November 2024

Aiming to explore the potential of sulfur-based additives for increasing both device power conversion efficiency and moisture stability of perovskite solar cells, researchers from BCMaterials (Spain), Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China), Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (Germany) and CNRS (France) have reported a mechanism for the local nanoscopic humidity ingression into a multifunctional additiviated formamidinium-loaded halide perovskites.

a) The molecular structure of additives used. Image from: Advanced Energy Materials

By tuning the iodide and bromide tails of the additives, the influence of sulfur heteroatom containing ammonium-amidinium salts on the photo-physical and device properties of a formamidinium-rich perovskite absorber was uncovered. 

SEI Energy Technology (Jiaxing), a joint venture in China between Solaires Enterprises (Victoria BC, Canada) and Genesis Technologies (Shanghai), has announced the successful trial production of its perovskite modules from its mass production line. The companies view the success of this trial production as a significant breakthrough that demonstrates the potential of this production line, that lays a foundation for the large-scale commercialization of perovskite materials and solar modules. 

Solaires is focused on research and application development in the field of indoor light power generation. Its third party tested conversion efficiency reportedly exceeded 35% in 2024. In addition, SEI’s manufacturing process of perovskite materials is relatively simple, which can greatly shorten the production cycle and improve production yield. The raw materials used are environmentally friendly and have significant cost advantages. 

Researchers from China's Jiangxi Normal University, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and City University of Hong Kong have developed a self-driven X-ray detection device using high resistivity zero-dimensional lead-free perovskite ferroelectric single-crystal (NMP)₃Sb₂Br₉. The device exhibits an excellent self-driven X-ray detection performance, with an ultra-low detection limit of 84.1 nGyair/s, approximately 60 times lower than that of commercial α-Se (5500 nGyair/s).

The self-driven detection mode without external bias has been proven to be an effective means of reducing the limit of detection (LoD) due to its low current noise characteristics. Additionally, the zero-dimensional distinctive isolated framework results in a high resistivity of 1.39 × 1011 W cm, which effectively reduces the current noise and suppresses ion migration. 

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), ShanghaiTech University, Zhejiang Laboratory and Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering recently reported an efficient (>27% reported efficiency) perovskite solar cell that uses a back mirror based on silver to improve light harvesting. 

The ultrathin perovskite solar cell utilizes a Gires-Tournois resonator to improve light absorption - an optical standing-wave resonator designed for generating chromatic dispersion. Gires-Tournois resonators are usually based on a reflective metal mirror and are primarily used in chirping applications such as pulse compression. The structure of the resonator in this study had a simple optical structure, combined with a silver back mirror, to optimize light capture and utilization while improving light absorption capacity.

China aims to encourage companies to focus on innovation, quality and production costs. As part of this effort, it was reported that China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has announced revisions to its photovoltaic manufacturing industry standards, addressing current challenges like businesses' repetitive expansion of low-level production capacity and falling profitability, to promote the PV industry's healthy development.

The MIIT has also raised the efficiency standards for new monocrystalline silicon PV cells and modules, and the revised standards also address next-generation technologies such as perovskite modules, with conversion efficiency requirements set at a minimum of 14%  for existing projects and 15.5% for new projects.

Rice University researchers have developed highly water-stable SiO₂-coated halide perovskite nanocrystals (HPNCs) as efficient photocatalysts for antimicrobial applications. The double SiO₂ layer coating method confers long-term structural and optical stability to HPNCs in water, while the in situ synthesis of lead- and bismuth-based perovskite NCs into the SiO₂ shell enhances their versatility and tunability. 

Image from: Nano Letters 

The team demonstrated that the substantial generation of singlet oxygen via energy transfer from HPNCs enables efficient photoinduced antibacterial efficacy under aqueous conditions. More than 90% of Escherichia coli was inactivated under mild visible light irradiation for 6 h. The excellent photocatalytic antibacterial performance suggests that SiO₂-coated HPNCs hold great potential for various aqueous phase photocatalytic applications.

Sofab Inks develops and produces advanced materials for perovskite solar cells. The company's flagship product is a solvent-based tin oxide ETL  that has already seen promising results in improving the performance and lifespan of perovskite solar cells. We interviewed the company's CEO Blake Martin and COO Jack Manzella, who help us understand the company's materials and business better. Click here to contact Sofab Inks to learn more or request a material sample.

Hello Blake and Jack. Earlier this year, Sofab Inks launched Tinfab, a high-performance and low-cost ETL material for perovskite solar cells. Can you detail the market reaction for your new material, and also the performance benefits that one can expect from this new ETL?

Since launching Tinfab, we’ve experienced significant interest across the industry, with approximately 40 companies and universities currently testing the material in perovskite solar cell applications. This strong engagement underscores the market's demand for innovative, scalable ETL solutions.

Tinfab is designed to fully replace C60/fullerenes in perovskite solar cells, addressing key limitations of C60, including lower stability, higher costs, and the complexity of vacuum deposition. Unlike C60, Tinfab can be solution-deposited in ambient environments, making it far more suitable for scalable manufacturing.

Japan's industry ministry is reportedly promoting the use of perovskite solar cells to cover 20 gigawatts of electricity — the equivalent of 20 nuclear reactors — in 2040, officials said. The plan is part of work to expand the use of renewable energy sources by supporting the introduction of next-generation technologies as the country is racing to reduce carbon emissions.

A perovskite solar cell by Toshiba. Image credit: Toshiba 

The ministry aims to include the plan in the country's basic energy program that the government will update within fiscal 2024, which ends next March. The existing energy program calls for increasing the proportion of renewable energy sources to 36% to 38% of power generation in fiscal 2030, compared with 22.9% in fiscal 2023. The new program, which sets goals for fiscal 2040, is expected to further raise the renewable energy share in anticipation of the spread of perovskite solar cells.

Researchers from Canada's University of Waterloo and University of Toronto have developed a tiny, wearable piezoelectric generator based on perovskites that can generate electricity from vibrations or body movements. The technology could potentially charge laptops by typing or power a smartphone’s battery from the movements of a run, for instance. 

The device makes use of the piezoelectric effect, which generates electrical energy by applying pressure to materials like crystal and certain ceramics.  The tea, explained that older materials are brittle, expensive and have a limited ability to generate electricity, as opposed to the materials created for the new generator - which are flexible, more energy-efficient and cost less.

Researchers from Northwestern University, University of Toronto and Griffith University have developed a new protective coating that significantly extends the life of perovskite solar cells, making them more practical for real-world applications.

Typically, perovskite solar cells use an ammonium-based coating layer to enhance efficiency. While effective, ammonium-based layers degrade under environmental stress, including heat and moisture. The team has now developed a more robust layer — based on amidinium. In experiments, the new coating was 10 times more resistant to decomposition compared to conventional ammonium-based coatings. In addition, the amidinium-coated cells also tripled the cell’s T90 lifetime — the time it takes for a cell’s efficiency to drop 90% of its initial value when exposed to harsh conditions.