An inverted perovskite solar cell from researchers at Hebei University of Technology, Jiaxing Nanhu University, and Tianjin University delivered 27.39% efficiency after the team introduced an additive that bolsters stability, pv magazine reported.
Here's what to know
The study was published in Joule in August. Using an additive called ADA-DA, the researchers applied a steric-gated dual-site chelation strategy. This strategy allowed the resulting solar cell to have a 27.39% power conversion efficiency. A reference device made without the additive functioned at only 26.24%.
According to lead author Cong Chen, the work targeted a familiar weakness in perovskite devices.
"Rapid film crystallization can generate subtle defects that become concentrated at surfaces, grain boundaries, and buried interfaces," Chen said. "Although molecular additives can effectively mitigate these imperfections, their design requires a careful balance."
The study said the approach led to a smoother, denser perovskite layer with larger grains and fewer grain boundaries. It reported lower densities of both electron and hole traps. An outside certification body not identified confirmed the 27.39% efficiency result.
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More background
Perovskite solar cells may be able to deliver high performance at lower manufacturing costs than traditional silicon panels.
One of the biggest obstacles, however, has been durability. Tiny structural defects can lower efficiency and make the devices less stable over time.
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"Additive engineering offers a practical strategy to address these challenges by regulating crystallization while simultaneously passivating electronic defects. However, effective additives must balance strong defect binding with unhindered charge transport while ideally providing additional protection against environmental stress," Chen explained.
Rather than allowing excessive crowding at the interface, ADA-DA is designed so its adamantane core helps control local packing.
What's being done?
Continued study on this subject could help create solar panels that are even more efficient and cost-effective.
Chen even said the technology could be used in real buildings.
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"The bifacial architecture combines high efficiency with transparency and illumination from either side, making it attractive for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)," Chen stated.
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Where can I learn more?
This breakthrough is part of a widespread effort to make solar cells more efficient with better materials and device designs.
• In Singapore, scientists achieved certified world-record efficiency with a new perovskite solar cell.
• At the Chinese Academy of Sciences, scientists built highly efficient and stable binary organic cells.
• At NREL, scientists found that molecules improve solar storage once they cross a key threshold.
• Researchers developed a tandem solar cell using antimony selenide that reached 20% efficiency.
• Scientists finally cracked the code on plastic-like organic solar cells for cleaner energy.
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