Nanoscale innovation enhances Perovskite Solar Cell endurance

08 Mar 2024 CW Team

A recent study conducted by a group of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and other institutions suggests that perovskite solar panels have the potential to enhance efficiency and durability over extended periods through the manipulation of the nanoscale structure of perovskite devices.

As indicated in a research article published in the journal Nature Energy, perovskites possess a unique crystal structure that could eventually surpass the performance of traditional silicon or cadmium telluride solar cells. One notable advantage is the solution-based processing of perovskites, allowing them to be applied like paint or print onto various surfaces such as flexible plastic, paper, or glass, making them adaptable and easily transportable.

Nevertheless, a significant challenge lies in the relatively brief operational lifespan of perovskite solar cells when compared to silicon, with perovskites breaking down in months rather than decades. Additionally, their efficiency slightly lags behind silicon when covering large areas.

The researchers propose that optimising the surface properties of perovskites through nanoscale surface engineering can effectively control defects responsible for energy losses, thus extending the operational life and enhancing efficiency.

According to Dane deQuilettes, a co-author of the paper, This paper is essentially revealing a guidebook for how to tune surfaces, where a lot of these defects are, to make sure that energy is not lost at surfaces. He added, This is the first paper that demonstrates how to systematically control and engineer surface fields in perovskites.

The crucial aspect involves the utilisation of a salt solution treatment to create an ultra-thin coating that passivates or modifies the defective surface layer of the perovskite crystal.

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