Perovskite Solar - Page 23

Researchers at the University of Surrey, University of Cambridge and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xidian University, and Zhengzhou University have developed a novel approach for bifacial perovskite devices using single-walled carbon nanotubes as both front and back electrodes.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes offer high transparency, conductivity, and stability, enabling bifacial PSCs with a bifaciality factor of over 98% and a power generation density of over 36%. 

Researchers at CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and Henan University have developed a nanomaterial-regulated doping strategy to pre-oxidize spiro-OMeTAD into radicals in the precursor solution with tin sulfoxide (SnSO) nanomaterials prepared at high temperature. The team increased the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to 24.5% using the inorganic SnSO as a dopant to oxidize and regulate the organic hole transport layer 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis[N,N-di(4-methoxyphenyl)amino]-9,9-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD).

Spiro-OMeTAD is an important hole transport layer (HTL) material. To enhance the charge transport capability of spiro-OMeTAD, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonyl imide (Li-TFSI) is required to mediate the reaction between oxygen and spiro-OMeTAD. However, this traditional doping method has low doping efficiency, and excessive Li-TFSI will remain in the spiro-OMeTAD film, leading to a decrease in the compactness and long-term conductivity of the film. The duration of the oxidation reaction usually takes 10 to 24 hours to reach the desired conductivity and work function. In this study, the researchers developed a fast and reproducible strategy to control the oxidation of the nanomaterial. They used SnSO nanomaterial to pre-oxidize spiro-OMeTAD to spiro-OMeTAD⁺TFSI^- free radicals in precursor solutions. This improved the conductivity, optimized the energy level position of HTL, and achieved a high PCE of 24.5%.

In a recent study by researchers from Henan University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the interface of indium tin oxide/electron transport layer (ITO/ETL) in n-i-p structured devices was targeted. Electron transport layers are typically fabricated using commercial nano tin dioxide, which often displays insufficient density. To combat this, the scientists employed the commonly used bathocuproine (BCP) material to treat the ITO/ETL interface. 

The incorporation of BCP diminishes the direct contact between the perovskite and ITO layers, while also passivating buried interface and adjusting the crystal orientation of perovskites. Furthermore, the substrate layer exhibits improved transparency, consequently elevating the utilization rate of light by perovskite.

Macnica, a Technology Solutions Partner that provides products, services, and solutions, has announced a new type of air quality sensor that uses perovskite solar cells and semi-solid batteries. The sensor uses perovskite solar cells from EneCoat Technologies, a startup from Kyoto University.

It was reported that for several years, an indoor perovskite solar cell effectiveness demonstration project has been taking place in the company's office in Tokyo. Through this demonstration project, it was reportedly demonstrated that the technology can become a sustainable energy source in the future, including use under low illumination, and data on various issues was gathered toward the practical application of perovskite solar cells.

An international collaboration between scientists from CSIRO, University of Cambridge and others has resulted in a new efficiency record for fully roll-to-roll printed solar cells.

According to the team, the cells achieved “power conversion efficiencies of up to 15.5% for individual small-area cells and 11.0% for serially-interconnected cells”.

A large international group of researchers worked together to form a balanced viewpoint on the prospects of vapor-based processing of perovskite PV on an industrial scale. 

Their perspective highlights the conceptual advantages of vapor phase deposition, discusses the most crucial process parameters in a technology assessment, contains an overview about relevant global industry clusters, and provides an outlook on the commercialization perspectives of the perovskite technology in general.

Reports suggest that China-based GCL (via its new subsidiary Kunshan GCL Photoelectric Materials) has achieved a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 19.04% on a 1,000mm x 2,000mm single-junction perovskite solar module. The result was reportedly officially tested by the China National Institute of Metrology to confirm the results.

The GCL Perovskite team stated it is "delighted to have achieved its goal of surpassing the expected conversion efficiency of 19% for standard-sized perovskite modules, having previously achieved 18.04% conversion efficiency for a single-junction perovskite solar module in November 2023". And the team is one step closer to its efficiency target of 26% for a 2m² (1,000mm × 2,000mm) single-junction perovskite solar module, while focusing on research and development for the next generation of tandem perovskite modules.

According to reports, Japan's government plans to advance perovskite  flexible solar power panels through the country's feed-in tariff system, seeking to encourage investment in the technology. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry plans to set the price of energy produced from perovskite cells at 10 yen (6 cents) per kilowatt-hour or more, higher than the current level for solar power, starting as early as fiscal 2025.

Light, flexible perovskite cells can generate electricity in places where traditional solar panel installation is not feasible, such as building walls and windows. The base technology is Japanese, and Japanese companies are involved in vigorous R&D with emphasis on quality and durability. At the same time, Chinese companies have begun mass production and are leading in commercialization.

An international group o researchers, including ones from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Solaronix, University of Cambridge, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and others, have developed a method to re-manufacture fully encapsulated perovskite solar cells after recycling. According to the researchers, the re-manufactured devices can achieve 88% of their original efficiency.

The novel method for re-manufacturing perovskite solar cells (PSCs) uses carbon-based electrodes (CPSMs). Re- manufacturing, as opposed to merely recycling, is described as the combination of re-used, recycled, repaired, or replaced parts to make a new product. “In this work, we demonstrate for the first time a re-manufacturing strategy for glass-glass encapsulated perovskite solar cells,” the scientists stated. “Our study presents a facile experimental method to remove the edge-sealant, encapsulant, back electrode, and degraded perovskite, allowing reuse of the device constituents.”

Eight mini-modules of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization's (CSIRO) printed flexible solar cells were attached to the surface of Australia-based space transportation provider Space Machine Company’s Optimus-1 satellite, that was sent into orbit from the United States as part of Elon Musk’s Space X’s Transporter-10 mission.

A statement from the national science agency following the launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California explained that it is exploring such solar cells as a reliable energy source for future missions. Eight mini-modules of the printed flexible solar cells were attached to the surface of Optimus-1.