Researchers at Finland's Aalto University and Tampere University have developed an encapsulation method for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to address both optical performance losses at the air-cell interface and intrinsic and extrinsic stability challenges. The team's one-step method provides PSCs with shielding from oxygen and moisture-induced degradation as well as in situ patterning for light management. 

In the new method, the entire surface and sides of the solar cells were coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and the front-facing surface of the PSC was in situ–patterned using a soft lithography technique. A replica of leek leaf surface structures was created on the PDMS to reduce reflection and increase haze. The scientists explained that leek leaf replicas, previously used as add-on layers for PSC devices, have shown promise due to their optical and self-cleaning properties. 

Three research projects by City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) scholars have been awarded funding under the 2024/25 National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Research Grants Council (RGC) Collaborative Research Scheme (CRS), amounting to over HK$8.8 million (around USD$1,130,000). Additionally, five CityUHK scholars have been awarded funding from the 2024/25 NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme (JRS), with total funding exceeding HK$6 million (over USD$770,000). 

Among the CityUHK research projects awarded funding under the Collaborative Research Scheme is  “Theoretically Guided Material Design, Syntheses and Device Engineering for Efficient and Stable Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells”, led by Professor Zeng Xiaocheng, Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, which aims to develop high-performance perovskite/organic tandem solar cells with efficiencies exceeding 28%, promoting the development of sustainable clean energy while advocating global carbon neutrality.

Researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) set out to develop X-ray detection technology with reduced radiation dosage without compromising detection efficiency. The team developed a cascade-engineered approach that uses two interconnected single-crystal devices to mitigate dark current and enhance the detection limit. 

Using methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr₃) perovskite single crystals, the scientists engineered devices that significantly reduced detection thresholds and improved signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). 

It was reported that China-based UtmoLight has developed a 450 W perovskite solar module with a 16.1% efficiency rating. It claims that the panel is currently the largest perovskite PV module available.

The new module reportedly covers an area of 2.8 square meters, uses dual-glass encapsulation and features an open-circuit voltage of 190.7 V, a short-circuit current of 3.19, and a fill factor of 73.7%.

Researchers from Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), North China Electric Power University, Westlake University, Lomonosov Moscow State University and others have described the addition of N,N-dimethylmethyleneiminium chloride ([Dmei]Cl) into perovskite precursor solutions to produce two cations in situ—namely 3-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1,3,5-triazin-1-ium ([MTTZ]⁺) and dimethylammonium ([DMA]⁺) cations - that enhanced the photovoltaic
performance and stability of perovskite solar modules.  

A schematic of the roles of [MTTZ]⁺ and [DMA]⁺ in the 3D perovskite matrix. Image from: Science

The team explained that the in situ formation of [MTTZ]⁺ cation increased the formation energy of iodine vacancies and enhanced the migration energy barrier of iodide and cesium ions, which suppressed nonradiative recombination, thermal decomposition, and phase segregation processes. 

The formation of a homogeneous passivation layer based on phase-pure two-dimensional (2D) perovskites is a challenge for perovskite solar cells, especially when upscaling the devices to modules. Researchers from China's Wuhan University of Technology, Xidian University, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and Germany's Technical University of Munich have revealed a chain-length-dependent and halide-related phase separation problem of 2D perovskite growing on top of three-dimensional perovskites. 

The scientists have demonstrated that a homogeneous 2D perovskite passivation layer can be formed upon treatment of the perovskite layer with formamidinium bromide in long-chain ( >10) alkylamine ligand salts. 

Switzerland-based Avantama, a leader in high-tech materials for electronics, has brought its perovskite QD (pQD) technology to “market-ready” level. Avantama's CEO, Dr. Samuel Halim states that reliability (as QD film) was confirmed by leading display supply chain partners, the pQD production has been established in-house and the pQD film production has been established at a leading Asian film maker.

Now, as part of a move to bring Avantama’s pQD market-ready technology into the hands of a company with market and customer access, Ocean Tomo Transactions (a part of J.S. Held) will be representing Avantama in the sale of its pQD IP portfolio and related know-how and manufacturing assets.

MOL PLUS has announced its intent to invest in EneCoat Technologies, a spin-off company from Kyoto University that develops perovskite solar cells and related materials.

MOL PLUS stated it is "pleased to participate in this fundraising" and views the widespread use of perovskite solar cells as a revolutionary solution that will enable power generation anywhere, indoors or outdoors. Moving forward, the MOL Group plans to study a wide range of applications in the port, logistics, and real property fields, including installation on the decks of freighters and on the roofs and walls of port facilities such as warehouses and terminal cargo handling centers.

Microquanta has reportedly achieved a conversion efficiency of 23.65% on small perovskite solar modules, certified by Fujian Metrology Institute.

The perovskite module has an area of 19.38 cm², achieved using its proprietary frozen laser repair technology. It is said to exhibit exceptional photo-thermal durability, with less than 5% efficiency degradation even after exposure to cumulative UV aging doses far exceeding the IEC 61215 standard (200 kWh).

Researchers from Zhejiang University, Soochow University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Suzhou Maxwell Technologies have addressed common challenges related to hole transport layers that are commonly used for the perovskite top cells, such as defects, non-conformal deposition or de-wetting of the overlying perovskite on the textured silicon bottom cells.

The team decided to develop a strategy based on co-deposition of copper(I) thiocyanate and perovskite, where effective perovskite grain boundary passivation and efficient hole collection are simultaneously achieved by the embedded copper(I) thiocyanate, which creates local hole-collecting contacts. Fabricated monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem devices achieved a certified power conversion efficiency of 31.46% for 1 cm² area devices.