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Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) have emerged as promising candidates owing to their cost-effectiveness, high stability, and simplified fabrication process. However, challenges related to stability and performance variations stemming from film quality persist as significant barriers to their widespread adoption. To address these concerns, additive engineering has emerged as a promising strategy. In our study, we introduced an appropriate amount of RbCl into the perovskite thin film. Rubidium (Rb), characterized by its smaller ionic radius, was anticipated to enhance annealing conditions, facilitating the formation of the perovskite phase and reducing bulk defects within the film. Additionally, the presence of Cl− ions was expected to delay perovskite nucleation, leading to improved film morphology and reduced defect formation at the buried interface. Our champion C-PSC achieved a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.85%, surpassing the control C-PSC manufactured under identical conditions, which exhibited a PCE of only 14.61%. RbCl doping proved instrumental in promoting dense film growth, reducing bulk defects, and suppressing non-radiative recombination, thereby enhancing overall device performance. Furthermore, RbCl-doped C-PSCs demonstrated exceptional long-term stability and moisture resistance when exposed to ambient air. These findings contribute valuable insights into the development of efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective C-PSCs, highlighting the potential of the additive engineering strategy for enhancing device performance and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy storage devices with high power and energy density are in demand owing to the rapidly growing population, and lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are promising rechargeable energy storage devices. However, there are many issues associated with the development of electrode materials with a high theoretical capacity, which need to be addressed before their commercialization. Extensive research has focused on the modification and structural design of electrode materials, which are usually expensive and sophisticated. Besides, polymer binders are pivotal components for maintaining the structural integrity and stability of electrodes in LIBs. Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) is a commercial binder with superior electrochemical stability, but its poor adhesion, insufficient mechanical properties, and low electronic and ionic conductivity hinder its wide application as a high-capacity electrode material. In this review, we highlight the recent progress in developing different polymeric materials (based on natural polymers and synthetic non-conductive and electronically conductive polymers) as binders for the anodes and cathodes in LIBs. The influence of the mechanical, adhesion, and self-healing properties as well as electronic and ionic conductivity of polymers on the capacity, capacity retention, rate performance and cycling life of batteries is discussed. Firstly, we analyze the failure mechanisms of binders based on the operation principle of lithium-ion batteries, introducing two models of "interface failure" and "degradation failure". More importantly, we propose several binder parameters applicable to most lithium-ion batteries and systematically consider and summarize the relationships between the chemical structure and properties of the binder at the molecular level. Subsequently, we select silicon and sulfur active electrode materials as examples to discuss the design principles of the binder from a molecular structure point of view. Finally, we present our perspectives on the development directions of binders for next-generation high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries. We hope that this review will guide researchers in the further design of novel efficient binders for lithium-ion batteries at the molecular level, especially for high energy density electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]