Purdue University researchers have developed new multifunctional ligands that improve the switching capacity and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells.
Perovskite is a material that can be made from different materials with different electrical, optical and physical properties. Perovskites can be converted into solar cells using simple methods such as newspaper printing; It costs less and uses less energy than the methods used to produce traditional silicon cells.
Perovskite solar panels are thinner and lighter than silicon panels, reducing shipping and installation costs. Light weight, mechanical flexibility and can be made portable. But perovskite solar cells have properties that limit their efficiency, says Letian Do, associate professor of chemical engineering at Davidson's School of Chemical Engineering.
"These solar cells lack efficient energy transfer, are unstable and fragile when exposed to light for long periods of time, and often degrade," Du said. "Lower strength means a shorter product life and users have to replace the panel more often. Perovskite may not be as stable as silicon for 25 years, but it will take at least 10 years to be successfully commercialized. Replacing panels adds labor and cost."
Dow says traditional solar cells require a critical interface between the perovskite and the organic charge accumulation layer. He said that molecular "glue" is needed, but ordinary molecules block the current.
"Our composite ligands perfectly match the perovskite crystal lattice and help create a 2D-by-3D perovskite heterostructure, which further enhances the stability of solar panels," Du said.
Dow and his team tested the innovative ligaments in their lab.
"We found an energy conversion efficiency of 25% compared to ligands, which is less than 20%," Du said. We increased the lifetime at 65 °C to over 2,400 hours, which is four times longer than without the ligand.
Dow and his team are taking further steps to improve the ligand.
"We are working on a new ligand to further improve what we have already achieved: more than 25% energy conversion efficiency and more than 10,000 hours of life," said Du. "We will also work on the application of ligands in large-scale solar modules. We aim to achieve these goals within a year."
Doe disclosed the invention of the conjugated ligand to the Purdue Research Foundation's Office of Technology Commercialization, which requested intellectual property protection.
Du's previous research was published in the July 2021 issue of Advanced Materials and the January 2021 issue of Angewande Chemie .
More information: K. Ma et al., Development of versatile conjugated ligands for stable and efficient perovskite solar cells, Advanced Materials (2021). DOI: 10.1002/strike.202100791
Aihui Liang et al., High-Efficiency Halide Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes by Molecular Passivation, Angewand Chemistry International Edition (2021). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202100243
Quote: Engineers improve efficiency and stability of solar cells (Jan 18, 2023). Retrieved January 24, 2023, from https://techxplore.com/news/2023-01-solar-cell-efficiency-sability.html.
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