Scientific Breakthrough in Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells

In a recent study, researchers have achieved a significant milestone in the development of flexible Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) utilizing the Research Laboratory Coater. These cells, known for their high-power conversion efficiency and cost-effective fabrication, have faced challenges in large-area production on rough substrates.

The study focuses on addressing issues within the electron-transport layer (ETL) and introduces a novel approach using tin (IV) oxide (SnO2) as the ETL. Efforts to develop scalable techniques for PSC fabrication are underway, with slot-die and roll-to-roll (R2R) coating methods showing promise.

A pivotal advancement is the modification of the SnO2 colloidal solution with a phase-transfer catalyst, phenyltrimethylammonium chloride (PTACl). This strategic addition enhances particle-to-particle interaction, resulting in improved coverage on flexible substrates.

The impact of PTACl is profound, leading to smoother surfaces, larger grains, and enhanced orientation in the perovskite layer. The scalability of this approach is demonstrated by fabricating flexible PSCs on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates, achieving an impressive power conversion efficiency of 17.6%.

This achievement marks a significant stride toward the commercialization of flexible PSCs, offering improved performance, mechanical resilience, and scalability for mass production. The study paves the way for further advancements in solar energy technology.

Read the entire study here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/solr.202301013

Authors:

• Mohammad Reza Kokaba

• Yameen Ahmed

• Vishal Yeddu

• Dongyang Zhang

• Parinaz Moazzezi

• Vahid Kamraninejad

• Sergey Dayneko

• Sean B. Reinecke

• Augusto Amaro

• Bohores Villarejo

• Dr. Anjusree Shyla, PhD PMP

• Sardar Malek

• Makhsud Saidaminov