Alq3: Pt nanowires for cathode interfacial layers (CILs) in perovskite photovoltaics

Tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) Aluminum (III) (Alq3) is a widely used organic luminescent and electron transport material. The functional properties of Alq3 can be enhanced by its modification via nanoscale synthesis and doping with different materials. The present paper reports the synthesis and characterization of Platinum (Pt) incorporated Alq3 (Alq3:Pt) films synthesized with nanoscale morphology. Platinum (Pt) are incorporated in Alq3 matrix using ultrasonic incorporation. Films of pure Alq3 and Alq3: Pt films are deposited using thermal vapor transport method. From the characterization studies, it is confirmed that these films have nanowire morphology and Pt is incorporated in the form of small clusters present in Alq3 nanowires. Photoluminescence quenching is observed for Alq3: Pt nanowire films which increases with increasing Pt concentration. Alq3: Pt nanowire films are also observed to have improved dc-conductivity. Pure Alq3 and Alq3: Pt nanowire films are employed as the cathode interfacial layers (CILs) in perovskite (CH₃NH₃PbI₃):ZnO nanocomposites photovoltaics fabricated under ambient atmosphere. Application of Pure Alq3 and Alq3:Pt nanowires in cathode interfacial layers (CILs) has been observed to improve the performance of photovoltaics in terms of efficiency and stability. Highest improvement in the performance has been recorded for the photovoltaics having Alq3:Pt nanowires based cathode interfacial layers (CILs).

We have developed nanowire films incorporating platinum (Pt) into Alq3, a material known for its electron transport properties. These films not only enhance the conductivity and stability of solar cells but also improve their efficiency by facilitating better electron extraction, making them promising for advancing solar energy technologies.

Recent research challenges in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) include optimizing both efficiency and stability while ensuring compatibility and scalable fabrication of nanowire-based cathode interfacial layers (CILs). The study demonstrates that incorporating Pt into Alq3 nanowires enhances photoluminescence quenching and dc-conductivity, leading to improved device performance. Furthermore, Alq3 nanowire CILs enhance device stability by filling pinholes and reducing ion migration, though the stability improvements with Pt incorporation are less pronounced.