Enhanced Coating for Tandem Perovskite Solar Cell

Researchers in China have made significant strides in enhancing the longevity of tandem solar panels by developing innovative methods to protect perovskite cells. One approach involves utilizing double-side textured architecture on industrial silicon wafers, which offers optical advantages and cost-effectiveness. Silicon wafers created through the Czochralski process with micrometer-scale pyramidal structural elements have proven to be more economical than polycrystalline wafers, resulting in improved light capture due to their reduced reflectivity.

Despite the benefits of the Czochralski process, coating these wafers with perovskite has posed challenges, leading to defects in the crystal lattice that impact electronic properties. Traditional surface engineering strategies used for perovskites are not directly applicable to micrometric textures. To address this issue, a team from Nanchang University developed a surface passivation technique involving dynamic spray coating of a fluorinated thiophenethylammonium material, which provides comprehensive coverage and mitigates issues associated with textured surfaces.

The dynamic spray coating treatment has enabled tandem cells based on industrial silicon wafers to achieve a certified stabilized power conversion efficiency of 30.89%. Even after 600 hours of continuous use, the encapsulated devices retained over 97% of their initial performance, showcasing the effectiveness of this innovative approach.

In a separate study conducted in Hong Kong, researchers focused on enhancing the efficiency and durability of perovskite solar cells through molecular treatments. Collaborating with institutions in the UK, the team identified key parameters influencing the performance and lifespan of halide perovskites, a promising material in photovoltaic devices known for its unique crystal structure.

Assistant Professor Yen-Hung Lin from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology emphasized the importance of passivation in improving perovskite solar cell efficiency. The research team explored different types of amines and their combinations to enhance the surfaces of perovskite films, reducing defects and ultimately boosting performance and longevity.

By demonstrating the effectiveness of amino-silane passivation in solar cell fabrication, the team achieved remarkable operational stability under standardized testing protocols. Even after 1,500 hours of aging, the cells maintained high efficiency levels, with the champion MPP efficiency and PCE remaining among the highest reported metrics to date. This approach, akin to processes used in the semiconductor industry, holds promise for large-scale commercial application in the solar energy sector.