Breakthrough in Perovskite Solar Cells Boosts Stability and Efficiency

Researchers have made significant strides in enhancing the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells, a technology known for its low production costs and high power output. An international team led by Prof. Dr. Antonio Abate has successfully implemented a novel fluorinated barrier compound, leading to lab-scale efficiencies nearing 27%. This development marks a crucial step in making perovskite solar cells more competitive against traditional silicon-based cells.

Breakthrough Coating Enhances Performance

The research, recently published in Nature Photonics, details how the application of a specialized coating at the interface between the perovskite layer and the top contact layer has dramatically increased the cells’ stability. Remarkably, after 1,200 hours of continuous operation under standard illumination conditions, no decline in efficiency was observed. This performance is particularly impressive when compared to traditional cells, which often show significant efficiency loss over shorter periods.

Using a fluorinated compound, the researchers created an almost monomolecular film that acts as a barrier between the perovskite and the buckyball (C60) contact layer. Prof. Abate explains, “These Teflon-like molecular layers chemically isolate the perovskite layer from the contact layer, resulting in fewer defects and losses.” This innovation not only enhances efficiency but also significantly improves the structural stability of both the perovskite and the C60 layers.

Long-Term Stability and Real-World Applications

The findings indicate that the newly developed perovskite solar cells can maintain their efficiency under conditions that simulate a full year of outdoor use. 1,200 hours of continuous illumination corresponds to approximately one year of real-world application. In contrast, a comparison cell lacking the fluorinated barrier exhibited a 20% drop in efficiency after just 300 hours of exposure.

Furthermore, the coating enhances thermal stability, allowing the cells to withstand conditions of 85 °C for up to 1,800 hours and endure 200 cycles between –40 °C and +85 °C. Such robustness is particularly advantageous for potential tandem applications, where perovskite cells could be paired with silicon cells to create more efficient solar panels.

Prof. Abate reflects on the journey leading to this breakthrough, stating that the concept of utilizing Teflon-like molecules has been on his mind since his postdoctoral work in Henry Snaith‘s lab, a pioneer in perovskite research. “When I started back in 2014, efficiencies were only around 15%, with significant declines within hours. We have made huge progress,” he remarked.

With contributions from teams at Southeast University in Nanjing, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), and Imperial College London, this research lays the groundwork for the next generation of highly efficient and stable perovskite-based optoelectronic devices. The potential applications extend beyond solar energy, suggesting a bright future for this technology in various sectors.