HKUST researchers have developed a molecular treatment that significantly improves the efficiency and durability of perovskite solar cells, potentially paving the way for large-scale production of renewable energy.
Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have discovered how to improve the performance and longevity of perovskite solar cells. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective production of renewable energy.
The team, led by Assistant Professor Lin Yen-Hung, investigated various ways to passivate perovskite materials, which are used in photovoltaic devices. They found that using amino-silane molecules can improve the surface quality of perovskite films, reducing defects and increasing efficiency.
This approach is crucial for developing tandem solar cells, which combine multiple layers of photoactive materials with different bandgaps. The design maximizes the use of sunlight by absorbing different parts of the spectrum in each layer, leading to higher overall efficiency.
In their experiment, the team fabricated medium- and large-sized devices that achieved low photovoltage loss across a broad range of bandgaps. These devices reached high open-circuit voltages beyond 90% of the thermodynamic limit.
The study also demonstrated remarkable operational stability for amino-silane passivated cells under standardized testing procedures. The maximum power point efficiency remained at high levels even after approximately 1,500 hours of aging.
Professor Lin emphasized that their treatment process not only boosts efficiency and durability but is also compatible with industrial-scale production, similar to the HMDS priming process widely used in the semiconductor industry.
The research was published in Science on May 16, 2024.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-unveil-game-changing-molecular-treatment-for-solar-cells/