article · Scientific Reports
Perovskite solar cells offer high power conversion efficiency and low manufacturing costs, but their operational success depends heavily on the quality of charge transport layers. This research evaluates nickel oxide thin films synthesised through chemical co-precipitation for use as hole transport layers. The films were deposited by spin coating and treated at various calcination temperatures to study their structure, surface characteristics, and optoelectronic behaviour. Higher processing temperatures increased crystallinity and formed cubic nickel oxide, alongside transforming nickel hydroxide into nickel oxide. However, films treated at 300 degrees Celsius achieved the best balance of uniform, fine-grained morphology and smooth surface quality, whereas higher heat led to coarsening and surface roughness. Optical analysis confirmed band gap adjustments that assist charge extraction. Overall, appropriately heat-treated nickel oxide films provide a viable route to boost the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells.
Next-generation solar technologies require materials that maintain device efficiency without degrading quickly over time. By refining the processing temperature of low-cost nickel oxide coatings, this work helps solve interfacial and transport bottlenecks in perovskite solar cells, aiding the development of longer-lasting, high-performing clean energy devices.
This research provides a material processing route relevant to photovoltaic manufacturers and developers of perovskite solar cells seeking durable, low-cost hole transport layers. The work demonstrates material optimisation and property tuning at a laboratory stage, indicating early-stage experimental development that requires full device integration and operational testing before commercial adoption.
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Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as promising next-generation photovoltaic devices due to their high power conversion efficiencies and low fabrication costs. However, the performance and stability of PSCs are strongly influenced by the quality of charge transport layers, particularly the hole transport layer (HTL). This study investigates the structural, morphological, and optoelectronic properties of nickel oxide (NiOx) thin films prepared via a chemical co-precipitation method and applied as hole transport layers (HTLs) in perovskite solar cells. NiOx films were spin-coated and thermally treated at different calcination temperatures to evaluate their effect on phase formation, surface morphology, and interfacial compatibility. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of cubic NiO with increased crystallinity at higher calcination temperatures, while FTIR spectroscopy revealed the transformation of Ni(OH)₂ to NiOx through the disappearance of hydroxyl bands and the appearance of metal-oxygen stretching vibrations. Surface morphology assessed by FESEM and morphology analysis by ImageJ showed that films calcined at 300 °C presented uniform and fine-grain structure, while the 400 °C samples exhibited coarsening and increased roughness. UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated variations in optical absorption and band gap narrowing with increasing crystallinity. These optoelectronic improvements are critical for efficient hole extraction and transport. The optimized film at 300 °C provided a balance between crystallinity, morphology, and surface quality, making it a promising candidate for enhancing the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells.
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DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-18509-6
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