Automated Fabrication of Perovskite Photovoltaics Using Inkjet Printing and Intense Pulse Light Annealing

Abstract

Rapid chemistry and processing development has increased the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in an unprecedented manner, yet postdeposition annealing impedes high‐throughput manufacturing. Herein, SnO 2 and carbon charge transport films are fabricated entirely through an integrated robotic setup utilizing inkjet printing and intense pulse light (IPL) as a high‐speed postprocess annealing method; hence, process optimization is crucial for successful fabrication of PSCs. This work investigates the role of inkjet deposition parameters as well as IPL annealing on the morphology and uniformity of films with aid of spectroscopy and spectrophotometry. Initially PSCs exceeding 13% efficiency are developed by only fabricating the SnO 2 film through the robotic setup, but spin coating all other films followed by IPL annealing to demonstrate successful fabrication of SnO 2 layer. Finally, SnO 2 and carbon back contact films are entirely fabricated through the integrated robotic setup in a high humid ambient environment (>60%), resulting in PSCs exceeding 5% efficiency. Unlike successful direct annealing of SnO 2 wet films, IPL annealing of wet carbon severely damaged the phase and morphology necessitating rapid solvent removal before IPL annealing. This work establishes pioneering steps towards utilizing IPL in an entirely automated fabrication line, allowing for scalable fabrication of PSCs through non‐roll‐to‐roll.