Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells: 35.1% PCE via SAMs

Nature

Overview

Researchers have achieved a certified stabilized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 35.1% in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells by engineering self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with tailored intramolecular distortion. This approach resolves the trade-off between conductivity and conformal coverage on rough textured substrates, significantly improving device stability and fill factor.

In Depth

Key Findings

The optimized perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell achieves a certified stabilized power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 35.1% and a fill factor (FF) of 85%. In terms of durability, the device retains more than 94% of its initial performance after 1,500 hours of ageing under the ISOS-L-1 protocol.

Technical Details

The performance gains are attributed to the use of rationally engineered molecular spatial conjugation within the self-assembled monolayer (SAM). The design incorporates tailored intramolecular distortion to suppress excess π–π stacking, which prevents unfavorable aggregation without reducing charge-transport efficiency. This steric regulation enables the formation of a highly ordered, conformal SAM across rough pyramidal textures.

This tailored interface provides several critical technical advantages:

• Optimized energy-level alignment for ultrafast charge extraction.
• Improved defect passivation through adaptive conformational adjustment.
• A robust template that supports the growth of high-quality perovskite films.

Background & Context

Current perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells utilizing rough textured substrates face a critical design trade-off regarding SAMs. While increasing molecular conjugation typically enhances conductivity, it often leads to aggregation that impairs the conformal coverage of the substrate. This limitation has historically hindered the ability to maintain both high conductivity and film uniformity on textured silicon.

Significance & Outlook

By reconciling molecular packing with interfacial coverage, this molecular engineering route provides a method to maximize the performance of tandem photovoltaics on textured silicon substrates. The ability to maintain high efficiency while ensuring long-term stability under ISOS-L-1 protocols represents a significant step in the development of high-performance tandem solar cells.

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