A Korean research team has developed a cutting-edge perovskite solar cell technology, addressing a long-standing limitation in harnessing solar energy. Previously, perovskite solar cells were unable to capture about 52% of the total solar spectrum, particularly in the near-infrared range. But now, thanks to a breakthrough from Professor Jung-Yong Lee’s team at KAIST and Professor Woojae Kim’s team at Yonsei University, this limitation has been overcome, making next-generation solar cells more efficient and commercially viable.

Figure 1. Introduction of Dipole Interfacial Layer (DIL).

Announced on October 31, this hybrid organic-inorganic solar cell technology significantly enhances light absorption beyond the visible spectrum, thanks to the integration of organic photo-semiconductors. This advancement broadens the light absorption range and addresses the limitations of conventional perovskites, which are restricted to wavelengths under 850 nanometers [2]. Figure 1 shows introduction of dipole interfacial layer (DIL).

The research team’s unique approach involved designing a hybrid device structure that combines an organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) with perovskite. By introducing a sub-nanometer dipole interfacial layer, the team successfully alleviated the energy barrier at the perovskite-BHJ junction. This layer also minimizes charge buildup, thereby enhancing current density (JSC) to 4.9 mA/cm². As a result, the hybrid device's power conversion efficiency (PCE) jumped from 20.4% to an impressive 24.0%, and achieved a high internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 78% [1] in the near-infrared region.

“This study has effectively solved the charge accumulation and energy band mismatch problems faced by existing perovskite/organic hybrid solar cells,” said Professor Jung-Yong Lee. “We will be able to significantly improve the power conversion efficiency while maximizing near-infrared light capture performance, which will be a new breakthrough that can solve the mechanical-chemical stability problems of existing perovskites and overcome the optical limitations.”

In addition to achieving high efficiency, the device demonstrated impressive durability, maintaining over 80% of its initial performance after more than 800 hours in high-humidity conditions. This stability, coupled with improved efficiency, marks a significant step forward for perovskite solar cell technology.

Ph.D. candidate Min-Ho Lee and Master’s candidate Min Seok Kim [3], who participated as co-first authors, published the study in Advanced Materials on September 30. Supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea, this research could help drive essential progress in the global solar market, moving perovskite solar cells closer to widespread commercial use.

Source: KAIST

References:

1. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1064181
2. https://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=228240
3. https://www.perovskite-info.com/researchers-develop-improved-perovskite-solar-cell-using-uniform-sub-nanometer

Cite this article:

Hana M (2024), Korean Researchers Push Perovskite Solar Cells to Capture More Solar Energy, AnaTechmaz, pp. 1041