Dual Cation Interlayer Boosts Perovskite Solar Cell Efficiency

• Revolutionary interlayer boosts perovskite solar cells to 26.3% efficiency, rivaling silicon, with near-perfect stability over 9,000 hours. A leap towards 28% and commercialization.

A research collaboration involving UNIST, University of New South Wales, University of Surrey, and Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology has developed a novel interlayer for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using dual organic cations. This approach enhances both efficiency and stability by stabilizing the interface structure and aligning energy levels for effective charge transport, reducing defects in the light-absorbing layer.

The new PSCs achieved a power conversion efficiency of 26.3%, comparable to commercial silicon cells, and maintained nearly 100% performance after 9,000 hours at room temperature. The team aims to surpass 28% efficiency and advance toward commercializing this technology.

How does the novel interlayer improve perovskite solar cell efficiency and stability?

• The novel interlayer utilizes dual organic cations to stabilize the interface structure, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the perovskite layer and preventing degradation over time.
• By aligning energy levels more effectively, the interlayer facilitates efficient charge transport, minimizing energy losses and enhancing overall power conversion efficiency.
• The reduction of defects in the light-absorbing layer is achieved through the interlayer's ability to create a more uniform and defect-free surface, which is essential for consistent performance.
• The improved stability of the perovskite solar cells is demonstrated by their ability to maintain nearly 100% performance after 9,000 hours at room temperature, indicating a significant advancement in long-term durability.
• The interlayer's design aims to surpass the current efficiency benchmark of 26.3%, with the research team targeting an efficiency of over 28%, which would make these cells highly competitive with traditional silicon-based solar cells.
• The development of this interlayer is a step toward the commercialization of perovskite solar cells, offering a promising alternative to existing solar technologies with potentially lower production costs and higher efficiency.