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New energy Stabilizing next-generation perovskite solar cells

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New energy Stabilizing next-generation perovskite solar cells

October 12
22:20 2018

Researchers from the Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI) at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, have developed a new type of more stable, highly efficient next-generation perovskite solar cell, opening perspectives for future commercialization. The results of their work have been published the top-ranked journal Science.

Researchers are increasingly turning their efforts on perovskite solar cells, one of the most promising developments for photovoltaic energy. Despite their novelty, the efficiency of perovskite solar cells is already approaching that of ubiquitous silicon solar cells. The biggest roadblock to achieving this potential is the long-term stability of the perovskite materials.

The research was carried out by the group of Dr. Michael Saliba at AMI. This time, the problem of the highly volatile and heat-sensitive methylammonium (MA) molecule was addressed. The most efficient perovskite solar cells contain unstable MA, mainly because it provides high-performance values. By introducing inorganic elements, the researchers have shown it is possible to avoid unstable MA while maintaining similar high performances. This allows for more stable solar cells, which is a key step towards eventual commercial use.

“These new perovskites can also harvest more sunlight, meaning they are more efficient and therefore more profitable,” explains Saliba. “In addition, these new materials are compatible with flexible substrates, making them useful for a wide variety of applications.”

“Essentially, this sets perovskites on the path of becoming a profitable, long-term solution for a sustainable energy future. With small additional improvements, perovskite solar cells can become a commercial reality within a short time.”

The results are published in the October 11 issue of Science.

This study was carried out in collaboration with the Hagfeldt group at the Laboratory of Photomolecular Science (LSPM) at the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne.

Reference

Silver-Hamill Turren-Cruz, Anders Hagfeldt, Michael Saliba, Demonstrating methylammonium-free, high-performance and stable perovskite solar cells on a planar, low-temperature architecture. Science 11 October 2018. DOI: 10.1126/science.aat3583

Media Contact
Company Name: Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Contact Person: Michael Saliba
Email: Send Email
Phone: +41 26 300 9088
Address:Chemin des Verdiers 4
City: 1700 Fribourg
Country: Switzerland
Website: http://ami.swiss/physics/en/research/stories/project/?projectid=27

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