger water-contact angle than ICBA, indicating improved hydrophobicity and moisture resistance. This is critical for long-term device stability under ambient conditions.
What are the advantages of the fluorinated tri-receptor polymer ETLs in terms of synthesis and cost compared to fullerene derivatives?
The non-fullerene ETLs feature simplified synthesis and low cost, addressing the high synthesis costs of fullerene derivatives. This makes them more viable for large-scale production and commercial application.
How does the energy-level alignment of the non-fullerene ETLs contribute to the improved device performance?
The energy-level diagram shows that the non-fullerene ETLs have favorable energy alignment with the tin perovskite, facilitating efficient electron extraction and reducing interfacial recombination, which contributes to the higher PCE.
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