Record efficiency for perovskite solar cell takes on silicon
Researchers in Australia have achieved conversion efficiencies in perovskite solar cells that can take on silicon.
The researchers at the University of Queensland have set a world record for solar cell efficiency of 16.65% with the eco-friendly perovskite technology.
The tin halide perovskite (THP) solar cell was nearly one percentage point higher than the previous best for THP solar cells. “It might not seem like much, but this is a giant leap in a field that is renowned for delicate and incremental progress,” said Professor Lianzhou Wang who led the team. “The reading is in line with many silicon-based solar cells currently on the market but with the potential to be cheaper and quicker to make,” he said.
The THP solar cell record comes five years after Wang set a benchmark for power conversion efficiency in solar cells using another type of technology, quantum dots.
Research group member Dr Dongxu He said many of the methods, processes and materials used to set the quantum dot record in 2020 inspired efforts to improve the performance of the highly promising THP thin-film solar cells.
The use of tin precursor had previously been problematic because of the sub-standard quality of the fast-crystalline thin films used in manufacturing THP solar cells, leading to a dip in efficiency. The group overcame this hurdle by incorporating caesium ions to improve the microstructure and reduce defects in the THP film.
- Record 17.3% efficiency for three layer perovskite cell
- Oxford PV 28.6% record for commercial perovskite cell
- Tandem cell with 25% efficiency
“There is great commercial potential in THP solar cells because perovskite devices are more sustainable to produce than silicon-based solar cells,” said researcher Dr Dongxu He. “The benefit of THP is that we’re dealing with more eco-friendly tin and not the toxic lead that is widely used in most of the perovskite solar cells, meaning they can be safely installed around the home.”
Labs in Switzerland have developed tandem cells with efficiencies above 30% by combining perovskite and silicon cells, while Oxford PV is making commercial tandem perovskite panels.
Professor Wang said he was happy to see other researchers jostle to break the THP record because it ultimately meant better and more eco-friendly renewable energy technology.
The flexibility and versatility of THP cells are suitable for household photovoltaic solar panels to be used both outdoors and indoors. “Beyond solar panels, the approach could also be used for other devices that require high-quality perovskite films like lasers, photodetectors and transistors,” said Wang.
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