Dramatic breakthroughs improve the reliability of perovskite solar cells
One material that is being investigated for use in making new types of solar cells is perovskite. Some disadvantages for the material are being overcome by researchers, and one of its disadvantages is reliability. A study conducted at Brown University has brought perovskit solar cells one step closer to commercial use after the team found a way to strengthen one of the main weak points in this type of cell.
The team demonstrates a new “molecular glue” that can save the key interface in cells from degradation. Treatment dramatically increases the stability and reliability of cells from time to time. This treatment also increases the efficiency of converting sunlight into electricity in the panel.
Perovskites is a class of materials with unique crystal atomic structures. More than a decade ago, scientists found that Perovskites was very clever absorbing light, kicking research using material in solar cells. The efficiency of perovskite solar cells has increased significantly and now traditional silicon cell rivals. Perovskite cells are very desirable because the perovskite light reducer can be done at close room temperature compared to silicon which requires a temperature of almost 2700 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Perovskite film is also 400 times thinner than silicon wafers which means fewer ingredients needed in their construction. Perovskite cells have the potential to be made at a fraction of the cost of silicon cells. One major disadvantage for Perovskite solar cells has so far been their stability and reliability.
Perovskite cells are made using five different layers, and the weakest of the layers are the only perovskite film used to absorb light and electron transport layers that make the current flow through cells. New molecular glue strengthens the layer and has the potential to increase solar cells significantly. The team uses formulations with compounds known as monolayers gather themselves using silicon atoms on one side and iodine atom on the other side.