Abstract:
A novel silver thiocyanate (AgSCN)-based hole transport material (HTM) was specifically designed for application in p-i-n perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The AgSCN was synthesized in the laboratory and characterized using various techniques such as XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, UPS, and TGA. Employing a rapid solvent removal method, thin and highly conformal AgSCN films were successfully produced, enabling efficient carrier extraction and collection. Photoluminescence experiments revealed that the inclusion of AgSCN at the interface significantly enhanced charge transfer between the HTL and perovskite layers compared to PEDOT:PSS. Further analysis of the film's microstructure and morphology showed variations in the polycrystalline perovskite film, suggesting the formation of templated perovskite on the AgSCN surface.
By virtue of AgSCN's high work function, it led to an increase in the open-circuit voltage (VOC) by 0.1–1.14 V (compared to 1.04 V for PEDOT:PSS) in comparison to devices using the well-known PEDOT:PSS. Additionally, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the PSCs incorporating CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite reached 16.66%, surpassing the efficiency of controlled PEDOT:PSS devices which stood at 15.11%. The use of a straightforward solution-processed inorganic HTL demonstrated its potential for constructing durable and effective flexible p-i-n PSC modules, making them suitable as front cells in hybrid tandem solar cells.
Biography:
Ahmed Mourtada Elseman is a highly accomplished scientist with a strong educational background in Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry. He obtained his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees from the Faculty of Science at Al-Azhar University in Egypt. His Ph.D. research, completed in February 2017, focused on perovskite solar cells. In addition to his degrees, Ahmed also holds two diplomas from prestigious institutions in China. In 2015, he received a diploma from the Inner Mongolia Institute of Scientific and Technological in Hohhot, and in 2017, he obtained another diploma from the Institute of New Energy in Wuhan. Currently, Ahmed serves as an Associate Professor and Head of Electronic and Magnetic Materials Department at the Central Metallurgical Research & Development Institute (CMRDI) in Egypt. His exceptional talent and expertise were recognized when he was awarded the Talent Young Scientific (TYSP) Postdoctoral Research Fellow position, funded by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), in Beijing, China, from 2017 to 2018. Following his postdoctoral fellowship, Ahmed was appointed as a lecturer in the School of Materials and Energy at Southwest University in Chongqing, China, where he served from 2018 to 2020. During this time, his outstanding contributions to the field were acknowledged with the CMRDI prize for excellence in a scientific publication in 2018. Ahmed's groundbreaking research has garnered international recognition. In 2020, he achieved the remarkable distinction of being ranked 1st in Africa and Egypt for his pioneering work on low-cost perovskite solar cells, as assessed by the SciVal Analyzer website. His current research endeavors revolve around comprehending the mechanisms and fundamental properties of perovskite solar cells, while also striving to develop scalable protocols for achieving high-efficiency in these devices. Given his expertise, Ahmed actively contributes to the scientific community as a reviewer and a member of the editorial board for several prestigious journals. Ahmed's impressive body of work is reflected in his research impact. He has attained an H-index of 30 citations, further underscoring his significant contributions to the field of inorganic and analytical chemistry. Overall, Ahmed Mourtada Elseman's remarkable educational journey, extensive research accomplishments, and noteworthy accolades highlight his invaluable contributions to the field of perovskite solar cells. His dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and pursuit of innovative solutions make him a highly regarded figure in the scientific community.
