Strategy developed for 'self-healing' solar cells

Researchers from Monash University, the University of Oxford and the City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel strategy to enhance the stability and performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The next-generation solar cells could be able to withstand corrosive susceptibility by ‘self-healing’, in a breakthrough that could pave the way for more reliable perovskite solar cells that contribute to the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.

Highly efficient, lightweight and cheap, PSCs are expected to play a leading role in the future of solar energy production, but scientists still need to make them more durable and figure out how to produce them on a larger scale. A study published in Nature has detailed the strategy that enhances the stability and performance of perovskite solar cells.

The innovative agent developed by Monash researchers heals the perovskite layer when exposed to environmental stressors such as moisture and heat. The researchers’ approach resulted in solar cells with 25.1% power conversion efficiency and remarkable stability under 1000 hours of accelerated ageing tests at 85°C and simulated solar illumination.

Professor Udo Bach, study co-author, said the research addresses the issues related to defect passivation in perovskites that have hindered the widespread adoption of this technology.

“Our slow-release strategy represents a significant advancement in the field of perovskite photovoltaics. By slowly releasing the passivating agents into our perovskite material, we have been able to produce solar cells not only with enhanced performance but also extended long-term stability under real-world conditions,” Bach said.

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