Sequential deposition method of TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3 films for solar cell application

Abstract

Seeking to study innovative solar cell compositions with the goal to reach the highest energy efficiency level attainable, the aim of this study was to develop a route to obtain a solar cell composed by hybrid perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) using a sequential deposition method through the techniques of spin-coating and immersion. Initially, the deposition of PbI2 thin film of was performed on a FTO/glass substrate coated with TiO2, which was subsequently converted into perovskite crystals through spin coating using a CH3NH3I solution. The influence of the PbI2 layer thickness on the formation of CH3NH3PbI3 crystals was evaluated. The hydrophilic characteristic of TiO2 affects the distribution of the crystals nucleation sites, since PbI2 possesses a non-polar liquid characteristic. The characterization of the perovskite thin films showed that thickness affects directly the bandgap and the surface morphology, revealing the presence of dendritic structures and acicular crystals. Both growth and coverage increased for thinner layers of PbI2. It was also possible to observe an increased uniformity in the film for smaller PbI2 layers.