Accelerating Perovskite Solar Cell Manufacturing: Rapid Annealing and Solvent Optimization for High-Throughput Roll-to-Roll Processing

Perovskite Solar Cell (PSCs) is nearing commercialization, making it essential to prioritize scalable and high-throughput processes for widespread adoption. Roll-to-roll (r2r) processing of PSCs, via slot-die, blade, or inkjet accelerated transition of the technology from lab to fab. A critical factor influencing throughput in r2r fabrication is the processing time of the perovskite. which requires Intense Pulse Light or rapid annealing to reduce this time. In this study, we developed a precusor solution that yields a high-quality perovskite layer with significantly reduced annealing time.

This is achieved through: 1) Rapid solvent extraction using high-vapor pressure solvents like 2-ME, GBL to accelerate the crystallization, and 2) preventing the formation of intermediate solvated phases during annealing by reducing solvent that exhibit higher coordination with PbI₂ (like DMF, DMSO). ​Our findings, supported by crystal structure and spectroscopy studies, indicate the stabilization of the perovskite structure, free from solvated phases.​ Also, incorporating additives with -NH₂ and -SO₃H groups effectively inhibited the formation of solvated intermediates.

Consequently, this precisely engineered precursor enables the formation of a robust perovskite layer via slot-die coating with an annealing time to less than 5 minutes. The results demonstrate a promising advancement in r2r processing, achieving PSCs with efficiency (PCE) of 15%, highlighting the potential for scalable production.