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Preparation of highly conductive PEDOT:PSS hole transport layer by simple treatment with ethanol for Sn–Pb perovskite solar cells

Xinyan Han, X H Wang, Zhichao Zhang, Zhen Sun, Zhixin Jin

2025Semiconductor Science and Technology42 citationsDOI

Abstract

Abstract Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), an ordinary hole transport layer (HTL), has inherent shortcomings that restrict its use in Sn–Pb perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, PEDOT:PSS was mixed with ethanol using a simple solution method, resulting in enhanced conductivity and an optimized work function. By varying the concentration of ethanol doping, the insulated PSS shell surrounding the PEDOT:PSS was stripped, and the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS was increased from 4.50 × 10 −4 S cm −1 to 7.00 × 10 −4 S cm −1 . The work function was lowered by 0.23 eV to −5.30 eV, bringing it closer to the energy level of Sn–Pb perovskite. Ethanol-doped PEDOT:PSS was utilized as the HTL in Sn–Pb PSCs based on FA 0.5 MA 0.5 Sn 0.5 Pb 0.5 I 3 , resulting in 18.10% photoelectric conversion efficiency with negligible hysteresis, and more than 40% performance improvement compared to the undoped devices. Furthermore, the treatment of ethanol could enhance the stability of the devices. The doped device was placed in a glove box for one month, and its efficiency remained above 90% of the maximum value. Thus, ethanol doping in PEDOT:PSS should provide a promising strategy for developing HTLs in efficient Sn–Pb PSCs.

Topics & Concepts

Perovskite (structure)DopingMaterials scienceWork functionEthanolElectrical conductorConductivityEnergy conversion efficiencyLayer (electronics)Chemical engineeringOptoelectronicsPhotoelectric effectWork (physics)Solution processElectrical resistivity and conductivityEnergy transformationNanotechnologyActive layerSimple (philosophy)Ethanol fuelTransport layerShell (structure)Perovskite solar cellTransparent conducting filmElectrolyteStability (learning theory)Perovskite Materials and ApplicationsConducting polymers and applicationsOrganic Electronics and Photovoltaics