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Scientists develop strategy to improve flexible tandem solar cell performance

Chinese scientists have found a way to make flexible tandem solar cells more efficient and durable by enhancing the adhesion of top layers to the bottom layers of the cell.

Image by NIMTE

Flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells developed using the antisolvent-seeding approach.

Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) is a commercial semiconductor known for its outstanding adjustable bandgap, strong light absorption, low-temperature sensitivity, and superior operational stability, making it a promising candidate for bottom-cell use in next-generation tandem solar cells.

Flexible perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cell combines a top layer of perovskite—a material that efficiently converts sunlight into electricity—with a bottom layer of CIGS. Thus this tandem cell holds great potential for lightweight, high-efficiency applications in the photovoltaic field. However, the rough surface of CIGS makes it difficult to produce high-quality perovskite top cells on top, which limits the commercial prospects of these tandem cells.

In a study published in Nature Energy, a research group led by Prof. YE Jichun from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering (NIMTE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed an innovative antisolvent-seeding strategy to enhance the performance of perovskite top cells on rough surfaces.

Scientists separated the processes of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) adsorption and dissolution while simultaneously integrating perovskite seeding. They utilized a high-polarity solvent to prevent SAM clustering during dissolution, while a low-polarity solvent acted as an antisolvent to promote the formation of a dense SAM during adsorption. Additionally, a pre-mixed seed layer improved the wettability and crystallinity of the perovskite, ensuring strong adhesion to the substrate.

With these innovations, the team fabricated a 1.09 cm² flexible monolithic perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cell. Competing with top rigid counterparts, the device achieved an impressive stabilized efficiency of 24.6% (certified at 23.8%), one of the highest reported values for flexible thin-film solar cells to date.

After 320 hours of operation and 3,000 bending cycles at a radius of 1 cm, the device retained over 90% of its initial efficiency, demonstrating exceptional mechanical durability and long-term stability.

This achievement paves the way for developing cost-effective, high-performance flexible tandem solar cells, advancing the commercial application of tandem solar cell technology.

Original publication

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