Articles tagged with "perovskite"
China's perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell hits 33.35% efficiency
A Chinese company, Longi, has achieved a world record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 33.35% for a flexible perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, certified by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This marks the first internationally recognized record for a flexible crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cell, highlighting its potential for commercial use in lightweight and flexible photovoltaic applications such as space and vehicle-integrated solar power. The tandem cell is built on a 60-micron-thick ultra-thin silicon bottom cell and demonstrates high efficiency on both small (1 cm²) and wafer-sized (260 cm²) areas, with a power-per-weight ratio of up to 1.77 W/g. The breakthrough relies on a dual-buffer-layer strategy that enhances interfacial adhesion and mitigates damage during manufacturing, while preserving efficient charge extraction. This involves a bilayer of tin oxide (SnOx) deposited via atomic layer deposition and chemical vapor deposition to
energysolar-cellsperovskitephotovoltaic-technologytandem-solar-cellsflexible-solar-panelspower-conversion-efficiencyBreakthrough heat-resistant solar cells retain 96% performance even after 1,200 hours
Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a heat-resistant molecular contact layer that significantly enhances the durability of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. These tandem cells, which combine perovskite and silicon materials to capture a broader spectrum of sunlight, have achieved efficiencies above 34%, including a certified 33.6% from an independent testing center. However, their commercial deployment has been hindered by instability under heat, with rapid degradation occurring in the ultra-thin self-assembled monolayer (SAM) contact layer that facilitates electrical charge flow between the perovskite and silicon layers. The NUS team discovered that conventional SAMs lose their structural integrity at elevated temperatures, causing molecular "fibers" to curl and create gaps that block electricity flow. To overcome this, they engineered a modified SAM that forms a cross-linked network, creating a tightly bound layer resistant to heat-induced damage. This innovation allowed the solar cells to retain over 96% of
energysolar-cellsperovskitesilicon-tandemheat-resistant-materialsself-assembled-monolayermolecular-interfaceChina's solar cell hits 27.2% efficiency, endures 1,000 hours at 185°F
Researchers at the Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a perovskite solar cell prototype achieving a certified photoconversion efficiency of 27.2%, measured on a 0.108 cm² device. This advancement addresses a critical stability issue caused by uneven chloride ion distribution during film fabrication, which previously led to surface defects and reduced performance. By introducing potassium binoxalate, an alkali metal oxalate, during thermal processing, the team was able to suppress chloride ion migration. The potassium ions released bind with chloride ions, ensuring uniform chlorine distribution throughout the perovskite layer, resulting in improved efficiency and durability. The new solar cells demonstrated notable operational stability, retaining 86.3% of their initial efficiency after 1,529 hours under continuous 1 Sun illumination at maximum power point tracking. In accelerated aging tests at 185°F (85°C), the cells maintained 82.8% efficiency after 1,000 hours, highlighting enhanced
energysolar-cellsperovskitephotoconversion-efficiencymaterials-sciencethermal-stabilitypotassium-binoxalateFossil Fuels Can't Win Against New Perovskite-Silicon Solar Cells
The article highlights the significant advancements in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, which are emerging as a lower-cost, higher-efficiency alternative to traditional silicon solar cells. Perovskite materials, once considered fragile and difficult to produce, have been successfully integrated with silicon to create tandem cells that surpass the Shockley-Queisser limit of 33.7% efficiency for single-junction cells. Notably, Chinese firm LONGi has reported record-breaking efficiencies approaching the theoretical tandem limit of 43%, signaling strong commercial potential. Researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) emphasize that while efficiencies near 35% have been achieved in the lab, challenges remain in scaling up production, improving long-term stability, and ensuring manufacturability aligns with industrial standards. PolyU’s recent study in Nature Photonics outlines strategic recommendations to bridge the gap between current efficiencies (~34%) and the theoretical maximum (~40%), focusing on enhancing operational stability and scalability. Professor Li Gang stresses the importance of minimizing
energysolar-cellsperovskitesiliconrenewable-energyphotovoltaicenergy-conversionEngineers close in on 40% efficiency with next-gen solar cells
Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), led by Professors Li Gang and Yang Guang, have made significant strides in improving perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (TSCs), aiming to boost their energy conversion efficiency from about 34% to nearly 40%. These next-generation solar cells have the potential to outperform traditional silicon cells, offering a promising path toward more efficient, stable, and scalable photovoltaic technology. The team’s work addresses key challenges such as maintaining device reliability when scaling from lab-scale to commercial-sized modules, mitigating degradation caused by environmental factors like moisture and ultraviolet light, and ensuring manufacturing processes meet industrial standards. In addition to technical hurdles, the researchers highlight environmental concerns related to the use of rare elements and lead in perovskite materials. They advocate for the development of sustainable alternatives and effective lead recycling systems to ensure the technology’s long-term viability. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration among academia, industry, and research institutions, the team stresses that integrating material science
energysolar-cellsperovskitephotovoltaic-technologyclean-energyenergy-efficiencymaterials-sciencePerovskite solar cells achieve 27% efficiency with new coating
An international research team led by Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) has significantly improved the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells by introducing a novel fluorinated interfacial coating between the perovskite layer and the top contact, known as the buckyball (C60) layer. This thin, Teflon-like molecular film acts as a chemical shield, reducing defects and energy losses while enhancing the uniformity and mechanical durability of the C60 layer. As a result, the perovskite cells achieved a power conversion efficiency of nearly 27 percent and maintained this performance after 1,200 hours of continuous operation, equivalent to a full year of natural sunlight exposure. In contrast, cells without the coating lost about 20 percent efficiency after only 300 hours. Beyond efficiency gains, the fluorinated coating improved the cells’ resilience under harsh conditions, withstanding 1,800 hours of thermal aging at 185°F and 200 temperature cycles between -40°F
energysolar-cellsperovskiterenewable-energymaterials-sciencephotovoltaicenergy-efficiencyThe Rise Of Perovskite Solar Cells, The Fall Of Fossil Fuels
The article highlights the rapid advancement and growing market presence of perovskite solar cells as a transformative technology in the solar energy sector. Traditional silicon solar cells, while effective, are relatively costly and complex to manufacture. In contrast, perovskite solar cells, based on lab-grown crystals mimicking the mineral perovskite, offer a promising alternative due to their lower production costs and increasing efficiency. Since the first perovskite solar cell was reported in 2009 with a modest 3.8% efficiency, researchers have rapidly improved this figure to routinely achieve double-digit efficiencies, with some tandem designs potentially exceeding 30%. A key challenge for perovskite solar cells has been their fragility and limited durability, which researchers are addressing through innovative engineering solutions such as tandem cells that combine perovskite layers with silicon. This hybrid approach leverages the strengths of both materials, resulting in lighter, more flexible, and more efficient solar panels at a lower cost than silicon alone.
energysolar-cellsperovskitephotovoltaic-technologyrenewable-energysolar-powermaterials-scienceNew 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