Development of Hybrid Solar Cells... Efficiency Increased Up to 18%

Structure and Performance of Developed Perovskite-Based Tandem Solar Cells

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] A technology has been developed that raises the photoelectric conversion efficiency of inorganic perovskite solar cells to 18%. This efficiency is close to the 20% threshold for commercialization of these solar cells. It is expected to become a foundational technology for the commercialization of next-generation solar cells.

The research team led by Professor Seong-Yeon Jang of the Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology announced on the 22nd that they developed a heterojunction hybrid solar cell, and the related paper was published in the international journal Advanced Energy Materials.

The team developed a solar cell with a "1+1 tandem structure" that connects inorganic perovskite solar cells and polymer solar cells with different properties in series vertically. The perovskite unit cell absorbs sunlight in the visible light spectrum, while the polymer material unit cell absorbs near-infrared light. Professor Jang explained, "Through optical simulation, we designed perovskite and polymer materials with complementary solar absorption regions, and minimized the 'voltage loss' that occurs when combining the two unit cells to increase efficiency."

Inorganic perovskite solar cells use inorganic perovskite as the light-absorbing material (photoactive layer). They have much better thermal stability and structural stability compared to conventional hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite materials. However, their efficiency has been a drawback.

In particular, the solar cells developed by the research team can be easily manufactured through a 'low-temperature solution process' for the entire production process. This method involves dispersing the cell materials in a liquid (solvent) and printing them like stamping. It is advantageous for mass production compared to conventional silicon solar cells and also reduces manufacturing costs. Professor Seong-Yeon Jang said, "The hybrid tandem solar cell developed this time applies technology that maximizes the advantages of each material," and added, "Through this, it is expected that high-efficiency and high-stability inorganic perovskite-based solar cells with over 28% efficiency can be developed in the future."

Professor Jang Sung-yeon (Wudan) research team

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