Recent trends on the application of phytochemical-based compounds as additives in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells

Publication Type

Journal Article

Name of Author

• Naomy Chepngetich, Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computing, Moi University Eldoret, Kenya
• Gloria Mumbi, Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computing, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
• Getnet Meheretu M, Bahir Energy Center and Department of Physics, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
• Koech K. Richard, Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computing, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
• Geoffrey K. Yegon, Department of Mathematics, Physics and Computing, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
• Sarah C. Chepkwony, Department of Chemistry, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
• Charles Rono K, Department of Chemistry, Kisii University, Kisii, Kenya
• Dahiru Sanni, Department of Physics, Nile University of Nigeria, Nigeria
• Abdulhakeem Bello, Department of Theoretical and Applied Physics, African University of Science and Technology, Nigeria
• Esidor Ntsoenzok Esidor Ntsoenzok, CEMHTI-CNRS UPR3079, France

Publication Date (Issue Year)

2024

Journal Name

Energy Advances

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising photovoltaic systems that hold the capacity to bring about a paradigm shift within the field of renewable energy. They possess exceptional photophysical properties, and their advancement is accelerating because of multidimensional research initiatives. Nevertheless, PSCs are faced with the challenges of non-radiative recombination power losses and rapid degradation in performance. These problems are mainly engendered by defects that form during the perovskite crystallization. Among the many ways to address these issues are compositional engineering, architectural modification, control of deposition parameters, solvent engineering, doping, use of additives and interface engineering. Incorporating additives into the perovskite layer is an easy and effective approach to enhance both their photophysical characteristics and resistance to degradation. As PSC additives, natural products, including phytochemicals, are gaining popularity due to their low cost and environmental friendliness. This review provides a survey on the use of natural products as additives in PSCs with particular emphasis on phytochemicals. It also highlights the roles of phytochemical-based additives in modulating the optoelectronic and degradation resistance properties of perovskite films through control of the crystallization dynamics, defect passivation and structural stabilization. Focus has been given to the functional groups in these phytochemical-based additives and how they interact with the perovskite components through hydrogen-bonding, coordination with uncoordinated ionic/atomic species and scavenging of free radicals. Overall, the use of phytochemical-based additives could enhance the performance and stability of PSCs and accelerate their commercialization.

Keywords

phytochemical-based compounds, additives, fabrication, perovskite solar cells

Grantee Name(s)

Koech K. Richard

Project Title

Additive-assisted Fabrication of Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells

Type of Grant

JIRA Award

Thematic Area

Energy including Renewables

Funding Statement

The authors acknowledge the financial support of the PASET-RSIF through the JIRA research grant (RSIF/JIRA/003) and MIRET project. N. C. and G. M. M. acknowledge the African Centre of Excellence (ACE II)–Phytochemicals, Textile & Renewable Energy (PTRE), Moi University, for the Scholarships.

Recommended Citation

Chepngetich, N., Mumbi, G., M, G. M., Richard, K. K., Yegon, G. K., Chepkwony, S. C., K, C. R., Sanni, D., Bello, A., & Esidor Ntsoenzok, E. (2024). Recent trends on the application of phytochemical-based compounds as additives in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells. Energy Advances https://doi.org/10.1039/D4YA00025K