Researchers are increasingly turning their efforts on perovskite solar cells, one of the most promising developments for photovoltaic energy. Despite their novelty, the efficiency of perovskite solar cells is already approaching that of ubiquitous silicon solar cells.The biggest roadblock to achieving this potential is the long-term stability of the perovskite materials.
The research was carried out by the group of Dr. Michael Saliba at AMI. This time, the problem of the highly volatile and heat-sensitive methylammonium (MA) molecule was addressed. The most efficient perovskite solar cells containunstable MA, mainly because it provides high-performance values. By introducinginorganic elements, the researchers have shown it is possible to avoid unstable MA while maintaining similar highperformances. This allows for more stable solar cells, which is a key step towards eventual commercial use.
“These new perovskites can also harvest more sunlight, meaning they are more efficient and therefore more profitable,” explains Saliba. “In addition, these new materials are compatible with flexible substrates, making them useful for a wide variety of applications.”
“Essentially, this sets perovskites on the path of becoming a profitable, long-term solution for a sustainable energy future. With small additional improvements, perovskite solar cells can become a commercial reality within a short time.”
The results are published in the October 11 issue ofScience.
This study was carried out in collaboration with the Hagfeldt group at the Laboratory of Photomolecular Science (LSPM) at the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne.
Reference
Silver-Hamill Turren-Cruz, Anders Hagfeldt, Michael Saliba, Methylammonium-free, high-performance and stable perovskite solar cells on a planar architecture.Science 11 October 2018.DOI: 10.1126/science.aat3583
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