Korean scientists develop graphene electrode to enable next-gen perovskite solar cells

Several research institutions in South Korea are actively conducting research and development on next-generation solar cells, heightening expectations for commercialization. The research team led by Prof. Yoon Soon-gil of Chungnam National University has developed a new graphene electrode to produce perovskite solar cells at a low temperature. In addition, the team led by Prof. Choi Kyoung-jin of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at UNIST has developed a new concept tandem solar cell using transparent conductive adhesives (TCA).

The graphene electrode developed by Professor Yoon's team can help create a perovskite solar cell at a low temperature and can raise both safety and economic efficiency.

The research team grew large-scale graphene by absorbing carbon from titanium buffer layers which are 10 nm thick at below 100 degrees Celsius. The perovskite solar cell manufactured with the transfer-free method has improved efficiency by 14.2% and transparency by 26% compared to graphene solar cells made with the mass transfer process.

The graphene solar cell made with the mass transfer method saw its efficiency decrease 20% from the initial value after it was used for 500 hours. However, the new graphene electrode produced with a transfer-free method showed only a 13% lower efficiency and a 7% higher safety in terms of flexibility than the graphene solar cell after 1,000 bending cycles.