City University of Hong Kong has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in perovskite solar cell technology, achieved through the ingenious engineering of a self-assembled monolayer anchored onto a nickel oxide surface to serve as a charge extraction layer.
This cutting-edge research development is set to revolutionize the field of perovskite solar cells by significantly improving both their efficiency and resilience. The research team behind this innovation has coined the term “thermally robust charge extraction layer” to describe the enhanced technology, which enables these cells to maintain an efficiency rate of 25.6% while withstanding the rigorous test of operating temperatures of approximately 65℃ for over 1,000 hours, retaining over 90% efficiency throughout.
Zhu Zonglong, a professor in the Department of Chemistry at City University of Hong Kong, elaborated on the breakthrough, stating, “We discovered that high-temperature exposure can cause the chemical bonds within self-assembled monolayer molecules to fracture, negatively impacting device performance. So our solution was akin to adding a layer of nickel oxide nanoparticles, topped by a self-assembled monolayer, achieved through an integration of various experimental approaches and theoretical calculations.”
This significant development not only demonstrates the remarkable progress achieved by the research team but also underscores the global interest and investment in perovskite solar cell technology. Researchers at universities worldwide, in collaboration with the solar industry, are dedicated to advancing the capabilities of perovskite solar cells.
For instance, Germany's Fraunhofer ISE has pioneered a perovskite-silicon triple-junction solar cell boasting a remarkable conversion efficiency of “over 30%” and a voltage exceeding 2.8 volts. This breakthrough holds promise for achieving even higher levels of energy generation through solar panels.
In a similar vein, the United States' National Renewable Energy Laboratory has highlighted the potential of bifacial perovskite cells to yield up to 20% more energy compared to their monofacial counterparts, opening up new avenues for maximizing solar energy production.
The City University of Hong Kong's groundbreaking research marks a significant stride forward in harnessing the potential of perovskite solar cells, offering a brighter and more sustainable future for renewable energy solutions. As these innovations continue to evolve, they hold the promise of transforming the energy landscape and accelerating the global transition towards clean and efficient solar power.
