Enhanced-Performance Electrodes from Biomass-Derived Carbon (Rice Husk) for Printable Perovskite Solar Cells

Abstract

In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, printable carbon-based perovskite solar cells (p-MPSCs) are capturing the industry's attention due to their exceptional stability, simplified assembly, and cost-effectiveness. At the heart of this innovation lies the carbon electrode, favored for its straightforward printing and assembly processes, making it an ideal candidate for renewable photovoltaic applications that leverage biomass carbon. This study casts the spotlight on rice husks, a plentiful yet underutilized resource, repurposing them into carbon electrodes for p-MPSCs through a specialized carbonization treatment. A comprehensive examination reveals that the integration of 20% rice husk carbon (RHC) with graphite significantly improves the material's filling and crystalline qualities, diminishes the density of defect states, and strengthens the suppression of nonradiative recombination. These advancements culminate in a notable increase in photovoltaic conversion efficiency, reaching up to 11.49%. This study not only demonstrates the viability of RHC in photovoltaic applications but also supports the efficient use of biomass carbon, contributing to the progression of green energy technologies.