Dopants in Hybrid Perovskite Significantly Influence Photovoltaic Properties of Air-processed Perovskite Solar Cells

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Investigations into the properties of perovskite solar cells have led to significant advancements in the field of renewable energy. Researchers at the University of Valle and Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico have published a new study that examines the effects of dopants on the photovoltaic properties of air-processed perovskite solar cells. According to their findings, chlorine (Cl) and methylammonium chloride (MACl) significantly influence the crystal and grain sizes, surface morphology, and perovskite thin films of these solar cells.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chlorine (Cl) is a doping element that substantially increases the crystal and grain sizes and modifies surface morphology as well as perovskite thin films of air-processed perovskite solar cells.
  • Methylammonium chloride (MACl) is found to reduce PbI2 content and increase perovskite crystal and grain sizes, leading to improved photovoltaic performance.
  • However, an excess amount of MACl leads to a rough and porous surface of perovskite, deteriorating the photovoltaic performance and stability of air-processed solar cells.
  • The addition of MACl at an optimal concentration of around 5 wt% (or 0.107 mol) results in improved stability of air-processed perovskite thin films, coming from the presence of a more electronegative chlorine compared to moisture.
  • The study, led by Mario A. Millan-Franco, used a range of concentrations of Cl wt% (or MACl mol) in perovskite precursor solutions, from 0 to 20 wt% (or MACl from 0 to 0.324 mol), to explore the effects on perovskite thin films.
  • The universities involved in this research were Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, University of Valle, and Universidad del Valle, with financial support from CONAHCyT, Ministry of Science and Technology of Colombia.

Statistics:

  • The study found that the addition of MACl helps to reduce PbI2 content by up to 18.1% (original PCE).
  • The optimal concentration of MACl around 5 wt% (or 0.107 mol) resulted in a photocurrent density at short circuit (JSC) of up to 97.5% (compared to cells without MACl).
  • The improved stability of air-processed perovskite thin films is attributed to the presence of a more electronegative chlorine compared to moisture.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from University of Valle Update Understanding of Electronics (Effect of Methylammonium Chloride Concentration On Crystallinity, Photovoltaic Performance, and Stability of Air-processed Perovskite Solar Cells). Electronics Newsweekly. October 21, 2025; p 954.
  • Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. Effect of Methylammonium Chloride Concentration On Crystallinity, Photovoltaic Performance, and Stability of Air-processed Perovskite Solar Cells. 2025;292.