Enhanced Stability for Perovskite Solar Cells Achieved

Oct 17, 2024 04:52 PM ET

• Revolutionizing solar technology: Researchers boost perovskite cell efficiency over 25% using tin oxide, enhancing stability and paving the way for affordable, sustainable energy solutions!

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Imperial College London have enhanced the stability of perovskite solar cells by using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to incorporate tin oxide instead of traditional fullerene electron transport layers. This new method achieved power conversion efficiencies exceeding 25% while maintaining over 95% efficiency after 2,000 hours of operation at 65°C, significantly improving the long-term reliability of these solar cells.

The innovative design simplifies the manufacturing process by integrating hole-selective materials with perovskite layers and replacing organic materials with stable tin oxide. This advancement not only lowers production costs but also positions perovskite solar technology for greater industrialization. Future research aims to develop larger modules, with the potential for implementation in solar energy systems within five years, promoting sustainable energy production globally.

How does tin oxide improve perovskite solar cell stability and efficiency?

• Stabilization of Perovskite Layers: Tin oxide serves as a more robust alternative to traditional electron transport materials, reducing the likelihood of degradation caused by environmental factors such as moisture and heat, which are known to adversely affect perovskite solar cells.
• Enhanced Charge Transport: The use of tin oxide improves charge mobility within the solar cell structure, facilitating a more efficient transfer of electrons. This enhanced mobility can decrease recombination losses, leading to higher overall efficiencies.
• Reduced Ion Migration: One of the issues with perovskite solar cells is ion migration, which can lead to performance degradation over time. Tin oxide exhibits properties that minimize ion movement within the cell, thereby preserving the integrity of the perovskite layer and maintaining efficiency.
• High Thermal Stability: Tin oxide is more thermally stable than traditional materials, allowing perovskite solar cells to operate effectively at higher temperatures. This is particularly valuable for applications in regions with intense sunlight and high ambient temperatures.
• Flexibility in Material Selection: The integration of tin oxide allows for the possibility of using a variety of perovskite compositions without compromising the cell’s performance. This flexibility is important for tuning solar cell properties to achieve desired efficiencies.
• Simplified Manufacturing Process: By utilizing atomic layer deposition (ALD) for tin oxide application, the manufacturing process becomes less labor-intensive and more precise. This technique can achieve uniform coverage, which is critical for optimizing the performance of solar cells.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Replacing organic materials with tin oxide not only enhances longevity and stability but also reduces dependency on more expensive organic compounds, potentially lowering the overall cost of perovskite solar cell production.
• Scalability for Industrial Applications: The enhanced stability and efficiency associated with tin oxide-based perovskite cells make them more suitable for large-scale production and integration into existing solar energy systems, paving the way for broader adoption in the renewable energy market.
• Potential for Reduced Environmental Impact: By minimizing the use of less stable and potentially hazardous organic materials, the shift to tin oxide could lead to more sustainable manufacturing practices in the solar energy sector.
• Increased Lifespan and Reliability: The improvements in both stability and efficiency contribute to an overall increase in lifespan for perovskite solar cells, making them a more reliable option for long-term energy generation compared to traditional solar technologies.