Innovative physico-chemical methods for Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology due to their high power conversion efficiencies and low fabrication costs. This doctoral thesis investigates each process step and material for the development of semitransparent PSC architectures. Among the possible compositional choices, Cesium lead iodide (CsP bI3) has been selected as a semitransparent photoactive perovskite, aiming to fit novel applications in agrivoltaics where agricultural production is combined with photovoltaic energy generation. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is studied to be used as electron transport layer (ETL), molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) is selected to serve as hole transport layer (HTL), and silver (Ag) is aimed as top contact electrode. Combining all these materials in sequence would fit the semitransparency conditions for integration into agro-photovoltaic modules. The research encompasses the synthesis of high-quality CsPbI3 perovskite films through optimized spin-coating techniques, ensuring uniform morphology, controlled crystallization, and the desired optical properties. Various deposition conditions for TiO2 and MoO3 layers are explored to achieve good charge transport properties, interface compatibility, and appropriate transparency levels. The silver top contact is engineered to maintain semitransparency while providing efficient electrical conductivity. Severall physical and chemical characterizations are conducted to elucidate the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of each component and the complete device. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are employed to analyze the crystallinity and surface morphology. Spectroscopic ellipsometry provided insights into the optical properties, confirming the semitransparent nature of the device. Electrical characterizations, including current-voltage (I-V) measurements, assess first photovoltaic performance and charge transport mechanisms. Laboratory-scale greenhouses are produced to study the simulated sunlight filtration by perovskites and related effects on seedling growth. The balance between energy production and use into real-scale greenhouses has been modelled. Finally, proof-of concept device is provided.