Researchers from Monash University, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Tunghai University, the University of Oxford, National Central University, and the City University of Hong Kong have developed a strategy to enhance the stability and performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) through a mechanism described as 'self-healing'.
The team reported a living passivation strategy using a hindered urea/thiocarbamate bond Lewis acid-base material (HUBLA), where dynamic covalent bonds with water and heat-activated characteristics can dynamically heal the perovskite to ensure device performance and stability.
Upon exposure to moisture or heat, HUBLA generates new agents and further passivates defects in the perovskite.
This passivation strategy achieved high-performance devices with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.1%. HUBLA devices retained 94% of their initial PCE for approximately 1500 hours of aging at 85 °C in N2 and maintained 88% of their initial PCE after 1000 hours of aging at 85 °C and 30% relative humidity (RH) in air.
"This work addresses critical issues related to defect passivation in perovskites that have hindered widespread adoption of this promising technology," said Professor Udo Bach, study co-author and Director of Research Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Monash.
"Our slow-release strategy represents a significant advancement in the field of perovskite photovoltaics. By slowly releasing the passivating agents into our perovskite material, we have been able to produce solar cells not only with enhanced performance but also extended long-term stability under real-world conditions." "This breakthrough could pave way for more reliable and efficient perovskite solar cells contributing to the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions"
