More than just light management -- The multiple advantages of nano- and micro-textures in perovskite solar cells

Abstract

Perovskite-based solar cells have undergone rapid improvements over the last decade enabling highest power conversion efficiencies of single-junction and multi-junction devices. The implementation of nano- or micro-textures has played a major role in this development due to their ability to minimize reflection losses, maximize light trapping, and hence increase light harvesting in the active layer. In the slipstream of these advances, it has become apparent that nano- and micro-textures can also have many other collateral benefits beyond light management. In this article, very recently reported texture-related benefits for perovskite-based solar cells different from light management are reviewed. These are namely (1) improved film wetting from perovskite-solution, (2) enhanced perovskite crystallinity in terms of grain size, crystal orientation and phase homogeneity, (3) enhanced carrier extraction leading to higher open-circuit voltages, and potentially (4) increased mechanical stability upon bending in flexible devices and reduced residual stress. This survey helps to understand textures as a holistic concept to further improve perovskite-based solar cells, photodetectors and light emitting diodes.