Chinese Academy of Sciences Develops Scalable Co-Deposition Strategy for High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells, Reaching 26.60% and Significantly Boosting Long-Term Stability

Chinese Academy of Sciences (EurekAlert) China

Overview

Chinese scientists have developed a novel co-deposition strategy utilizing a multidentate anchoring molecule to improve self-assembled monolayer (SAM) fabrication via blade coating, a scalable technique. This method achieved a champion power conversion efficiency of 26.60% (certified 26.23%) for small-area devices and 23.31% for a 20.9 cm² mini-module. Critically, the strategy also enhanced long-term stability, retaining 96% efficiency after 1000 hours of continuous operation under ISOS-L-1 protocol and 91% after 1000 hours of thermal aging, addressing key commercialization barriers.

In Depth

Key Findings

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have made a significant breakthrough in the manufacturing of high-efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs), developing an innovative co-deposition strategy that simultaneously enhances scalability, performance, and stability. This strategy leverages multidentate anchoring molecules to improve the fabrication of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) using blade coating, a technique well-suited for industrial application. The approach has yielded an impressive 26.60% power conversion efficiency (PCE) for small-area devices (independently certified at 26.23%) and 23.31% PCE for a 20.9 cm² mini-module. Crucially, the long-term stability of the devices has been dramatically improved, with 96% of initial efficiency retained after 1000 hours of continuous operation under the ISOS-L-1 protocol and 91% retained after 1000 hours of thermal aging.

Technical and Manufacturing Details

• Co-Deposition Strategy and Multidentate Anchoring Molecules: At the heart of this research is a co-deposition method that simultaneously deposits multidentate organic molecules at the interface between the perovskite layer and the charge transport layer. These molecules strongly bind to defect sites (e.g., uncoordinated lead ions) on the surface and grain boundaries of the perovskite crystals, effectively passivating them. This passivation effect suppresses non-radiative recombination, thereby enhancing open-circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor (FF).
• Applicability of Blade Coating Technology: This strategy is compatible with blade coating, a technique suitable for industrial-scale manufacturing, as opposed to laboratory-scale methods like spin coating. Blade coating enables fast, low-cost, and uniform thin-film deposition over large areas, paving the way for mass production.
• High Efficiency and Scalability: The 26.60% PCE for small-area devices demonstrates the high degree of interfacial quality control achieved. Furthermore, the attainment of 23.31% PCE on a practical 20.9 cm² mini-module strongly suggests that this technology can be scaled up to future gigawatt-scale manufacturing.
• Dramatic Improvement in Long-Term Stability:
• Operational Stability: 96% of initial efficiency retained after 1000 hours of operation under the ISOS-L-1 protocol (continuous light exposure), indicating excellent durability under conditions similar to real-world outdoor use.
• Thermal Aging Stability: 91% efficiency retained after 1000 hours of thermal aging. Heat is a major degradation factor for perovskite solar cells, making this resilience extremely important for commercialization.

Background and Context

Perovskite solar cells are anticipated as a next-generation technology capable of surpassing the theoretical efficiency limits of silicon solar cells. However, their commercialization has faced significant hurdles related to maintaining high efficiency, achieving scalability for large-scale manufacturing, and ensuring long-term stability. Specifically, achieving both high efficiency and stability with scalable techniques like blade coating has been a long-standing goal for the industry. This research comprehensively addresses these challenges, significantly accelerating the commercialization of perovskite technology.

Strategic Significance and Outlook

This co-deposition strategy by the Chinese Academy of Sciences represents a critical breakthrough for the mass production of perovskite solar cells. The achieved high efficiency, demonstrated scalability, and dramatically improved long-term stability greatly enhance the potential for manufacturing high-performance perovskite solar modules at low cost and on a large scale for widespread application. Should this technology gain widespread adoption, it is expected to significantly improve the cost-performance of solar power and make an indispensable contribution to the global renewable energy transition.

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