Molecular Dipole Buffer Layer Enabling Compact Interfaces in Perovskite Solar Cells
Source abstract
Abstract
Despite advances in p-i-n perovskite solar cells, interfacial losses between the electron transport layer (ETL) and metal electrode remain a bottleneck for efficiency and stability. Bathocuproine (BCP), a common buffer layer, suffers from poor film uniformity, low electron mobility, and limited thermal stability. Here, we report BTI-N, a D–A–D-type small molecule featuring a benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole core and polar N,N-dimethylamino groups. BTI-N exhibits favorable molecular packing and solubility, enabling compact, uniform films with efficient electron transport. The polar termini anchor Ag electrodes via Ag–N dipole formation, lowering the work function and improving band alignment and charge extraction. BTI-N also suppresses Ag and I ion diffusion, significantly enhancing thermal stability. We demonstrate broad compatibility across ETLs (C 60, PCBM), electrodes (Ag, Au), and perovskites with bandgaps from 1.58 to 1.7 eV. This work provides a practical interface engineering strategy to replace BCP and realize high-performance, stable perovskite solar cells.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Perovskite Materials and Applications · Conducting polymers and applications · Organic Electronics and Photovoltaics
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, West Cambridge Site, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, United Kingdom
Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J. J. Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
Department of Chemistry and Chemistry Institute for Functional Materials
Pusan National University (PNU)
Department of Physics
Pukyong National University
Department of Chemistry
National University of Singapore
Funding
Samsung · Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council · Royal Society · Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur F?rderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung · Sungkyunkwan University · Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology · National Research Foundation of Korea · Tata Sons
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