Capturing the sun's energy
Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have announced a step forward in photovoltaic technology, significantly improving the efficiency and durability of perovskite solar cells.
The team developed a new molecular treatment that addresses the long-standing issue of stability in perovskite solar cells. These cells, as covered before in Croucher News here and here, are known for their high efficiency and low production costs but have previously been hindered by their susceptibility to environmental degradation.
The team, led by Dr Yen-Hung Lin from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, identified critical parameters affecting the performance and lifespan of halide perovskites, a promising next-generation photovoltaic material.
In particular, the team explored passivation methods using the aminosilane molecular family to reduce defects and enhance the performance and longevity of perovskite solar cells. Using ex-situ and in-situ methods to observe molecular interactions and identify molecules that substantially increase photoluminescence quantum yield, the research team demonstrated how different types of amines and their combinations can improve perovskite film surfaces.
This research, published recently in Science, could help to accelerate the adoption of perovskite solar cells in the renewable energy sector, offering a viable alternative to traditional silicon-based cells.
The study, which included input from Xue-Li Cao and Dr Fion Yeung, along with collaborators from Oxford University and the University of Sheffield, underscores the potential of molecular engineering in advancing clean energy technologies and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.