# Integration of Sustainable Carbon Nanoparticles Into Inverted Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells to Enhance Optoelectronic Performance

**Authors:** Lorenzo Squillantini, Davide Tocco, Marco Natali, Luca Gnoli, Alessio Mezzi, Chiara Dionigi, Eugenio Lunedei, Fabiola Liscio, Andrea Parisini, Mirko Seri, Samet Ocak, Silvia Milita, Emiliano Fratini, Giampiero Ruani, Francesca De Giorgio

PMC · DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202500363 · Global Challenges · 2025-11-21

## TL;DR

This paper shows how adding sustainable carbon nanoparticles improves the efficiency of perovskite solar cells.

## Contribution

The study introduces novel sustainable carbon nanoparticles synthesized via a green method to enhance perovskite solar cell performance.

## Key findings

- Carbon nanoparticles improve fill factors in perovskite solar cells.
- Optimized devices achieved 10% power conversion efficiency compared to 8.2% without nanoparticles.

## Abstract

Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells (HPSCs) using lead halide perovskites offer high performance and low‐cost fabrication via solution processes. However, their environmental and thermal instability, along with poor polycrystalline quality—such as trap states and grain boundaries—limit device efficiency. In this study, we propose four novel compositions of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) as additives for methylammonium PbI3 (MAPI)‐based HPSCs to enhance the optoelectronic performance. The CNPs are synthesized through a green, cost‐effective method using citric acid and L‐tryptophan for nitrogen doping. Their optical, structural, and morphological properties are thoroughly characterized prior to integration. To assess the impact of CNPs on perovskite crystallization and facet orientation, synchrotron‐based 2D Grazing‐Incidence Wide‐Angle X‐ray Scattering (GIWAXS) is employed. Devices are fabricated using an inverted architecture, suitable for flexible substrates and energy‐efficient processing. Electrical and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses reveal improved fill factors across all CNP compositions. The optimized system achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10%, compared to 8.2% for the reference device without CNPs, confirming the potential of green CNPs to enhance HPSC performance without compromising structural integrity.

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) synthesized from sustainable chemicals, that is, citric acid and L‐tryptophan, using a green synthesis method, are used as additives in methylammonium PbI3 (MAPI)‐based hybrid perovskite (HPSCs) solar cells. The use of CNPs improves the device's fill factor, giving power conversion efficiencies up to 10% in comparison to 8.2% of the benchmark system without CNPs.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** citric acid (PubChem CID 311), L-tryptophan (PubChem CID 6305)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** CNP (2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3' phosphodiesterase) [NCBI Gene 1267] {aka CN37, CNP1, HLD20}
- **Chemicals:** citric acid (MESH:D019343), L-tryptophan (MESH:D014364), nitrogen (MESH:D009584), Perovskite (MESH:C059910), Carbon Nanoparticles (-)

## Full text

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## Figures

9 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12774800/full.md

## References

71 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12774800/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12774800