Breakthrough: 20.3% Efficient Perovskite Solar Modules Achieved

• Boost solar efficiency: New PZ additive method enhances perovskite stability, achieving 21.5% efficiency and paving the way for large-scale solar cell commercialization.

Researchers from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and other institutions have developed a slot-die coating method using pyrrodiazole (PZ) additives to enhance the efficiency and stability of inverted perovskite solar modules. This technique immobilizes lead iodide and formamidinium iodide, improving wet film stability and promoting the formation of large, uniform grains. The resulting 10 cm × 10 cm solar modules achieved a certified efficiency of 20.3% and retained 94% of their initial efficiency after 1,000 hours of standard testing, demonstrating potential for industrial-scale production.

The PZ additives form Lewis acid-base pairs and hydrogen bonds, enhancing colloidal size distribution and film stability. The cell stack includes a transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate, nickel(II) oxide film, and other layers, with the perovskite precursor solution applied via slot-die coating. Real-time characterization showed consistent crystallization rates, leading to high-quality films. In tests, PZ improved module efficiency from 18.2% to 21.5% in modules with a 56.5 cm² aperture area. This study offers a promising strategy for large-scale commercialization of perovskite solar cells.

How Do PZ Additives Enhance Efficiency and Stability in Perovskite Solar Modules?

Certainly! Here is an expanded article with additional information on how PZ additives enhance efficiency and stability in perovskite solar modules:

• Enhanced Crystallization Control: PZ additives play a crucial role in controlling the crystallization process of perovskite films. By forming Lewis acid-base pairs and hydrogen bonds, these additives help in achieving a more uniform nucleation and growth of perovskite crystals, which is essential for high-quality film formation.
• Improved Grain Size and Uniformity: The presence of PZ additives promotes the formation of larger and more uniform grains within the perovskite layer. Larger grains reduce the number of grain boundaries, which are often sites for charge recombination, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the solar module.
• Stabilization of Wet Films: During the slot-die coating process, maintaining the stability of wet films is critical. PZ additives contribute to the stabilization of these films by improving the colloidal size distribution, which prevents premature crystallization and ensures a smooth and even coating.
• Lead Iodide and Formamidinium Iodide Immobilization: The additives help in immobilizing key components like lead iodide and formamidinium iodide within the perovskite structure. This immobilization is vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the perovskite layer, leading to enhanced stability and longevity of the solar modules.
• Increased Efficiency: The integration of PZ additives has been shown to significantly boost the efficiency of perovskite solar modules. In the study, the efficiency of modules with a 56.5 cm² aperture area increased from 18.2% to 21.5%, highlighting the effectiveness of these additives in optimizing energy conversion.
• Enhanced Stability and Longevity: One of the key challenges with perovskite solar cells is their long-term stability. The use of PZ additives has demonstrated a remarkable retention of 94% of the initial efficiency after 1,000 hours of standard testing, indicating a substantial improvement in the durability of the solar modules.
• Potential for Industrial-Scale Production: The slot-die coating method, combined with PZ additives, offers a scalable solution for the production of perovskite solar modules. This technique is compatible with existing manufacturing processes, making it a viable option for large-scale commercialization.
• Real-Time Characterization and Consistent Quality: The study employed real-time characterization techniques to monitor the crystallization rates, ensuring consistent quality in the production of perovskite films. This consistency is crucial for achieving high-performance solar modules on an industrial scale.
• Compatibility with Existing Cell Stack Designs: The PZ additive-enhanced perovskite layer is compatible with standard cell stack designs, including substrates like fluorine-doped tin oxide and nickel(II) oxide films. This compatibility facilitates the integration of the improved perovskite layer into existing solar cell architectures.

This innovative approach using PZ additives not only addresses some of the key challenges faced by perovskite solar technology but also paves the way for more efficient and stable solar energy solutions.