Ag_0.875Cu_0.120Zn_0.005 Alloy electrodes for Enhanced Long-Term Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells

This study investigates the use of thermally evaporated Ag_0.875Cu_0.120Zn_0.005 (ACZ0.5) alloy as back electrodes in triple-cation perovskite solar cells, aiming to enhance efficiency and durability. XRD and XPS analysis over 90 days and 30 days, respectively, showed that the ACZ0.5 electrode is more resistant to moisture-induced degradation than Ag, demonstrating improved stability. Our findings reveal that solar cells developed with pure Ag electrodes demonstrate a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.20 %, characterized by a fill factor (FF) of 74.5 %, an open-circuit voltage (V_OC) of 1.08 V, and a short-circuit current density (J_SC) of 21.33 mA/cm². Conversely, solar cells fabricated with AgCuZn alloy electrodes exhibit enhanced performance metrics, with an FF of 76.6%, V_OC of 1.12 V, and J_SC of 20.56 mA/cm², culminating in an elevated PCE of 17.70 %. Notably, ACZ0.5 electrodes demonstrate superior durability, maintaining operational integrity for 310 hours in unencapsulated cells, compared to 180 hours for Ag electrodes. The ACZ0.5 also exhibits high optical reflectivity, corrosion resistance, and good adhesion to the hole-transport material layer. These findings have significant implications for the development of cost-effective, efficient, and durable solar energy conversion systems.