In a breakthrough that could reshape the solar energy landscape, researchers have developed a novel method to fabricate high-efficiency inorganic perovskite solar cells in ambient air, marking a significant step towards cost-effective and large-scale production. The study, led by Kun Wang from the School of Microelectronics at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, China, introduces a synergistic in situ hydrolysis polymerization strategy that enables the creation of efficient solar cells even in high humidity conditions.
The research, published in the journal Sustainable Materials (SusMat), focuses on inorganic lead halide perovskites, particularly CsPbI3, which have garnered attention for their exceptional optoelectronic properties and thermal stability. However, the fabrication of high-performance inorganic perovskite solar cells (IPSCs) has traditionally required stringent control of environmental humidity, typically below 40%. This requirement has posed challenges for reducing fabrication costs and scaling up industrial production.
Wang and his team addressed this issue by employing a dual-treatment approach using 3,3,3-(trifluoropropyl)trichlorosilane (TFCS) and (3-2-aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane (AEMS). “TFCS not only regulates the crystallization process via hydrolysis reaction but also stabilizes the phase structure by passivating the defects and producing a hydrophobic protection layer,” Wang explained. This innovative strategy prevents water invasion, allowing for the fabrication of efficient CsPbI3 IPSCs in highly humid air.
The results are impressive. The CsPbI3 IPSCs fabricated at 45% humidity exhibited a dramatically improved efficiency of 20.09%, setting a new record for inverted IPSCs fabricated in air with humidity over 40%. Moreover, the environmental humidity window for device fabrication was broadened to 60%, a significant advancement for the industry.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. By enabling the fabrication of high-efficiency solar cells in ambient air, this method could drastically reduce production costs and accelerate the deployment of perovskite solar technology. “This work provides an effective approach to stabilizing air-processed CsPbI3 and favoring the practical industrial manufacture to further boost their cost-effective applications,” Wang noted.
The ability to fabricate solar cells in high humidity conditions opens up new possibilities for large-scale production, making perovskite solar technology more accessible and affordable. This breakthrough could potentially revolutionize the energy sector, contributing to the global shift towards renewable energy sources.
As the world continues to seek sustainable and efficient energy solutions, this research offers a promising path forward. By overcoming the challenges associated with humidity control, Wang and his team have paved the way for the widespread adoption of perovskite solar cells, bringing us one step closer to a cleaner and more sustainable future.