Articles tagged with "perovskite"
New Triple-Junction Tandem Perovskite Solar Cell Sets World Record - CleanTechnica
A research team at the University of Sydney has achieved a new milestone in perovskite solar cell technology by developing a triple-junction tandem solar cell that combines two layers of perovskite with silicon. This 16 square centimeter device demonstrated a world-record power conversion efficiency for its size, while a smaller 1 square centimeter "champion" cell reached a record 27.06% efficiency. The triple-junction architecture addresses both efficiency and durability challenges by leveraging the low cost and high efficiency of perovskite alongside the robustness of silicon. Significantly, the smaller cell also set a new standard for thermal stability, passing the International Electrotechnical Commission’s Thermal Cycling test involving 200 cycles between -40°C and 85°C, and retaining 95% of its efficiency after over 400 hours of continuous light exposure. Although these cells are still smaller than typical commercial solar panels, the results demonstrate the potential for scaling up stable, efficient perovskite-based solar devices.
energysolar-cellsperovskitephotovoltaicstandem-solar-cellrenewable-energymaterials-scienceInorganic perovskite solar cells achieve highest efficiency to date
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Lithuania have achieved a record efficiency of over 21 percent in inorganic perovskite solar cells by developing a durable protective layer that addresses a major challenge of rapid degradation. This protective layer, formed through a novel passivation technique using perfluorinated 2D ammonium cations, enables strong adhesion to the pure inorganic perovskite surface by creating hydrogen bonds with lead iodide fragments. This breakthrough overcomes previous difficulties in bonding 2D layers to inorganic perovskites, resulting in stable heterostructures that maintain integrity even at elevated temperatures. The improved passivation not only enhances efficiency but also significantly boosts durability. The team demonstrated that mini-modules with an active area over 300 times larger than typical lab cells achieved nearly 20 percent efficiency and sustained stable operation for over 950 hours at 85°C under continuous illumination. These stability results meet stringent commercial standards comparable to silicon solar cells, marking a critical step
energysolar-cellsperovskitematerials-sciencerenewable-energyphotovoltaicspassivation-technologyGlobal record set for large triple-junction perovskite solar cell
Australian researchers led by Professor Anita Ho-Baillie at the University of Sydney have developed the largest and most efficient triple-junction perovskite–perovskite–silicon tandem solar cell to date. The team achieved a certified steady-state power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.3% on a large 172-square-foot (16-square-meter) device, marking a global record for large-area cells of this type. On a smaller 0.15-square-inch (1 cm²) scale, they reached an even higher efficiency of 27.06%. These results represent significant advancements in both performance and thermal stability, demonstrating the potential for durable, high-efficiency perovskite solar technology. The triple-junction solar cell stacks three semiconductor layers with different bandgaps to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight than traditional silicon cells. The researchers enhanced stability by replacing commonly used but unstable methylammonium with rubidium to strengthen the perovskite crystal lattice and
energysolar-cellsperovskitetandem-solar-cellpower-conversion-efficiencymaterials-sciencerenewable-energyLight-vibration coupling opens new path for future electronics
Researchers at Rice University have achieved a breakthrough by creating hybrid phonon-polaritons in thin films of lead halide perovskite, merging atomic vibrations (phonons) with light waves to form new quantum states of matter. Using nanoscale slots in a thin gold layer to trap light at terahertz frequencies matching the phonon vibrations, the team demonstrated ultrastrong coupling between two phonon modes and light at room temperature—an achievement not previously realized in perovskite films. This coupling reached about 30% of the phonon frequency, producing three distinct hybrid states without requiring extreme conditions or high-power lasers. This advancement enables precise tuning and control of energy flow in optoelectronic materials such as solar cells and LEDs, potentially improving their efficiency by reducing energy losses. The approach relies on careful nanoscale engineering rather than bulky crystals or intense laser pulses, making it compatible with practical device fabrication. Supported by numerical simulations and quantum modeling, the study opens new possibilities for manipulating quantum
energymaterials-scienceperovskiteoptoelectronicsphonon-polaritonsnanofabricationlight-matter-interactionNew bendable solar cells hit 21.6% efficiency under heat, humidity
A European consortium called PEARL has made significant advances in developing flexible, low-cost perovskite solar cells with carbon electrodes, achieving over 21% power conversion efficiency (PCE) on bendable substrates and aiming for a 25% efficiency target. Utilizing roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing techniques, the project has demonstrated scalable production methods suitable for flexible, thin-film solar modules. These developments position the technology for applications including building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. A key breakthrough is the improved durability of these solar cells, which remain stable for over 2,000 hours under harsh conditions of 85°C and 85% humidity, thanks to a new protective encapsulation. The use of carbon electrodes not only enhances stability but also supports environmental goals by reducing production costs below 0.3 EUR/Wp and minimizing carbon emissions to less than 0.01 kg CO2eq/kWh. Various partners in the
energysolar-cellsperovskiteflexible-electronicsroll-to-roll-manufacturingphotovoltaicscarbon-electrodesUK engineers create solar shield that survive harsh space radiation
UK engineers at the University of Surrey have developed a novel protective coating, termed a “cosmic veil,” designed to shield perovskite solar cells (PSCs) from the harsh radiation environment of space. This coating, made from propane-1,3-diammonium iodide (PDAI₂), stabilizes the fragile organic molecules within PSCs that are typically vulnerable to damage from proton irradiation and other space radiation sources such as galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles. By preventing these organic components from breaking down into gases that weaken the cells, the coating helps maintain the cells’ efficiency and structural integrity over long durations. Testing demonstrated that PSCs treated with this coating sustained significantly less efficiency loss and internal damage when exposed to radiation levels simulating over 20 years in low-Earth orbit. This breakthrough addresses a major limitation of PSCs in space applications, where durability and radiation tolerance are critical. While multi-junction III-V solar cells currently dominate space power systems due to their performance
energysolar-cellsperovskitespace-technologyradiation-shieldingphotovoltaicmaterials-scienceFlexible solar cells beat 10,000 bending cycles with 96% efficiency
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have developed a flexible perovskite solar cell that combines high efficiency with exceptional mechanical durability and environmental stability. By employing a "defect passivation strategy," they sandwiched the light-absorbing perovskite layer between two protective two-dimensional (2D) perovskite layers. This innovation shields the core material from moisture, enabling fabrication in ambient air conditions with up to 50% relative humidity—overcoming a major hurdle of perovskite’s traditional sensitivity to moisture and eliminating the need for costly controlled environments. The resulting solar cells demonstrate remarkable performance retention, maintaining over 85% of their initial efficiency after 2,800 hours of operation and 96% efficiency after 10,000 bending cycles, highlighting their mechanical resilience. Additionally, in more rigorous shear-sliding tests, the cells preserved 87% efficiency. This durability, combined with the ability to produce the cells in open air, significantly reduces
energysolar-cellsperovskiteflexible-electronicsmaterials-sciencerenewable-energydurabilityJapan’s new solar tech brings film-like panels to fragile rooftops
Japan is developing next-generation, film-type chalcopyrite solar cells designed to be lightweight enough for installation on rooftops with low load-bearing capacity, such as fragile slate roofs. This initiative, a collaboration between green tech startup PXP Inc. and Tokyo Gas Co., aims to launch commercial services by fiscal 2026. The chalcopyrite solar cells weigh less than 1 kg/m², comparable to perovskite solar cells, and offer similar power generation efficiency and durability. The project focuses on optimizing panel structure and construction methods to ensure performance, safety, and durability on roofs previously unsuitable for traditional heavy solar panels. The potential impact of this technology is significant, with an estimated installable capacity of approximately 169 gigawatts on such roofs by 2050—more than double Japan’s current solar capacity. This expansion could help address the slowing pace of solar adoption caused by a shortage of suitable installation sites and structural limitations of existing rooftops. The development also includes research into tandem solar cells
energysolar-powersolar-cellschalcopyriteperovskiterenewable-energycarbon-neutralChinese firm unveils near-record 34.58% efficient hybrid solar cell
Chinese solar module manufacturer Longi has unveiled a new perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell achieving a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 34.58%, nearing the world record of 34.85% held by the company. The breakthrough centers on an innovative asymmetric self-assembled monolayer (SAM) material called HTL201, which serves as a hole-selective layer. Unlike traditional symmetric carbazole-based SAMs, HTL201’s asymmetric design improves coverage and uniformity on textured silicon substrates and optimizes interfacial energy level alignment. This results in reduced non-radiative recombination losses at the buried interface, a key factor contributing to the cell’s high efficiency. The tandem cell, tested under standard illumination, demonstrated an open-circuit voltage of 2.001 V, a short-circuit current density of 20.64 mA/cm², and a fill factor of 83.79%. The top perovskite layer includes materials such
energysolar-cellperovskitesilicon-tandempower-conversion-efficiencyself-assembled-monolayerphotovoltaic-materialsNREL & CubicPV Push Perovskite Minimodule Performance to New Heights - CleanTechnica
A collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Boston-based CubicPV has achieved a new record in perovskite minimodule efficiency, reaching a certified 24.0%. This marks the first time a U.S. team has set a record in this category. The minimodule, composed of multiple interconnected cells, was fabricated through combined efforts at both organizations, leveraging their complementary expertise. NREL focuses on advancing manufacturing, durability, and efficiency of perovskite-enabled tandem solar cells, while CubicPV specializes in tandem devices that layer perovskites on silicon to capture more photons and reduce energy costs. Perovskite solar technology is notable for its low-temperature, ink-based or vacuum coating production processes using earth-abundant materials, offering a promising alternative to traditional silicon solar cells. While small-scale perovskite cells have demonstrated high efficiency, scaling up to larger-area devices with improved durability remains a key challenge for commercial viability
energysolar-energyperovskitephotovoltaicNRELCubicPVrenewable-energyChina’s dual-faced solar cells hit 23.4% efficiency record, cut power loss dramatically
Researchers in China have developed an innovative approach to significantly improve bifacial perovskite solar cells (Bi-PSCs), achieving a record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.4% while dramatically reducing photon loss—a key factor limiting these cells’ performance. By identifying photon loss as the primary cause of performance degradation, the team introduced a high-quality thick-film deposition method that regulates perovskite crystallization dynamics. This method employs a multifunctional additive, 1-ethyl-3-guanidinium thiourea hydrochloride (EGTHCl), to control nucleation and crystallization in highly concentrated precursor solutions, resulting in dense, uniform, and defect-free perovskite films. The enhanced Bi-PSCs not only reached a record efficiency but also demonstrated remarkable stability, retaining over 80% of their initial performance after more than 2,000 hours of continuous light exposure. This advancement addresses the inherent design challenge of bifacial cells, which use semi-transparent rear
energysolar-cellsperovskitephotovoltaicphoton-lossbifacial-solar-cellspower-efficiencyFlexible solar cell with record 26.4% efficiency could advance drones
Scientists at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) have developed a groundbreaking ultra-thin, flexible solar cell achieving a world-record power conversion efficiency of 26.4%. This tandem solar cell combines a perovskite top layer, which efficiently captures visible light, with a newly engineered organic bottom layer containing a custom molecule called P2EH-1V that excels at absorbing near-infrared (NIR) light. This innovative design addresses previous limitations in NIR absorption, significantly boosting overall efficiency and outperforming comparable perovskite-organic and perovskite-CIGS cells. The flexible, lightweight nature of these cells makes them ideal for integration into unconventional surfaces, such as wearable electronics, smart textiles, and drones, where weight and form factor are critical. The technology also holds promise for roll-to-roll manufacturing, enabling scalable, low-cost production. Moving forward, the research team aims to improve the operational stability of these cells in real-world conditions and advance toward pilot
energysolar-cellsperovskiteflexible-electronicstandem-solar-cellrenewable-energydrone-technologyBreakthrough solar cells reach 38% efficiency in low indoor light
Scientists at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan have developed a new type of perovskite solar cell (PeSC) that achieves a remarkable 38.7% power conversion efficiency (PCE) under low indoor lighting conditions of around 2,000 lux, typical of office environments. While traditional silicon solar cells perform better under direct sunlight (up to 26% PCE), these perovskite cells excel in dimmer settings, producing energy even on cloudy days or indoors. The PeSCs are thin, lightweight, flexible, and semi-transparent, offering advantages over rigid and heavy silicon panels, which are limited to flat, durable surfaces. The researchers enhanced the solar cells by adjusting the bandgap through molecular composition changes in the perovskite layers, enabling efficient absorption of indoor light—a capability not achievable with silicon cells. This breakthrough suggests potential applications for powering small devices in indoor or low-light environments, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and expanding solar technology use beyond outdoor
energysolar-cellsperovskiteindoor-lightingphotovoltaicrenewable-energyenergy-efficiencyPerovskite image sensor triples light capture, sharpens resolution
Researchers at ETH Zurich and Empa in Switzerland have developed a novel perovskite-based image sensor that significantly outperforms traditional silicon sensors in light sensitivity, resolution, and color accuracy. Unlike conventional sensors that rely on color filters—resulting in substantial light loss by capturing only about one-third of incoming photons per pixel—the new sensor uses stacked layers of lead halide perovskite crystals. Each layer is chemically tuned to absorb a specific wavelength (red, green, or blue) without filters, enabling each pixel to capture the full spectrum of light. This design allows the sensor to capture up to three times more light and achieve three times greater spatial resolution than current silicon-based sensors. The perovskite sensor’s tunability comes from adjusting the chemical composition of the crystals, specifically the ratios of iodine, bromine, and chlorine ions, to target different colors. This approach not only enhances image clarity and color precision but also reduces digital artifacts. The researchers have successfully miniaturized the technology
materialsperovskiteimage-sensorlight-capturesemiconductormachine-visiondigital-photographyChina advances next-gen lighting with more stable perovskite LEDs
Chinese researchers led by Professor Xiao Zhengguo at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed an innovative all-inorganic perovskite film that significantly enhances LED performance. By introducing specially selected compounds and applying a high-temperature annealing process, the team engineered perovskite films with larger crystal grains and fewer defects. This structural improvement facilitates better charge transport, resulting in LEDs with unprecedented brightness of 1.16 million nits and an extended operational lifespan exceeding 180,000 hours. These advancements overcome previous limitations where perovskite LEDs had short lifespans and low brightness, making them unsuitable for practical applications. The new perovskite LEDs also demonstrate a luminous efficiency surpassing 22%, comparable to current commercial display technologies, and brightness levels far exceeding typical OLED and LED screens, which usually peak at a few thousand nits. Such high brightness and durability make these LEDs promising for outdoor displays and specialized lighting requiring strong visibility. When operated at a standard brightness of 100
materialsperovskiteLED-technologyadvanced-materialsenergy-efficient-lightingnanomaterialsdisplay-technologyNREL-Led Research Effort Adds Salt, Boosts Performance of Perovskites
energysolar-cellsperovskiterenewable-energyphotovoltaic-technologyefficiencydurability