The new method uses a simple sheet of paper to deposit the perovskite films for increased efficiencies when dissolved in anti-solvent.

Perovskite semiconductor solar cells are a fascinating photovoltaic technology as it possesses similar efficiencies to a silicon-based one but is developed or printed in thin films via liquid inks. Most perovskite films undergo deposition through spin coating that guarantees high control on film thickness as well as morphology. [1]

Figure 1. Perovskite Solar Cell Made with Just Thin Piece of Paper

Figure 1 shows Perovskite semiconductor solar cells are a very exciting photovoltaic technology because they possess similar power conversion efficiencies to those based on conventional silicon but can be cast in thin films via precursor inks providing benefits in manufacturing. Most perovskite films in laboratories around the world are deposited through spin coating which guarantees high control on film thickness as well as morphology. However, most of the ink is expelled during deposition and wasted. There has been an effort in developing coating techniques for deposition over large areas.

The most efficient solar cells fabricated via spin coating involve adding drops of anti-solvent (i.e. a liquid with differing properties to those used in the perovskite precursor inks) during spinning which enables to improve the morphological quality of the perovskite semiconductor films. This method is very difficult to implement when employing large area coating techniques, where the careful engineering of drying processes which involve heaters or gas flows have been preferred up to now to control morphology of the perovskite film. For further information see the IDTechEx report on Perovskite Photovoltaics 2018-2028. [2]

For example, conventional solar cells are, in general, fabricated using a deposition technique called spin coating, in which drops of anti-solvent — a solvent in which a desired compound (in this case the perovskite) is less soluble to help in the formation of uniform crystals — is added during spinning to improve the quality of the perovskite films. This method is very difficult to implement on large surface areas and requires specialized equipment, such as heaters or gas flows, to help ensure quality. [3]

References:

1. https://www.electronicsforu.com/news/whats-new/perovskite-solar-cell-thin-piece-of-paper
2. https://www.printedelectronicsworld.com/articles/25816/fabrication-of-perovskite-solar-cells-with-just-a-piece-of-paper
3. https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/solar-cells-created-with-a-single-sheet-of-paper/

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Perovskite Solar Cell Made with Just Thin Piece of Paper, pp. 119