Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) have presented a simple and economical encapsulation strategy with shellac to protect perovskite solar cells (PSCs) under various accelerated degradation experiments. 

The shellac-encapsulated (SE) PSC modules reportedly passed outdoor stability, UV preconditioning, and hail tests according to the International Electrotechnical Commission 61215 standard (IEC61215). 

Electronic band structure engineering of metal-halide perovskites (MHP) is at the heart of fundamental materials research and photovoltaic applications. However, reconfiguring the band structures in MHPs for optimized electronic properties remains challenging. Researchers at Wuhan University have reported a generic strategy for constructing near-edge states to improve carrier properties, leading to enhanced device performances. 

The near-edge states are designed around the valence band edge using theoretical prediction and constructed through tailored material engineering. These states are experimentally revealed with activation energies of around 23 milli-electron volts by temperature-dependent time-resolved spectroscopy. 

Researchers from the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in South Korea have developed silver-alloyed CIGS solar cells (ACIGS) that can be beneficial for applications in perovskite-CIGS tandem PV devices. 

The silver-alloyed photovoltaic cell based on copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS) thin-film technology and can reach a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 17.7% without applying post-deposition treatments or anti-reflection coatings. 

Both ferromagnetic and ferroelectric materials are widely used today, and can coexist together in so-called multiferroic compounds, which can be traced back to the 1950s. Their use in modern technology has seen a recent resurgence as multiferroic compounds are energy-efficient and could be used in information storage devices for computers, servers, and hard drives.

Working with researchers from Kyoto University in Japan, Northwestern Engineering’s James Rondinelli discovered the first all-inorganic halide perovskite-derived multiferroic material, exhibiting a form of ferroelectricity called hybrid improper ferroelectricity which is also coupled to magnetic properties. In the past, studies of multiferroic compounds had been largely limited to transition metal oxides, yet many other materials classes can exhibit this phenomenon.

Researchers from Japan's University of Electro-Communication and CAR MATE MFG. CO. have developed a lead-free tin sulfide solar cell that is intended for applications in tandem perovskite-silicon PV devices. 

Using a new passivation technique based on the use of phenylsilane (PhSiH₃) as a reducing agent, the scientists were able to considerably increase the cell's efficiency compared to a reference device with no PhSiH₃ treatment.

The EU-funded P4SPACE project started in April 2023 and will run until the end of March 2025.

The project will develop and scale-up PSCs with high performance and durability in harsh space environments. It will aim to deliver sustainable PV technology for any present and future space environment application.

A collaborative team of researchers, including ones from Uppsala University, CNR-SCITEC, Fraunhofer ISE, University of Cambridge, Empa, EPFL and additional institutes, recently introduced an unexplored dimethylphenethylsulfonium iodide (DMPESI) molecule to post-treat formamidinium lead iodide perovskite films. The treated films showed outstanding stability upon light soaking and remarkably remains in black-phase after 2 years ageing under ambient condition without encapsulation. 

Fresh and 24-month aged unencapsulated perovskite film (1.0 cm by 2.0 cm) without and with DMPESI treatment of different concentrations. Image from Nature Energy

The DMPESI-treated PSCs deliver a breakthrough record in operational stability of highly-efficient PSCs with less than 1% performance loss after more than 4500 h at maximum power point tracking, yielding an extraordinarily high theoretical T80 of over 9 years under continuous 1-sun illumination, which would correspond to a photon flux of an outdoor PV installation in Sweden or Germany (1,000 kWh m−2 per year) of over 78 years. 

Researchers from China's Shanghai University of Engineering Science have developed a novel solar spectral converter using a GdPO₄ glass-ceramic (GC) material doped with praseodymium (Pr) and europium (Eu) ions. This technology could lead to notable boosts in performance and applicability of solar cells.

The main purpose of GdPO₄-GC:Eu³⁺/Pr³⁺ is to absorb UV photons from solar radiation and re-emit them as visible light. This is possible thanks to the efficient energy transfer that happens between the ions in the material.

In 2022, publicly traded footwear producer and solar technology maker Golden Solar, based in China, signed an agreement with two partners to pursue commercial production of perovskite tandem solar cells with 'more than 28%' conversion efficiency. Now, Golden Solar New Energy Technology Holdings Limited has announced the launch of its perovskite/hybrid BC Tandem Solar Cells.

Golden Solar stated that it will apply 'the world's most advanced battery technology to C-end products, gradually develop a series of ultra-high-efficiency C-end products, and open up a broader space for growth'. Recently, the first perovskite/hybrid BC four-terminal tandem solar cell was launched, claimed to have a conversion efficiency of 33.94%.

It was recently reported that NGK Insulators is set to invest $106 million in a Co-Creation Center and a Carbon Neutrality (CN)-Related Product Development Area, called the Atsuta site, at its head office in Mizuho, Japan. At the new center, NGK plans to install perovskite solar cells by EneCoat Technologies, in which NGK has invested, and will conduct demonstration testing of power generation performance.

The center will  promote open innovation and adding value with ceramic technologies. Construction is scheduled to be completed in May 2025.