Surface Passivation of Perovskite Solar Cells with Oxalic Acid: Increased Efficiency and Device Stability

Solution processed perovskite films usually exhibit numerous defect states on the surfaces of the films. Here in this work, oxalic acid (H2C2O4), which has two C=O groups, is selected and used to passivate the surface defects of the two-step deposited perovskite films via post-treatment. Strong interaction between H2C2O4 molecule and the Pb2+ ions located on the surface of perovskite film has been confirmed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which can result in an effective suppress of the surface defects. Furthermore, time-resolved PL spectrum indicates that carrier lifetime is prolonged in the H2C2O4 passivated perovskite film. After optimizing the H2C2O4 concentration, the target perovskite solar cells can demonstrate superior power conversion efficiencies (21.67 % from reverse measurement and 21.54 % from forward measurement) and superior device-stability. Surface defects of perovskite films are effectively passivated using oxalic acid, which has two C=O groups and can passivate the Pb2+ related defects. The oxalic acid passivated perovskite solar cell exhibits a champion PCE of 21.67 % from the reverse measurement and PCE of 21.54 % from the forward measurement.image