Dr Junke Wang

Abstract:

Metal-halide perovskite solar cells have achieved power conversion efficiencies comparable to those of silicon photovoltaic (PV) devices, approaching 27% for single-junction devices. The durability of the devices, however, lags far behind their performance. Their practical implementation implies the subjection of the material and devices to temperature cycles of varying intensity, driven by diurnal cycles or geographical characteristics. Thus, it is vital to develop devices that are resilient to temperature cycling. This Perspective analyses the behaviour of perovskite devices under temperature cycling. We discuss the crystallographic structural evolution of the perovskite layer, reactions and/or interactions among stacked layers, PV properties and photocatalysed thermal reactions. We highlight effective strategies for improving stability under temperature cycling, such as enhancing material crystallinity or relieving interlayer thermal stress using buffer layers. Additionally, we outline existing standards and protocols for temperature cycling testing and we propose a unified approach that could facilitate valuable cross-study comparisons among scientific and industrial research laboratories. Finally, we share our outlook on strategies to develop perovskite PV devices with exceptional real-world operating stability.

Abstract:

All-perovskite tandem photovoltaics are a potentially cost-effective technology to power chemical fuel production, such as green hydrogen. However, their application is limited by deficits in open-circuit voltage and, more challengingly, poor operational stability of the photovoltaic cell. Here we report a laboratory-scale solar-assisted water-splitting system using an electrochemical flow cell and an all-perovskite tandem solar cell. We begin by treating the perovskite surface with a propane-1,3-diammonium iodide solution that reduces interface non-radiative recombination losses and achieves an open-circuit voltage above 90% of the detailed-balance limit for single-junction solar cells between the bandgap of 1.6-1.8 eV. Specifically, a high open-circuit voltage of 1.35 V and maximum power conversion efficiency of 19.9% are achieved at a 1.77 eV bandgap. This enables monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cells with a 26.0% power conversion efficiency at 1 cm2 area and a pioneering photovoltaic-electrochemical system with a maximum solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 17.8%. The system retains over 60% of its peak performance after operating for more than 180 h. We find that the performance loss is mainly due to the degradation of the photovoltaic component. We observe severe charge collection losses in the narrow-bandgap sub-cell that can be attributed to the interface degradation between the narrow-bandgap perovskite and the hole-transporting layer. Our study suggests that developing chemically stable absorbers and contact layers is critical for the applications of all-perovskite tandem photovoltaics.

Abstract:

January 4, 2025

Abstract:

Multijunction photovoltaics (PVs) are gaining prominence owing to their superior capability of achieving power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) beyond the radiative limit of single-junction cells^1-8, where improving narrow bandgap tin-lead perovskites is critical for thin-film devices⁹. With a focus on understanding the chemistry of tin-lead perovskite precursor solutions, we herein find that Sn(II) species dominate interactions with precursors and additives and uncover the exclusive role of carboxylic acid in regulating solution colloidal properties and film crystallisation, and ammonium in improving film optoelectronic properties. Materials that combine these two function groups, amino acid salts, considerably improve the semiconducting quality and homogeneity of perovskite films, surpassing the effect of the individual functional groups when introduced as part of separate molecules. Our enhanced tin-lead perovskite layer allows us to fabricate solar cells with PCEs of 23.9, 29.7 (certified 29.26%), and 28.7% for single-, double-, and triple-junction devices, respectively. Our 1-cm² triple-junction devices show PCEs of 28.4% (certified 27.28%). Encapsulated triple-junction cells maintain 80% of their initial efficiencies after 860 h maximum power point tracking in ambient. We further fabricate quadruple-junction devices and obtain PCEs of 27.9% with the highest open-circuit voltage of 4.94 V. This work establishes a new benchmark for multijunction PVs.