Advancements in Perovskite Solar Cells: Boosting Efficiency and Stability

• Breakthrough research enhances stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells, achieving remarkable performance and record-high solar hydrogen production rate.

A research team has made significant advancements in the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), according to a study published in Advanced Energy Materials. The team developed a chemically protective cathode interlayer using amine-functionalized perylene diimide (PDINN) to address the challenges posed by inherent ionic vacancies in tin-lead halide perovskites (TLHPs). The PDINN cathode interlayer effectively extracts electrons and suppresses inward metal diffusion, resulting in remarkable performance in stabilizing TLHP-based photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical devices. The PV device achieved an efficiency of 23.21% with over 81% retention after 750 hours of operation at 60°C. The TLHP-based photoelectrochemical devices exhibited a record-high solar hydrogen production rate.

The research team from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST, led by Professors Sung-Yeon Jang, Jungki Ryu, and Ji-Wook Jang, collaborated with Professor Sang Kyu Kwak from Korea University. Their innovative design of the cathode interlayer has demonstrated the potential of TLHPs for efficient and stable photoconversion. The team's goal is not only to convert light energy into electrical energy but also to develop eco-friendly methods for producing basic chemicals, such as hydrogen, which are essential for various industries.

What advancements have been made in stabilizing perovskite solar cells?

Advancements in stabilizing perovskite solar cells:

• The research team developed a chemically protective cathode interlayer using amine-functionalized perylene diimide (PDINN).
• The PDINN cathode interlayer effectively extracts electrons and suppresses inward metal diffusion in tin-lead halide perovskites (TLHPs).
• This innovative design of the cathode interlayer has shown potential for efficient and stable photoconversion in TLHPs.
• The perovskite solar cell achieved an efficiency of 23.21% with over 81% retention after 750 hours of operation at 60°C.
• The TLHP-based photoelectrochemical devices exhibited a record-high solar hydrogen production rate.
• The research team collaborated with Professor Sang Kyu Kwak from Korea University.
  
• The team's goal is not only to convert light energy into electrical energy but also to develop eco-friendly methods for producing basic chemicals, such as hydrogen, which are essential for various industries.