Key Findings
A research team at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has reported a significant breakthrough in improving the performance and long-term durability of all-perovskite tandem solar cells through the strategic application of molecular interface engineering. Notably, their PEDOT:PSS-free all-perovskite tandem solar cell achieved a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 29.1% and demonstrated outstanding operational stability.
Technical / Clinical Details
The key to this research lies in designing new interface layers that enable efficient and stable charge transport without the use of PEDOT:PSS. While PEDOT:PSS is a common hole-transporting material, it is known to cause long-term stability issues due to its hygroscopic nature and chemical instability. By eliminating this organic material, the HKUST team substantially enhanced the intrinsic stability of the device.
The developed all-perovskite tandem solar cell achieved a PCE of 29.1%, an efficiency that significantly outperforms single perovskite or silicon layers. More importantly, it demonstrated exceptional operational stability, maintaining 90% of its initial efficiency after 800 hours of continuous maximum power point tracking (MPPT) testing under ambient conditions of approximately 40°C. This is one of the most critical durability metrics for commercialization.
The team also reported success with a four-terminal all-inorganic perovskite tandem cell, achieving a certified efficiency of 21.54%. This inorganic tandem cell was further validated for stability under more rigorous conditions, retaining 80% of its initial efficiency after 1,210 hours of continuous operation at 65°C and 650 hours at 85°C, indicating robustness in high-temperature environments and for prolonged use.
Background & Context
All-perovskite tandem solar cells, unlike conventional silicon-based tandems, use perovskite materials for both absorbing layers, promising more flexible designs and potential reductions in manufacturing costs. However, their realization has been hindered by challenges in charge transport and stability at interfaces, in addition to optimizing each perovskite layer. The use of organic materials often represents a major bottleneck for long-term device reliability. Therefore, a PEDOT:PSS-free approach holds significant industry importance. Hong Kong is recognized as a hub for advanced materials science research and manufacturing technology, and this research further solidifies its position.
Strategic Significance & Outlook
This breakthrough in molecular interface engineering by HKUST presents a practical solution to a major durability issue facing perovskite solar cells. The combination of 29.1% high efficiency and excellent long-term stability will accelerate the commercialization of all-perovskite tandem solar cells, opening pathways for widespread adoption in various applications such as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), flexible solar cells, and even vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV). Critically, avoiding organic materials enables deployment in harsher environments, laying the groundwork for perovskite technology to play a larger role in the energy market.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1136571
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