From ink to electrode: Scalable blade and slot-die coating of carbon counter electrodes for perovskite solar cells

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2026

Abstract

Carbon counter electrode offers low-cost and stable alternative to metal contacts for carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs), owing to their chemical inertness, thermal stability, and low-temperature processability. Among scalable deposition techniques for carbon electrodes, blade coating and slot-die coating have emerged as the leading routes, yet a systematic, process-oriented basis of these two methods for carbon electrodes has been lacking. This review provides such a comparison, tracing each method through carbon ink formulation, coating process and parameters, drying and post-treatment, and resulting device performance. We further review engineering strategies, specifically, optimizing carbon compositions and introducing single or hybrid interlayers at carbon/perovskite interface, to tune work-function alignment, hole selectivity and interfacial contact at the carbon/perovskite junction. Finally, the key challenges and future perspectives for blade- and slot-die-coated carbon electrodes in C-PSCs are discussed. By comparing the two processing methods across ink formulation, process, and performance, this review aims to provide insights into the selection of coating strategies and accelerate the development of efficient, stable and manufacturable C-PSCs.

Publication Title

Catalysis Today

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