Boosting Solar Cell Efficiency with Thiocyanate Ions

• Revolutionary research by top universities shows SCN ions boost perovskite solar cell performance, with PCE of 25.82% and 1,000-hour stability.

Researchers from Soochow University, Hunan University, and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg have found that incorporating pseudo-halogen thiocyanate (SCN) ions in iodide/bromide mixed halide perovskites can enhance crystallization and reduce grain boundaries in perovskite/organic solar cells. This strategy aims to suppress phase segregation in wide-bandgap perovskites, improving the performance and stability of tandem solar cells.

The introduction of SCN ions into the perovskite lattice prevents halide elements from separating inside the solar cells, slowing down crystallization and facilitating the movement of electric charge. Initial tests of the strategy on perovskite/organic tandem solar cells resulted in a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.82%, a certified PCE of 25.06%, and an operational stability of 1,000 hours, showing promising results for the future development of stable and efficient perovskite/organic photovoltaics.

How do SCN ions improve performance and stability of perovskite/organic solar cells?

• SCN ions incorporated in iodide/bromide mixed halide perovskites enhance crystallization and reduce grain boundaries in perovskite/organic solar cells.
• The presence of SCN ions in the perovskite lattice prevents halide elements from segregating, improving the movement of electric charge.
• This strategy aims to suppress phase segregation in wide-bandgap perovskites, leading to improved performance and stability of tandem solar cells.
  
• Initial tests of the SCN ion incorporation resulted in a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.82% and a certified PCE of 25.06% in perovskite/organic tandem solar cells.
• The operational stability of the solar cells with SCN ions was demonstrated to be 1,000 hours, showing promising results for future development of stable and efficient perovskite/organic photovoltaics.