Scalable Solution Processing of Cu:NiO_x Nanoparticles for Perovskite Solar Cells

Transitioning perovskite solar cells from a small-scale spin coating to industrial processed slot die coatings requires the development of scalable charge transport layers. Metal oxide nanoparticles are strong contenders for these materials, but solvent systems in which they are stable and can be deposited effectively are required. In this study, stable copper-doped nickel oxide dispersions in water–alcohol were developed using Hansen solubility parameters. The resulting inks are compatible with blade coating and slot die roll-to-roll processes. Intense pulsed light (IPL) annealing was applied to further decrease the processing time and improve device performance. The champion blade-coated device, with IPL annealing, had a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.58%. The results were reproduced using roll-to-roll processing with IPL, yielding a champion device PCE of 12.23% when finished with C60.