Application of a natural antioxidant as an efficient strategy to decrease the oxidation in Sn-based perovskites

This study aims at the application of uric acid (UA), as a natural antioxidant, an inexpensive and available additive, in the fabrication of Sn-perovskite solar cells (Sn-PSCs). First, we fabricate a carbon structure Sn-PSC without the HTM layer which is more economical and environmentally friendly. Then, we investigate the effect of a UA additive on their performance. An important problem in Sn-PSCs is tin oxidation, producing p-type doping and Sn vacancies in the cells. All of these lead to serious device deterioration and low performance. In this case, adding UA helps to improve the photovoltaic parameters and, in particular, the device performance as a result of an effective decrease in Sn2+ oxidation and carrier recombination. Also, the device stability improves, in comparison to devices not treated with UA. According to the findings of this study, the UA can replace some expensive additives to prevent tin oxidation and significantly improve photovoltaic parameters. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.