Stability

Researchers from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University and France's University of Lille (CNRS) have developed a biomass-derived furan-based conjugated polymer, PBDF-DFC, enabling a simplified direct precursor integration fabrication method for hybrid perovskite solar cells (HPSCs). 

Unlike traditional thiophene-based polymers, PBDF-DFC reportedly exhibits high solubility in perovskite precursor solvents, allowing direct incorporation into the precursor solution. This direct precursor integration approach could significantly streamline the fabrication process, reducing steps and potentially lowering production costs. 

Researchers from Japan's Ritsumeikan University and Sekisui Chemical have studied the role of barrier films in shielding flexible perovskite solar modules from harsh environmental conditions. 

The research team utilized PSC modules made of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃), which were encapsulated with polyethylene terephthalate substrate with barrier films of varying water vapor transmission rates (WVTR). The PSC modules were subjected to a damp heat test, which utilized exposure of the modules to 85 °C temperature and 85% relative humidity. The conditions were set to simulate real-world outdoor conditions over extended periods.

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hebei University of Science and Technology, Hebei University of Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Anhui Institute of Innovation for Industrial Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei University of Technology and Liaocheng University have used Lauramide (LA) molecules on perovskite films as a surface modification layer. As a result, the team demonstrated a multifunctional surface molecular modification strategy to develop high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. 

By depositing the layer of LA molecule, the defects on the perovskite surface were successfully passivated. LA can form hydrogen bonds with iodide ions (I⁻) and promote anchoring to impede the migration of I⁻ inside the crystal structure. The lone electron pair of the carbonyl (C=O) functional group in LA can also coordinate with the uncoordinated lead ions (Pb²⁺) or lead clusters (Pb0), which effectively reduces the non-radiative recombination caused by surface defects. 

While quasi-2D perovskites made with organic spacers co-crystallized with inorganic cesium lead bromide can enable near unity photoluminescence quantum yield at room temperature, LEDs made with such quasi-2D perovskites tend to degrade rapidly - which remains a major bottleneck in this field.

Now, researchers from SUNY University at Buffalo, Texas A&M University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Missouri University of Science and Technology, National Taiwan University and Yonsei University have shown that the bright emission originates from finely tuned multi-component 2D nano-crystalline phases that are thermodynamically unstable.

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have reportedly developed a perovskite-based approach to detecting harmful metals like mercury in living cells and the environment.

The team relied on perovskites' unique interaction with light, which enables them to serve as fluorescent probes inside living cells. However, their quick degradation in water has previously limited their applications. To address this, the researchers encapsulated the perovskite nanocrystals in silica and polymer coatings, significantly enhancing their stability and luminescent intensity in water. This modification ensures the nanocrystals maintain their functionality over extended periods, making them highly effective for practical use.

Researchers from Sweden's Linköping University, China's Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Hunan University and Jilin University have demonstrated bright perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) with a peak radiance of 2409 W sr⁻¹ m⁻² and negligible current-efficiency roll-off, maintaining high external quantum efficiency over 20% even at current densities as high as 2270 mA cm⁻². 

Device configuration and cross-sectional SEM image of the PeLED. Image from: Nature Communications

One of the key advantages of perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) is their potential to achieve high performance at much higher current densities compared to conventional solution-processed emitters. However, state-of-the-art PeLEDs have not yet reached this potential, often suffering from severe current-efficiency roll-off under intensive electrical excitations. The team's new work hopes to help tackle this obstacle. 

Researchers from China's Wuhan University and Hubei University have examined the long-term stability problem of tin-lead perovskites under irradiation, counterintuitively discovering an irreversible phase reconstruction process. 

The evolution from tin-lead perovskites to a reconstruction of lead perovskites under light. Image from: Nature Communications

Tin-lead perovskite materials show promise for all-perovskite tandem solar cells, offering an optimal bandgap that significantly boosts power conversion efficiency. However, light-induced degradation, particularly in ambient air, remains a major obstacle to their long-term stability. Unlike single-metal perovskite materials, tin-lead perovskite degrades through distinct mechanisms, making it crucial to understand how it deteriorates under light and air exposure.

Researchers from China's Xi’an Jiaotong University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Fudan University, ULVAC-PHI Instruments, National University of Singapore (NUS), Sweden's Uppsala University and EPFL have developed a self-assembled bilayer (SAB) that can be used as a hole contact material that grants improved adhesive contact with the perovskite film. 

A schematic illustration of the inverted PSCs. Image from: Nature Energy

The team went on to fabricate an inverted perovskite solar cell that utilizes the self-assembled bilayer (SAB) as a hole-selective molecular contact. The cell was made with a substrate made of glass and transparent conductive oxides (TCOs), the proposed bilayer, the perovskite absorber, an ETL based on buckminsterfullerene (C60), a bathocuproine (BCP) buffer layer, and a silver (Ag) metal contact. 

When it comes to innovation in advanced materials, Solaveni GmbH stands out as a company with a bold mission. Founded in 2021 as a subsidiary of Saule Technologies, Solaveni was created with a vision to revolutionize the world of perovskite-based materials by focusing on sustainable chemistry and environmental responsibility. Today, the company is carving out a space in fields like printed electronics, energy harvesting, storage, and solid-state lighting, all while ensuring its processes remain green and future-ready.

At the heart of Solaveni’s journey is its CEO, Dr. Senol Öz, whose expertise and passion for perovskite technology have been key to the company’s progress. Senol’s career spans over a decade of research and hands-on experience in solution-processing and chemical engineering of perovskite solar cells. From his doctoral work in Germany, to his postdoctoral research in Japan, and eventually joining Saule Technologies, his path has been defined by a deep commitment to advancing perovskite materials.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Senol for an insightful Q&A, where he shared his thoughts on Solaveni’s vision, the challenges of perovskite technology, and the future of sustainable material production. Let’s dive into the conversation!

Solaveni was established in 2021 as a subsidiary of Saule Technologies, one of the pioneers in the perovskite solar industry. Why did Saule decide to establish a materials subsidiary?

Saule Technologies, a trailblazer in the perovskite solar industry, founded Solaveni in 2021 to address the burgeoning demand for high-quality, innovative materials critical to advancing solar technology. The establishment of Solaveni reflects Saule’s strategic vision to enhance and diversify its capabilities within the renewable energy sector. By creating a specialized subsidiary, Saule aims to streamline the development and production of materials relevant for the perovskite ecosystem, ensuring consistent quality and fostering innovation.

Imec, partner in EnergyVille, in collaboration with the University of Cyprus, has demonstrated long-term outdoor stability of perovskite solar modules. Mini-modules of 4 cm², developed at imec/EnergyVille, were comprehensively evaluated over two years in real-world conditions in Cyprus, with a remarkable power efficiency retention of 78% after one year, which current perovskite solar modules only retain for weeks. These promising findings are among the first real-world results to address the stability issues that currently hinder perovskite solar cells from commercialization.

Standard indoor testing in a controlled environment, which continuously mimics sun irradiation, only serves as a proxy for real-world performance. Environmental conditions, such as varying light, temperature and weather, impact cell performance. Despite this, only a handful of research groups have investigated outdoor performance of perovskite PV, focusing primarily on small cells rather than modules. Over the last two years, imec conducted a comprehensive study of the outdoor performance of their perovskite PV modules.