Breakthrough Method Achieves 28.2% Efficiency in Tandem Solar Cells

• Groundbreaking research yields record 28.2% efficiency in all-perovskite tandem solar cells, revolutionizing energy conversion with tailored designs for enhanced performance. Solar innovation is here!

Researchers from multiple institutions, including Nanjing University and the University of Cambridge, have developed an all-perovskite tandem solar cell achieving a record efficiency of 28.2% certified at a 1.05 cm² scale. This advancement comes from addressing performance deficits typically observed at larger scales due to inhomogeneities at both the bottom interface and within the bulk of the wide-bandgap perovskite solar cells (PSCs).

The study identified the top interface formed during the electron transport layer (ETL) deposition as a crucial factor affecting efficiency. By introducing a tailored two-dimensional perovskite layer, the team significantly improved charge extraction and reduced contact losses, ultimately producing a tandem cell that features a high open-circuit voltage of 1.35 V. This innovative technology is expected to be further developed by Renshine Solar, a startup involved in the research.

What key innovations led to the record efficiency of the new tandem solar cell?

The recent achievement of a record efficiency of 28.2% in all-perovskite tandem solar cells represents a significant milestone in solar technology. Several key innovations contributed to this breakthrough, enhancing both the performance and scalability of these devices. Here’s a summary of the critical advancements:

• Tailored Two-Dimensional Perovskite Layer: The introduction of a custom-designed two-dimensional perovskite layer at the top interface significantly optimized charge extraction. This design minimized charge recombination losses, improving overall efficiency.
• Enhanced Electron Transport Layer (ETL) Deposition: Refinements in the deposition process of the electron transport layer resulted in a more uniform and stable interface, which is essential for maintaining performance across different cell sizes.
• Addressing Bulk Inhomogeneities: Researchers focused on overcoming inhomogeneities within the bulk of the wide-bandgap PSCs. These inhomogeneities often lead to performance degradation at larger scales, so solving this issue was critical to achieving higher efficiency.
• Optimized Interface Engineering: By meticulously engineering the interfaces between different layers of the solar cell, researchers created smoother transitions that facilitate the movement of charge carriers, thereby reducing energy loss.
• Increased Open-Circuit Voltage (Voc): The development of the tandem cell resulted in a high open-circuit voltage of 1.35 V. This increase is vital for improving the overall power conversion efficiency of the solar cell.
• Scalable Manufacturing Techniques: Alongside performance improvements, the research incorporated scalable manufacturing methods, which are essential for commercializing this technology and making it viable for mass production.
• Comparative Analysis with Traditional Solar Cells: The research included a rigorous comparative analysis of the new tandem design with traditional single-junction solar cells, emphasizing the advantages of the tandem configuration in terms of performance and efficiency.
• Focus on Stability and Longevity: Innovations also included improvements in the stability and longevity of the perovskite materials, addressing concerns around the materials’ susceptibility to environmental factors that could impact their performance over time.
• Collaboration Across Disciplines: The multidisciplinary collaboration among researchers from various institutions brought together expertise in materials science, engineering, and nanotechnology, which accelerated the pace of innovation.
• Future Development Prospects: With companies like Renshine Solar involved in the research, there is a clear pathway towards commercialization, suggesting that further technological advancements and refinements are likely on the horizon.

These advancements together highlight a concerted effort not only to improve efficiency but also to enhance the practical applicability of tandem solar cells in the renewable energy landscape. As research continues, these innovations may pave the way for wider adoption and integration of solar technology into existing energy systems.