A groundbreaking research team has developed a unique chiral-structured interface in perovskite solar cells, which significantly boosts the dependability and power conversion efficiency of this rapidly evolving solar technology, paving the way for its commercialization.
A groundbreaking research team from the School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has created a unique chiral-structured interface in perovskite solar cells. This innovation not only improves the reliability and power conversion efficiency of this rapidly developing solar technology but also promotes its commercialization.
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) use a type of material known as perovskite, which is affordable to produce and easy to manufacture. Unlike traditional silicon solar cells that need costly high-temperature and high-vacuum techniques for production, perovskites are easily transformed into thin films through various low-cost printing methods. The efficiency of PSCs has risen sharply in recent years, yet they still face significant challenges to commercialization, especially regarding their stability in real-world settings. A major concern has been the weak adhesion between the layers of the cells, leading to unreliable interfaces.
To tackle this challenge, Prof. ZHOU Yuanyuan, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) at HKUST, along with his research team, drew inspiration from the natural strength of chiral materials and created a unique chiral-structured interface in PSCs, achieving very high reliability.
The researchers introduced chiral-structured interlayers, utilizing R-/S-methylbenzyl-ammonium, between the perovskite light absorber and the electron transport layer, forming a strong and flexible heterointerface. The encapsulated solar cells maintained 92% of their initial power conversion efficiency after enduring 200 cycles between −40°C and 85°C over 1,200 hours, evaluated according to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61215 solar cell standards.
“The fascinating mechanical characteristics of chiral materials stem from their helical arrangement, resembling a mechanical spring,” explained the lead author of the study, Dr. DUAN Tianwei, who currently serves as a Research Assistant Professor in the CBE Department at HKUST and is a former postdoctoral fellow supported by the Research Grants Council. “By adding a chiral-structured interlayer at this critical device interface, we enhance the mechanical durability and adaptability of perovskite solar cells across various operating conditions,” she added.
“We are truly on the brink of commercialization for perovskite solar cells. With the high efficiencies these cells offer, overcoming the reliability challenges could unlock billions in energy markets,” stated Prof. Zhou.
This innovation brings exciting potential for the solar energy sector. With promising enhancements in reliability and power conversion efficiency, future perovskite solar panels could become increasingly reliable, providing consistent electricity generation even in diverse weather conditions over long periods.
