Research in the perovskite solar cell domain has gained momentum since the early 2000s, led initially by US scientists. However, recent shifts in US energy policies have allowed other countries to advance their innovations. A team from the University of Sydney in Australia has achieved a significant breakthrough, developing a new triple-junction perovskite solar cell that records impressive conversion efficiency and stability. This progress underscores the potential for efficient, less costly solar solutions as research continues.
The new solar cell developed by the University of Sydney incorporates two layers of perovskite alongside silicon, a conventional solar material known for its durability, yet relatively expensive compared to perovskite. The research team successfully designed a solar cell with a surface area of 16 square centimeters that boasts a remarkable conversion efficiency of 23.3%. A smaller version, measuring 1 square centimeter, achieved an even more impressive efficiency of 27.06%, which is notable in the industry. Both cells, while not yet commercially viable, represent an important step forward in solar technology.
The smaller cell has redefined standards for thermal stability, having passed the International Electrotechnical Commission’s rigorous thermal cycling test, which involved subjecting it to extreme temperature variations. Notably, this smaller cell maintained 95% of its efficiency after extensive testing under continuous light exposure. The larger cell reflects the potential for maintaining efficiency while enhancing stability, a crucial aspect of perovskite solar technology.
Professor Anita Ho-Baillie, leading the research team, emphasized the importance of these advancements for future solar energy applications. With rigorous testing and verification by independent laboratories, the findings bolster confidence that these technologies can indeed transition to practical use. The research titled “Tailoring nanoscale interfaces for perovskite–perovskite–silicon triple-junction solar cells” outlines the complexities and innovations that led to these breakthroughs.
A crucial part of this research involved modifying materials to improve performance. By replacing methylammonium—a common component in perovskite solar cells—with rubidium, researchers reduced defects within the perovskite lattice that typically lead to degradation. In addition, the team utilized piperazinium dichloride, a more stable surface treatment, enhancing the overall durability and efficiency of the solar cells.
This innovative architecture not only promotes high performance but also integrates gold in a novel junction design, optimizing electric charge movement and light absorption. Professor Ho-Baillie expressed enthusiasm for these developments, noting their potential to surpass silicon-based efficiencies and contribute to the realization of sustainable and affordable solar energy systems.
The project involved collaboration across international lines, with contributions from partners in China, Germany, and Slovenia, highlighting a unified global pursuit of solar technology advancements. Slovenia’s emerging presence in this research area, despite its historical context, reinforces the global importance of perovskite solar cell innovations. For example, researchers at Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania are also reporting advancements in inorganic perovskite solar cells, further illustrating the expanding landscape of solar research.