A bifunctional floral TiO2–TiB2 heterostructure buried interface on SnO2 for 23.5 % efficient n–i–p perovskite solar cells

Interfacial energy mismatch and carrier recombination at the electron transport layer (ETL)/perovskite interface significantly limit the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). We present a bifunctional dual-layer electron transport layer consisting of a floral TiO2–TiB2 heterostructure integr...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Nouf Alharbi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Journal of Science: Advanced Materials and Devices
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468217925000528
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Summary:Interfacial energy mismatch and carrier recombination at the electron transport layer (ETL)/perovskite interface significantly limit the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). We present a bifunctional dual-layer electron transport layer consisting of a floral TiO2–TiB2 heterostructure integrated on SnO2 to address these limitations. The TiO2–TiB2 heterostructure, formed through the partial oxidation of hydrothermally produced TiB2 nanoflakes, exhibits advantageous energy band alignment and provides a robust internal electric field at the buried interface, as confirmed by UPS, Mott–Schottky, and KPFM studies. This facilitates effective charge extraction, diminishes trap-assisted recombination, and improves perovskite crystallization while minimizing lattice strain. The optimized dual-layer ETL attains a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.5 %, with a VOC of 1.201 V, J_SC of 24.5 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 78.81 % in n–i–p structured perovskite solar cells utilizing α-FAPbI3. Improved charge carrier mobility and reduced trap density were validated by SCLC, TRPL, and EIS studies. The gadget demonstrates outstanding operational and environmental stability under heat, moisture, and prolonged light-stress conditions. This study presents a scalable approach for interfacial engineering of dual-layer electron transport layers to achieve extremely efficient and durable perovskite photovoltaics.
ISSN:2468-2179