Solar cells inspired by nature
A research team led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has developed a new chiral-structured interface for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), enhancing their durability and efficiency.
We have reported before on PSCs here, here, and here. Unlike conventional silicon solar cells, perovskites can be easily made into thin films using various printing techniques at low cost. The performance of PSCs has improved very rapidly, but there remain significant barriers to commercialisation, particularly concerning their stability under real-world conditions.
One outstanding challenge is the insufficient adhesion between the different layers of the cells, resulting in limited interfacial reliability. The research team, led from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology by Dr Zhou Yuanyuan, has addressed this by introducing a chiral-structured interlayer (a chiral structure is one that cannot be superimposed on its mirror image). The interlayer, inspired by the helical structure of natural materials, improves mechanical strength and adaptability, enhancing the cells' reliability under varying conditions.
The enhanced solar cells maintained 92% of their initial power conversion efficiency after extensive testing, compared to other materials tested by the team, which maintained around 60 or 65%. This suggests the new technology has potential for long-term use in diverse environments.
The research was published in the journal Science, with Dr Tianwei Duan as the lead author, and there were contributions from scientists at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Hong Kong Baptist University, and Yale University.
The work highlights the promise of perovskite solar cells in advancing sustainable energy solutions. As these cells become more dependable, they could offer a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources.