Pusan National University Research Team Improves Perovskite Solar Cell Efficiency and Durability with Next-Generation Adhesive Layer Technology

New Interfacial Adhesive Technology Developed by Pusan National University, Gyeongsang National University, and Ajou University Research Team
Electron-deficient Molecular Adhesive Overcomes Commercialization Barriers... Versatile Technology for Various Applications

A team of Korean researchers has developed a new interfacial adhesive layer technology that can simultaneously address the chronic issues of efficiency loss and durability limitations in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), which are considered next-generation solar cells.

Pusan National University (President Choi Jaewon) announced on May 12 that a research team led by Professor Jiyeon Seo from the Department of Nano Energy Engineering, in collaboration with Professor Yoonhee Kim of Gyeongsang National University and Professor Opil Kwon of Ajou University, has developed electron-deficient intermolecular adhesives (EDIAs), significantly improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency and long-term stability of PSCs.

Professor Jiyeon Seo, Professor Yoonhee Kim, Professor Opil Kwon, Master's student Kyungho Jung, PhD Kyungseok Lee. Provided by Pusan National University

Perovskite solar cells are attracting attention as next-generation solar cells in the renewable energy sector due to their lightweight, flexible thin-film structure and high conversion efficiency. In particular, they offer various application possibilities, such as flexible devices and silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells. However, there has been a critical limitation: the weak bonding between the electron transport layer, fullerene (C60), and the photoactive perovskite layer.

The existing electron transport layers rely on van der Waals interactions, making them vulnerable to mechanical shock and thermal stress, which in turn leads to degradation in device performance and lifespan.

Professor Seo's team addressed this by inserting a molecular film of EDIAs, which includes electron-deficient arene functional groups, hydrophobic passivation groups, and secondary anchoring groups, at the interface between the perovskite thin film and fullerene.

This molecular adhesive greatly enhances interfacial bonding strength while ensuring that fullerene binds strongly to the electron-deficient structure, thereby optimizing the electron transport pathway. The researchers demonstrated this mechanism using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS).

Experimental results showed that PSCs utilizing this technology exhibited a significant reduction in crack formation under mechanical stress, as well as superior electrical performance and durability compared to existing materials. In particular, the NDI-C9-Ace material, which includes an acetyl group as a secondary anchoring group, improved both the uniformity of the thin film and electron transport properties. In contrast, NDI-C11, which has a long carbon chain, hindered bonding with fullerene and was less effective.

Professor Jiyeon Seo explained, "This research demonstrates a technology that realizes multifunctional thin films with a single material, and can serve as a universal platform applicable not only to single PSCs but also to flexible solar cells and tandem devices."

The results of this research were published online on April 18 in the international journal Journal of Energy Chemistry in the field of energy materials, and are scheduled for formal publication in the September issue.

This study was supported by the Korea-Switzerland International Joint Technology Development Program of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology, as well as the Basic Science Research Program and LAMP Project of the National Research Foundation of Korea under the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Education.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.