HyPerGreen · Revealing pathways towards efficient and stable eco-friendly tin perovskite solar cells by photo-Hall and surface photo-voltage measurements

Revealing pathways towards efficient and stable eco-friendly tin perovskite solar cells by photo-Hall and surface photo-voltage measurements

The growing demand for clean, renewable energy sources has driven significant advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technologies, particularly in the development of perovskite solar cells. These materials offer a promising solution to the limitations of traditional silicon-based solar cells, with the potential for higher efficiency at lower production costs. However, despite their progress, perovskite solar cells have yet to fully overcome several key challenges, particularly in relation to their efficiency, stability, and scalability. This project focused on advancing tin-based perovskite solar cells, which represent a particularly promising alternative to lead-based perovskites due to their lower toxicity and more sustainable nature. However, tin perovskites have historically struggled with lower efficiency and stability compared to lead-based counterparts. The main objective of the project was to significantly improve the performance of tin perovskite solar cells by overcoming these challenges through innovative material and device engineering strategies. The project specifically aimed to achieve the following key objectives: 1. Enhancement of Tin Perovskite Efficiency: The first goal was to develop new approaches to boost the efficiency of tin-based perovskite solar cells, making them competitive with the best-performing lead-based devices. This required a deep understanding of the fundamental processes that govern charge transport, recombination, and extraction in the perovskite materials. 2. Development of Advanced Characterization Techniques: To better understand and optimize the properties of tin perovskites, novel methods for characterizing the materials were developed. One of the significant breakthroughs in the project was the development of the Constant Light-Induced Magneto-Transport (CLIMAT) method, which allows for the simultaneous probing of multiple material parameters in real time, providing new insights into the fundamental behavior of perovskites under operating conditions. 3. Simulations for Charge Extraction: In parallel to experimental efforts, a simulation tool was developed to model the charge extraction process and to predict the behavior of perovskite solar cells more accurately. This simulation incorporates insights into charge transport and recombination, enabling the optimization of device architectures for better performance and stability. 4. Public Engagement and Knowledge Dissemination: As part of the project’s broader impact, efforts were made to communicate the scientific progress and implications to the public. The project team organized events such as a "Long Night of Science" at the host institution, aimed at engaging the local community and raising awareness about the importance of renewable energy and scientific research. Additionally, the project’s results were shared at several international conferences, ensuring that the findings reached a global audience of researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals. The expected impact of the project is significant, both from a scientific and societal perspective. By advancing the efficiency and stability of tin perovskite solar cells, the project aims to contribute to the development of more sustainable and cost-effective solar energy solutions. The success of this work has the potential to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, addressing the global energy crisis and contributing to the EU’s ambitious climate goals. Furthermore, the integration of advanced characterization methods and simulations will lay the groundwork for the next generation of perovskite materials, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in solar cell technology. These breakthroughs also open doors for broader applications in fields such as sensors, transistors, and photocatalysis, which rely on efficient charge transport and manipulation. The project aligns with several strategic political goals within the EU, including the Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, and the digital and industrial transformation objectives outlined in Horizon Europe. By tackling the challenges facing perovskite solar cells, the project supports the development of cutting-edge renewable energy technologies, contributing to Europe’s leadership in the global energy transition. In summary, this project represents a critical step forward in solar cell technology, with the potential to drive significant economic, environmental, and societal benefits by making renewable energy more accessible, efficient, and sustainable. The innovations developed through this project will not only enhance the performance of perovskite solar cells but also provide valuable insights that can be applied to other energy-related technologies, thereby contributing to the overall advancement of clean energy solutions.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union