Impact of interlayer application on band bending for improved electron extraction for efficient flexible perovskite mini-modules

The development of highly efficient lightweight flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) opens the way to high-throughput roll-to-roll manufacturing processes and new applications such as building integration and mobile products. Flexible PSCs are generally realized on small areas (< 0.2 cm(2)), far from technology commercialization where modules-scale is necessary. In this work, we demonstrate highly efficient n-i-p PSCs grown on flexible substrates by proper interface engineering for improved electron extraction. We compared spin coated PEIE and vacuum deposited LiF as interlayers between Al-doped ZnO, as transport conductive oxide (TCO), and thermally evaporated C-60, as electron transport layer (ETL). Once interlayers are applied, we observed a favorable band bending at TCO interface which results in enhanced charge extraction and lower recombination losses. We achieved flexible PSCs with stabilized efficiencies of 14.8%, both with PEIE and LiF interfacial modifications.