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| Perovskite solar cell Photo Credit: Xiaoming Chang |
Scientists have found a way to make perovskite solar cells not only highly efficient but also remarkably stable, addressing one of the main challenges holding the technology back from widespread use.
Perovskite has long been hailed as a game-changer for the next generation of solar power. However, advances in material design are still needed to boost the efficiency and durability of solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity.
Led by Professor Thomas Anthopoulos from The University of Manchester, the research team achieved this by fine-tuning the molecules that coat the perovskite surfaces. They utilized specially designed small molecules, known as amidinium ligands, which act like a molecular “glue” to hold the perovskite structure together.
"This could overcome one of the last major hurdles facing perovskite solar cell technology and ensure it lasts long enough for large-scale deployment."Professor Thomas Anthopoulos, Professor of Emerging Optoelectronics, The University of Manchester
The study, published today in the journal Science, focuses on understanding how the chemical structure of the amidinium ligand controls the formation of the low-dimensional perovskite phase atop the conventional three-dimensional perovskite.
These highly ordered layers form a smooth, stable protective layer that prevents tiny defects from forming, allowing electrical charges to flow more efficiently and preventing the devices from degrading under heat or light.
Using this approach, the team developed solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 25.4%, while maintaining over 95% of performance after 1,100 hours of continuous operation at 85°C under full sunlight.
Professor Anthopoulos said: “Perovskite solar cells are seen as a cheaper, lightweight and flexible alternative to traditional silicon panels, but they have faced challenges with long-term stability. Current state-of-the-art perovskite materials are known to be unstable under heat or light, causing the cells to degrade faster. The amidinium ligands we’ve developed, and the new knowledge gained, allow the controlled growth of high-quality, stable perovskite layers. This could overcome one of the last major hurdles facing perovskite solar cell technology and ensure it lasts long enough for large-scale deployment.”
Published in journal: Science
Title: Multivalent ligands regulate dimensional engineering for inverted perovskite solar modules
Authors: Xiaoming Chang, Yanping Liu, Yue Ping, Nan Wu, Tinghuan Yang, Chenqing Tian, Zhaoheng Ling, Badri Vishal, Anil Reddy Pininti, Jong Bin Park, Sang Young Jeong, Yan Qin, Wing Tung Hui, Fion Sze Yan Yeung, Yu-Ying Yang, Hailiang Liao, Adi Prasetio, Furkan H. Isikgor, Mingjie He, Drajad Satrio Utomo, Rongbo Wang, Kui Zhao, Mario Lanza, Han Young Woo, Martin Heeney, Stefaan De Wolf, Yen-Hung Lin, Leonidas Tsetseris, Randi Azmi, and Thomas D. Anthopoulos
Source/Credit: University of Manchester
Reference Number: ms010926_01
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