UV light absorbers executing synergistic effects of passivating defects and improving photostability for efficient perovskite photovoltaics

Abstract Metal halide perovskite-based solar cells (PSCs) have rapidly-increased power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 25% but poor stability especially under ultraviolet (UV) light. Meanwhile, non-radiative recombination caused by diverse defects in perovskite absorbers and related interfaces is one of the major factors confining further development of PSCs. In this study, we systematically investigate the role of 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole (UVP) additive in perovskite layers. By adjusting the amount of doped UVP, the quality of perovskite absorbers is significantly improved with enlarged grains, longer lifetime and diffusion length of charge carriers. Furthermore, UVP not only reduces defects for less non-radiative recombination, but also matches energy level alignment for efficient interfacial charge extraction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms that N-donor of UVP molecule coordinates with undercoordinated Pb2+ on the surface. Interestingly, UVP incorporated in PbI2 protects the perovskite by absorbing UV through the opening and closing of the chelating ring. Eventually, the UVP treated PSCs obtain a champion PCE of 22.46% with remarkably enhanced UV stability, retaining over 90% of initial PCE after 60 mW/cm2 strong UV irradiation for 9 h while the control maintaining only 74%. These results demonstrate a promising strategy fabricating passivated and UV-resistant perovskite materials simultaneously for efficient and stable perovskite photovoltaics.