Enhancing the Stability and Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells through Supramolecular Engineering

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) represent a revolutionary technology in renewable energy, offering the potential to significantly lower the costs of solar electricity and facilitate a global energy transition. However, one of the significant barriers to their widespread adoption has been their limited operational stability. This article delves into ground-breaking research on enhancing PSC stability through supramolecular engineering, specifically utilizing a dual host-guest (DHG) treatment strategy. This method not only stabilizes the perovskite material but also enhances its efficiency, marking a significant advancement in the field of photovoltaics.

Perovskite solar cells have rapidly ascended as a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells, primarily due to their high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and low manufacturing costs. However, the commercialization of PSCs is hindered by issues such as moisture sensitivity and degradation of the perovskite material under operational conditions, which can drastically reduce their efficiency over time.

Research led by Chenxu Zhao et al. and detailed in Nature Communications explores a novel approach to address these challenges. The team introduced a dual host-guest (DHG) treatment strategy that involves using a Cs-crown ether complex and an organic ammonium salt (PEAI). This strategy is designed to modulate both the bulk and interfacial properties of the perovskite material, thereby enhancing the stability and efficiency of the solar cells.

The study's findings were impressive. The DHG-treated PSCs achieved a PCE of 25.89% (certified at 25.53%) and retained over 96.6% of their initial efficiency after 1050 hours of continuous operation under one-sun illumination. These results demonstrate a significant improvement in operational stability and efficiency, making them more viable for commercial applications.

The research findings indicate that the DHG treatment not only passivates surface and bulk defects but also improves carrier extraction and transport. By employing this strategy, the researchers achieved an impressive open-circuit voltage (V_OC) improvement of -60 mV for the DHG-treated devices compared to controls. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the surface morphology of the DHG-treated perovskite films exhibited a more uniform texture with larger grain domain sizes, reducing the number of grain boundaries and defects.

This reduction in grain boundaries is crucial, as it leads to fewer recombination sites for charge carriers, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and stability. The study also employed advanced characterization techniques, such as NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, to analyse the structural changes resulting from the DHG treatment. The researchers observed, "The larger grain domains and reduced defect densities in DHG-treated films contribute significantly to the improved stability under continuous illumination" (Zhao et al., 2024).

The successful application of supramolecular engineering in stabilizing PSCs represents a major step forward in the development of next-generation photovoltaics. As the world moves toward renewable energy solutions, such advancements are essential for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of solar technologies.

 FAQs         

1. What are perovskite solar cells (PSCs)?

Perovskite solar cells are a type of photovoltaic technology that utilizes a perovskite-structured compound, typically a hybrid organic-inorganic lead or tin halide-based material, as the light-harvesting active layer. They have gained attention due to their high efficiency and low production costs.

2. What are the main challenges associated with PSCs?

The primary challenges with PSCs include their long-term operational stability, sensitivity to moisture, and degradation of the perovskite material when exposed to light, heat, or environmental factors. These issues limit the commercial viability of PSCs.

3. How does supramolecular engineering improve PSC stability?

Supramolecular engineering involves designing complex molecular structures that can interact with the perovskite material at the nanoscale. In this study, a dual host-guest (DHG) strategy was used to treat the perovskite surface, which passivates defects and improves carrier transport, enhancing stability and efficiency.

4. What is the dual host-guest (DHG) treatment strategy?

The DHG treatment strategy combines two different molecular treatments: a Cs-crown ether complex and an organic ammonium salt (PEAI). This dual approach helps to modulate both the bulk and interfacial properties of the perovskite film, leading to improved performance and stability.

5. What were the results of applying the DHG strategy to PSCs?

The study showed that PSCs treated with the DHG strategy achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.89% and maintained over 96.6% of their initial efficiency after 1050 hours of continuous operation under one-sun illumination. This demonstrates a significant improvement in both efficiency and operational stability.

6. How does the DHG treatment affect the surface morphology of the PSCs?

The DHG-treated perovskite films exhibited a more uniform surface morphology with larger grain domain sizes compared to untreated films. This reduction in grain boundaries and defects contributes to the overall stability and efficiency of the PSCs.

7. Why is the operational stability of PSCs important?

Operational stability is crucial for the practical deployment of PSCs in real-world applications. High stability ensures that the solar cells can maintain their performance over long periods, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering the overall cost of solar energy systems.

8. What are the implications of this research for the future of solar energy?

This research provides a promising pathway for overcoming one of the major obstacles to the commercialization of PSCs: their operational stability. By demonstrating the effectiveness of supramolecular engineering, this study paves the way for more reliable and efficient solar technologies, contributing to the global transition to renewable energy.

To know more about Perovskite cells

The advancements in perovskite solar cell technology, particularly through the use of supramolecular engineering and the dual host-guest treatment strategy, offer a promising future for solar energy. These innovations not only address the critical issues of stability and efficiency but also bring us closer to realizing the full potential of renewable energy. As the research by Chenxu Zhao et al. has shown, with continued innovation, PSCs could soon become a cornerstone of the global energy transition, providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy to the world.

References

Zhao, C., Zhou, Z., Almalik, M., Hope, M. A., Zhao, J., Gallet, T., ... & Gr?tzel, M. (2024). Stabilization of highly efficient perovskite solar cells with a tailored supramolecular interface. Nature Communications, 15(7139).

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This article relies on work from many different people and organisations. When citing this article, please also cite the underlying data sources. This article can be cited as :

Donfack Fortune (2024): “Enhancing the Stability and Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells through Supramolecular Engineering. Work derived from Chenxu Zhao et al ” Published online at Linkedin.com.

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