New thin-film material achieves both high efficiency and durability in tandem solar cells

A novel thin-film materials able to concurrently enhancing the effectivity and sturdiness of tandem photo voltaic cells has been developed.

Led by Professor BongSoo Kim from the Division of Chemistry at UNIST, in collaboration with Professors Jin Younger Kim and Dong Suk Kim from the Graduate Faculty of Carbon Neutrality at UNIST, the workforce developed a multi-functional hole-selective layer (mHSL) designed to considerably enhance the efficiency of perovskite/natural tandem photo voltaic cells (POTSCs). Their examine is published in Superior Power Supplies.

Tandem photo voltaic cells are superior photovoltaic units that stack two several types of cells to soak up a broader spectrum of daylight, thereby rising total power conversion effectivity. Amongst these, mixtures of perovskite and natural supplies are notably promising for producing skinny, versatile photo voltaic panels appropriate for wearable units and building-integrated photovoltaics, positioning them as next-generation power sources.

The analysis workforce efficiently developed a hole-transport layer (HTL) by mixing two self-assembled molecules, attaining a report open-circuit voltage (VOC) of two.216 V and an influence conversion effectivity (PCE) of 24.73%. The VOC, which displays the utmost voltage the cell can produce with out present movement, is a essential indicator of machine efficiency.

This effectivity degree is among the many highest ever recorded for perovskite-organic tandem photo voltaic cells globally. Furthermore, the machine maintained over 80% of its preliminary effectivity after prolonged exposure to high temperatures of 65°C and steady illumination, demonstrating glorious long-term stability.

The newly developed HTL is fastidiously engineered to align its power ranges with the perovskite energetic layer, selectively extracting holes whereas blocking electrons, thereby decreasing cost recombination losses. Environment friendly cost extraction is important as a result of, after gentle absorption, electrons and holes should attain their respective electrodes to generate present; misaligned energy levels trigger cost loss and lowered effectivity.

Moreover, this HTL reduces interface defects that hinder cost transport and stabilizes the crystal structurebecause of the sturdy chemical bonds fashioned between the substituents of the self-assembled molecules—36ICzC4PA and 36MeOCzC4PA—and the steel ions throughout the perovskite layer. The self-assembly property of those molecules ensures a uniform, ultra-thin coating over massive areas, simplifying manufacturing processes and facilitating scalable manufacturing for commercialization.

Professor Kim commented, “By developing a self-assembled hole transport layer that improves charge extraction, interface stability, and structural durability, we have made a significant leap forward in enhancing the performance of tandem solar cells. This development brings us closer to realizing thin, flexible, and high-efficiency next-generation solar panels for practical applications.”