Multifunctional phosphonic acid additive enables efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells

J Junwen Liu (Institute for Environmental and Climate Research, College of Environment and Climate, Jinan University) Y Yapei Li (Sichuan Meteorological Optoelectronic Sensor Technology and Application Engineering Research Center, Chengdu University of Information Technology 3 , Chengdu 610225,) H Hongxia Ding (Sichuan Meteorological Optoelectronic Sensor Technology and Application Engineering Research Center, Chengdu University of Information Technology 3 , Chengdu 610225,) X Xingguo Chen (Optoelectronic Sensor Devices and Systems Key Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Universities, College of Optoelectronic Engineering (Chengdu IC Valley Industrial College), Chengdu University of Information Technology 1 , Chengdu 610225,) Y Yongjie Wu H Hailin Yang Z Ziqiao Wang J Jie Li D Dingyu Yang (Optoelectronic Sensor Devices and Systems Key Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Universities, College of Optoelectronic Engineering (Chengdu IC Valley Industrial College), Chengdu University of Information Technology 1 , Chengdu 610225,) X Xiao Wang

Abstract

Achieving efficient defect passivation is crucial for enhancing both the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, we demonstrate that incorporating [4-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl]phosphonic acid (Br-4PACz) as a multifunctional additive into inverted PSCs significantly improves device metrics. The phosphonic acid group in Br-4PACz effectively passivates undercoordinated Pb2+ ions, thereby reducing defects and improving perovskite film quality. Furthermore, Br-4PACz optimizes energy level alignment, promoting efficient charge extraction and suppressing non-radiative recombination. As a result, the Br-4PACz-modified inverted MAPbI3 device exhibits a remarkable increase in Voc from 1.00 V to 1.10 V and in power conversion efficiency from 16.9% to 19.3%, along with enhanced moisture stability. This work underscores phosphonic acid-based molecular engineering as a promising approach for developing high-performance stable inverted PSCs.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 127, Issue 22
Published December 01, 2025
ISSN 0003-6951
Publisher American Institute of Physics

Journal Info

Applied Physics Letters

American Institute of Physics

ISSN: 0003-6951 Physical Sciences

Authors (10)

J

Junwen Liu

Institute for Environmental and Climate Research, College of Environment and Climate, Jinan University

Y

Yapei Li

Sichuan Meteorological Optoelectronic Sensor Technology and Application Engineering Research Center, Chengdu University of Information Technology 3 , Chengdu 610225,

H

Hongxia Ding

Sichuan Meteorological Optoelectronic Sensor Technology and Application Engineering Research Center, Chengdu University of Information Technology 3 , Chengdu 610225,

X

Xingguo Chen

Optoelectronic Sensor Devices and Systems Key Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Universities, College of Optoelectronic Engineering (Chengdu IC Valley Industrial College), Chengdu University of Information Technology 1 , Chengdu 610225,

Y

Yongjie Wu

H

Hailin Yang

Z

Ziqiao Wang

J

Jie Li

D

Dingyu Yang

Optoelectronic Sensor Devices and Systems Key Laboratory of Sichuan Provincial Universities, College of Optoelectronic Engineering (Chengdu IC Valley Industrial College), Chengdu University of Information Technology 1 , Chengdu 610225,

X

Xiao Wang