by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Dec 30, 2025
Researchers on the Hefei Institutes of Bodily Science of the Chinese language Academy of Sciences have engineered an optimized electron transport layer for inverted perovskite photo voltaic cells that raises each energy conversion effectivity and operational stability. The work, led by Prof. Pan Xu on the Institute of Stable State Physics, focuses on controlling the conduct of the fullerene spinoff PCBM on the perovskite interface.
Perovskite photo voltaic cells have now reached energy conversion efficiencies near 27 p.c, putting them among the many main candidates for subsequent era photovoltaic applied sciences. The Hefei staff had beforehand reported a technique to homogenize cation distribution throughout the perovskite absorber, bettering that layer’s efficiency. In parallel with absorber optimization, they be aware that semiconductive cost transport layers are important for environment friendly cost separation and extraction in full gadgets.
PCBM, or -phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester, is extensively used as an electron transport materials in inverted perovskite architectures however tends to type dimers when uncovered to warmth and lightweight. This dimerization reduces cost service mobility, lowers system effectivity, and accelerates efficiency degradation, which poses a barrier to sensible deployment. To grasp and mitigate this impact, the researchers examined how PCBM molecules stack on completely different perovskite floor terminations and recognized molecular orientation heterogeneity as a significant factor that promotes dimer formation.
Constructing on this evaluation, the staff designed a PCBM precursor additive, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-iodobenzoic acid (FIBA), to tune the molecular packing on the interface. FIBA interacts with PCBM on the perovskite floor and guides the molecules right into a extra ordered stacking association, which homogenizes their orientation. This alignment adjustments the native topology in order that the configuration wanted for the cycloaddition response that produces PCBM dimers is suppressed, thereby inhibiting dimer formation on the transport layer.
Molecular dynamics simulations helped make clear how the additive modifies PCBM stacking and orientation on the microscopic stage, linking molecular-scale group with adjustments in macroscopic system conduct. The researchers then included the optimized PCBM layer into inverted perovskite photo voltaic cells and systematically evaluated photovoltaic efficiency throughout completely different system sizes.
Utilizing this method, the group reported an influence conversion effectivity of 26.6 p.c for small-area gadgets with an lively space of about 0.1 sq. centimeters. Single-cell gadgets with an space of 1 sq. centimeter reached 25.3 p.c effectivity, whereas large-area modules overlaying 762 sq. centimeters achieved 21.3 p.c effectivity. These outcomes point out that the interfacial technique could be utilized from laboratory-scale cells to bigger modules.
The modified transport layer additionally improved system stability beneath mixed environmental stresses. Optimized cells retained greater than 85 p.c of their preliminary effectivity after 2,000 hours of steady operation beneath concurrent warmth, humidity, and lightweight publicity. The authors conclude that guiding PCBM stacking and suppressing dimerization gives a sensible path to concurrently improve effectivity and stability in inverted perovskite photo voltaic cells and could also be relevant to different perovskite-based system buildings.
Analysis Report:Suppression of PCBM dimer formation in inverted perovskite solar cells
Associated Hyperlinks
Hefei Institutes of Physical Science Chinese Academy of Sciences
All About Solar Energy at SolarDaily.com
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