Expanding the solvent diversity and perovskite compatibility of SnO2 inks that are directly deposited on perovskite layers

Sashil Chapagain; Peter J Armstrong; Rojita Panta; Narayan Acharya; Thad Druffel; Craig A Grapperhaus

doi:10.1016/j.isci.2024.110964

Expanding the solvent diversity and perovskite compatibility of SnO₂ inks that are directly deposited on perovskite layers

iScience. 2024 Sep 16;27(10):110964. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110964. eCollection 2024 Oct 18.

Authors

Sashil Chapagain¹, Peter J Armstrong¹, Rojita Panta¹, Narayan Acharya¹, Thad Druffel², Craig A Grapperhaus¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
² Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.

Abstract

Tin oxide (SnO₂) is an attractive electron transport material (ETM) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) due to its optoelectronic properties, low-temperature solution processability, cost, and stability. However, solvent incompatibilities have largely limited its application to devices with SnO₂ deposited below the perovskite. To expand its utility in other device structures, including inverted PSCs and tandem devices, alternate deposition strategies are needed. This study addresses the solvent scope and perovskite compatibility of acetate-stabilized yttrium-doped SnO₂ (Y:SnO₂) dispersions. We show that dispersions in several lower alcohols and select polar aprotic solvents can be directly deposited on perovskite using scalable and low-temperature processes. Further, they are compatible with various perovskite formulations, including those with mixed cations and mixed anions. The study expands the applicability of SnO₂ as a solution-processible and cost-effective ETM as an alternative to fullerene-based organic ETMs and serves as a guide for its use in PSCs and tandem devices.

Keywords: Materials application; Materials science; Materials synthesis.