March 2025

The continuous dimensional scaling of semiconductor and logic photoelectric device requires ferroelectrics to possess robust photoelectric activity and switchable polarization at the nanoscale. However, traditional ferroelectrics such as oxide perovskites generally suffer from relatively large bandgap and deteriorated ferroelectricity in ultrathin forms, while the polarization in many transition metal dichalcogenides is related to inter-layer effects, leading to ferroelectricity that only exists in flakes with a certain layer number and particular stacking forms. The associated challenging fabrication and high-cost synthesis of inorganic ferroelectrics currently render mass industrial production of ultrathin ferroelectric semiconductors impossible. 

Now, researchers from the University of Nebraska Lincoln, University of Warwick and Heidelberg University have used (isopentylammonium)₂(ethylammonium)₂Pb₃I₁₀ (PEPI) to develop an organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite nanoflake with low-cost solution synthesis, switchable polarization, a narrow bandgap (1.86 eV to 2.21 eV form bulk to monolayer), and robust photoelectric properties down to the monolayer. The recent work reveals the great potential of 2D hybrid perovskite ferroelectrics as low-cost ferroelectric semiconductors at the nanoscale.

Researchers from the Adolphe Merkle Institute/ University of Fribourg, Université Grenoble Alpes, Forschungsschwerpunkt Organic Electronics & Photovoltaics, Pusan National University, University of Pavia, University of Tübingen, EPFL and Universidad de Antioquia UdeA have developed a novel light-responsive material that enhances the performance and longevity of perovskite solar cells. This innovation could improve the stability of perovskite solar technology and prevent rapid degradation under real-world conditions.

The key innovation is a photochromic compound called SINO, which changes its properties when exposed to light. When integrated into perovskite solar cells, SINO acts as a dynamic protective layer that adapts to changing conditions during operation. This material transforms between two states in response to sunlight, helping to suppress ion migration within the perovskite and facilitate charge extraction.

Researchers from Chung-Ang University (CAU), Kyoto University, Chungnam National University, Chungbuk National University and Gyeongsang National University have developed a halogen composition–independent strategy for realizing wide-bandgap (WBG) tin-based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs), by partially substituting formamidinium with dimethylammonium (DMA) in the A-site of the perovskite lattice. This substitution is said to expand the lattice, widening the bandgap from 1.63 to 1.72 eV without requiring additional bromine. 

Schematic of the ST-TPSC device structure. Image credit: Small

Comprehensive structural and optical analyses revealed enhanced crystallinity, reduced strain, and improved film morphology. Furthermore, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed enhanced band alignment with the hole transport layer, enabling more efficient charge extraction. 

Don't miss out on our exclusive early bird pricing for Perovskite Connect 2025, ending April 4th! Only a few days left to secure your spot at reduced rates for the premier industry-focused perovskite event of the year. This event is set to be a powerhouse of innovation in Berlin, Germany, on October 22-23, 2025.

Perovskite Connect 2025 will be the perfect opportunity to explore cutting-edge advancements in perovskite technology, meet with leading experts from academia and industry, and engage in tours, masterclasses, and other networking activities! Perovskite Connect also offers a chance to gain access to a year-long program of online events and will be co-located with Future of Electronics RESHAPED, Europe's leading event for printed electronics.

Confirmed speakers and exhibitors include Microquanta, Swift Solar, Power Roll, Oxford PV, Halocell Energy, HZB, Fraunhofer ISE, KIT, P3C, CHOSE, Saule Technologies, CEA Leti, Perovskia, Sofab Inks, PV-ART India, Heliatek, Aerosolar, SALD, Solaires, FOM Technologies, Solaveni, Noctiluca, and more...

Researchers from China's Bohai University, Harbin Institute of Technology, Yanshan University and Xi’an Jiaotong University have developed a composite catalytic material based on CsPbBr₃ halide perovskite quantum dots for use as the sulfur host for lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs), which are seen as promising energy storage devices that face some challenges like low conductivity of the sulfur cathode and shuttle effect of polysulfides.

The team explained that CsPbBr₃ perovskite quantum dots, as nanoscale perovskite materials, combine the inherent excellent charge transport properties and structural stability of perovskite with the unique size and surface effects of quantum dots.

In December 2024, it was announced that Homerun Resources acquired Halocell Europe, a perovskite solar technology company. Now, Homerun Resources has decided that Halocell Europe will undergo a name change to Homerun Energy. 

Homerun Resources stated that the acquisition and consequent rebranding bring significant assets including:

- 15 years of experience in photovoltaic technologies with specialization in perovskite photovoltaics
- A perpetual license for Perovskite PV and other Patent Rights from Halocell Energy (Australia)
- A stake in Halocell Energy (Australia), pioneers in perovskite-on-device technology
- A binding agreement to acquire 60% of SeisSolar Fotovoltaica with rights for the remaining 40%

Researchers from Finland's Tampere University, Sweden's Uppsala University, University of Oxford in the UK, Italy's University of Naples Federico II and Tallinn University of Technology in Estonia have examined the operational stability of a promising new perovskite-inspired material (PIM) composition, CsMAFA-Sb:Bi, generated through the antimony : bismuth co-alloying of a triple cation vacancy-ordered antimony-based PIM. 

Through an in-depth theoretical and experimental investigation, the team demonstrated that the co-alloying induces local structural changes that lead to enhanced microstructure, reduced trap-assisted recombination, and increased solar cell power conversion efficiency (PCE), with the highest value being 3.05%.

China-based Leascend PV has announced a remarkable milestone when its perovskite-silicon heterojunction tandem cell efficiency was certified at 32.99% by the National Photovoltaic Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Centre.

To overcome the issue of non-radiative carrier recombination at the perovskite-HJT interface, the Company chose to carefully adjust the size of the pyramid-like texture on the surface, enabling them to solve the problem of leakage paths due to incomplete perovskite layer coverage on large textured areas. This adjustment was critical to the proper growth of the perovskite layer and subsequent increase in efficiency.

Trina Solar’s National Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Science and Technology has developed a 3.1 square meter, 210-unit perovskite-silicon dual-junction tandem module, validated by the internationally renowned TÜV SÜD. 

With a peak power output of 808W, this module has been referred to as 'the world’s first industry-standard photovoltaic module to surpass the 800W power milestone'. Since 2014, Trina Solar has been involved in researching perovskite tandem technology. It has formed strategic partnerships with universities and research institutes, such as Nanjing University and Nankai University. Together, they undertook scientific endeavors, including Jiangsu Province’s science and technology support projects and national key research and development programs. 

Researchers from the CitySolar project have announced an efficiency record for transparent solar cells. By combining organic solar cells with perovskite-based ones, the scientists were able to achieve an efficiency of 12.3%.

These cells could be used for building-integrated photovoltaics, transforming windows into solar panels. “Transparent solar cells could be the next big step in building-integrated energy solutions,” said Professor Morten Madsen from the University of Southern Denmark, who was one of the key researchers behind the breakthrough. “The large glass facades found in modern office buildings can now be used for energy production without requiring additional space or special structural changes... This represents a massive market opportunity.”