Summary
This project aims to improve the durability of perovskites for silicon (Si)-perovskite tandem photovoltaics for the technology to be cost effective.
Need
Silicon (Si)-perovskite tandem photovoltaics have shown huge potential in efficiency gains given the rapid increase in performance from 14% (uncertified) in 2015 to 29% (certified) in 2020, surpassing the efficiency record of single junction Si solar cells. While the market is willing to pay a premium for power generated by Si-perovskite tandem with higher efficiency, long lifetime is critical to guarantee the same or lower levelised-cost-of-energy for manufacturers to invest in tandem-cell technology.
Action
This project consists of four work packages:
- chemical analyses of perovskite and Si-perovskite test structures and cells by gas chromatography in conjunction with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify degradation products and thereby underlying degradation mechanisms
- spatial luminescence imaging and high-throughput in-situ temporal characterisation of both un-encapsulated and encapsulated perovskite and Si-perovskite test structures and cells to elucidate degradation pathways
- development of low cost glass-glass bonding encapsulations and electrical feedthroughs compatible with Si-perovskite tandem to eliminate degradation
- exploration of chemically- or phase-stable perovskite alternatives such as perovskite quantum dots (QD) for Si-perovskite tandem.
Outcome
This project aims to establish measurement protocols for:
- gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
- high-throughput current-voltage measurement and statistical analyses
- optical-bandgap, luminescent-intensity and absorptivity imaging of perovskites and Si-perovskite tandem cells at different stages of environmental stress.
The project will also increase knowledge of cell degradation mechanisms by identifying:
- decomposition products and reactions
- key drivers for electrical performance drop
- weak spots in cell design and encapsulation.
Finally, the project will establish research capability and capacity to maximise Si-perovskite-tandem durability by developing cell design and encapsulation strategies, such as development of polymer-free glass-glass bonding with hermetic electric feedthrough and the verification phase and optical stabilities of perovskite QD for Si-perovskite-tandem.
Additional impact
This project is expected to create 3.25 full-time equivalent jobs over two years. At least one PhD student will be research trained.