Eco-friendly upgradation for the enhancement of performance and stability of perovskite solar cells

Researchers are exploring perovskite photovoltaics (PPVs) as a promising, cost-effective alternative technique to convert solar energy to electricity. With their higher power conversion efficiency (PCE), simple film casting through solution processing, semi-transparent nature, and flexibility, PPVs hold great potential as photoelectronic devices. Meanwhile, additive engineering continues to enhance both PCE and device stability by passivating defects and controlling crystallization processes. The primary focus of this work is to achieve high photovoltaic performance and stability (both thermal and moisture) of PPV devices using naturally extracted small organic molecules as an additive in perovskite material. The strong interactions between hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups in the extracted curcumin with lead and iodide ions in perovskite material, the film crystallization and electronic properties are improved, boosting efficiency from 18.27 % to 20.27 % and significantly enhancing thermal and moisture stability. Our findings highlight significant advances in both the efficiency and lifetime of the devices in an environmentally friendly method.