Researchers at POSTECH recently developed an organic spacer molecular additive that can improve both the photoelectric efficiency and stability of perovskites.
The POSTECH team, led by Professor Kilwon Cho and Ph.D. candidate Sungwon Song of the Department of Chemical Engineering, succeeded in fabricating perovskite solar cells that are highly efficient and stable by drastically reducing the concentration of internal defects in the crystals as well as increasing the moisture resistance of perovskite by introducing a new organic spacer molecule additive in the perovskite crystal.
In addition, it was discovered for the first time that this newly introduced organic spacer minimizes mechanical stress of the two- and three-dimensional perovskite crystal interfaces, thus promoting the nuclear production and growth of the 3D perovskite crystal. As a result, the internal defects of the photoreactive layer - the 3D perovskite crystals - have been dramatically reduced.
The solar cells developed by the research team achieved 21.3 % efficiency and secured moisture stability to maintain more than 80% of their initial efficiency even after 500 hours under 60% of relative humidity conditions.
"This study has presented a new perspective on organic spacer molecular design for the realization of high performing and stable perovskite solar cells," remarked Professor Kilwon Cho who led the study. He added, "It is anticipated to be a source technology that can contribute to the commercialization of perovskite solar cell technology."