Device Physics of Hybrid Perovskite Solar cells: Theory and Experiment

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exhibit a series of distinctive features in their optoelectronic response which have a crucial influence on the performance, particularly for long-time response. Here, a survey of recent advances both in device simulation and optoelectronic and photovoltaic responses is provided, with the aim of comprehensively covering recent advances. Device simulations are included with clarifying discussions about the implications of classical drift-diffusion modeling and the inclusion of ionic charged layers near the outer carrier selective contacts. The outcomes of several transient techniques are summarized, along with the discussion of impedance and capacitive responses upon variation of bias voltage and irradiance level. In relation to the capacitive response, a discussion on the J-V curve hysteresis is also included. Although alternative models and explanations are included in the discussion, the review relies upon a key mechanism able to yield most of the rich experimental responses. Particularly for state-of-the-art solar cells exhibiting efficiencies around or exceeding 20%, outer interfaces play a determining role on the PSC's performance. The ionic and electronic kinetics in the vicinity of the interfaces, coupled to surface recombination and carrier extraction mechanisms, should be carefully explored to progress further in performance enhancement.