World record for tandem perovskite-CIGS solar cell
The Pero-CIGS tandem cell achieves a record efficiency of 23.26 percent. © HZB
The electron microscopy image shows an AZO layer (reddish colored) between the perovskite and the CIGS semiconductor. On top of AZO is the self assembled monomolecular layer (SAM). © HZB
Most of the work was done in the Helmholtz Innovation Lab HySPRINT at HZB. © Swantje Furtak
A team headed by Prof. Steve Albrecht from the HZB will present a new world-record tandem solar cell at EU PVSEC, the world's largest international photovoltaic and solar energy conference and exhibition, in Marseille, France on September 11, 2019. This tandem solar cell combines the semiconducting materials perovskite and CIGS and achieves a certified efficiency of 23.26 per cent. One reason for this success lies in the cell’s intermediate layer of organic molecules: they self-organise to cover even rough semiconductor surfaces. Two patents have been filed for these layers.
Perovskite-based solar cells have experienced an incredibly rapid increase in efficiency over the last ten years. The combination of perovskites with classical semiconductor materials such as silicon and copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) compounds in tandem solar cells promises low-cost, high-performance solar modules for the future. However, losses at the electrodes between the two semiconductors considerably reduce the efficiency.
Record efficiency: 23,26 per cent
HZB physicist Prof. Steve Albrecht and his team now successfully established novel electrode coatings that greatly reduce these losses. They could produce a monolithic tandem solar cell from perovskite and CIGS that achieved an officially certified efficiency of 23.26 per cent, which currently is a world record value. The tandem cell has an active area of one square centimetre and thus reaches another milestone, as perovskite CIGS tandem cells have so far been significantly smaller.
Self assembled monolayer
The contact layers consist of carbazole-based organic molecules coupled to phosphonic acid groups. These molecules arrange themselves into what are known as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). These SAMs have highly favourable electro-optical properties and the self-assembly even leads to complete coverage of rough semiconductor surfaces.
Two patents filed
“The SAMs are strikingly simple and robust. This also allows them to be scaled up to industrial levels. In addition, they are compatible to a wide variety of substrates and their material consumption is extremely low”, explains Amran Al-Ashouri, PhD student in the Albrecht group and first author of the study. This work might further accelerate progress towards extremely inexpensive perovskite-based PV technologies. The group has now filed two patents and is currently in licensing negotiations.
Prof. Steve Albrecht heads the Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells Junior Research Group funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Work on the perovskite solar cells took place primarily in the Helmholtz HySPRINT Innovation Lab, while the SAMs were developed in close collaboration with Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), where the group of Prof. Vytautas Getautis synthesized the molecules. The CIGS layers are provided by the group of Dr. Christian Kaufmann, who heads the high efficiency CIGS activities at HZB and is supported by the SpeedCIGS project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi).
Presentation on Wednesday, at EU PVSEC
Albrecht will present this work next Wednesday, September 11th, in Marseille at a plenary lecture of EU PVSEC, the world’s largest international photovoltaic and solar energy conference and exhibition.
Title of the talk: “Towards Highly Efficient Monolithic Tandem Devices with Perovskite Top Cells” S. Albrecht, A. Al-Ashouri, E. Köhnen, M. Jost, A. Morales, T. Bertram, L. Korte, B. Stannowski, C. Kaufmann, R. Schlatmann
Location: EU PVSEC, Marseille, France 9-13 September 2019
Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2019 PLENARY SESSION 3CP.1 from 10:30 - 12:00 Perovskite, Organic, CIGS and III-V Multi-Junction Devices
- Bright prospects for tin perovskite solar cellsPerovskite solar cells are widely regarded as the next generation photovoltaic technology. However, they are not yet stable enough in the long term for widespread commercial use. One reason for this is migrating ions, which cause degradation of the semiconducting material over time. A team from HZB and the University of Potsdam has now investigated the ion density in four different, widely used perovskite compounds and discovered significant differences. Tin perovskite semiconductors produced with an alternative solvent had a particular low ion density — only one tenth that of lead perovskite semiconductors. This suggests that tin-based perovskites could be used to make solar cells that are not only really environmentally friendly but also very stable.
- Synchrotron radiation sources: toolboxes for quantum technologiesSynchrotron radiation sources generate highly brilliant light pulses, ranging from infrared to hard X-rays, which can be used to gain deep insights into complex materials. An international team has now published an overview on synchrotron methods for the further development of quantum materials and technologies in the journal Advanced Functional Materials: Using concrete examples, they show how these unique tools can help to unlock the potential of quantum technologies such as quantum computing, overcome production barriers and pave the way for future breakthroughs.
- Joint Kyiv Energy and Climate Lab goes liveHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy established on 27 November a Joint Energy and Climate Lab.