Perovskite and quantum dot tandem solar cells with interlayer modification for improved optical semitransparency and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Tandem solar cells combine different materials to capture a broader solar spectrum.
• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) excel in visible light absorption, while colloidal quantum dot solar cells (CQDSCs) are effective in the infrared (IR) spectrum.
• Efficient light management between sub-cells is crucial for tandem device performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the performance of four-terminal (4T) tandem solar cells.
• To improve the infrared (IR) light utilization by optimizing the interlayer between perovskite and CQDSC sub-cells.
• To investigate the impact of interlayer modifications on optical stability.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 4T tandem solar cells using methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) PSCs and lead sulfide (PbS) CQDSCs.
• Modification of the interlayer with semi-transparent thin gold electrodes (Au), molybdenum(vi) oxide (MoO3) layers, or surlyn layers.
• Evaluation of IR transmittance and optical stability of the modified tandem devices.

Main Results:

• Interlayer modifications significantly increased IR transmittance to the back cell (CQDSC).
• The optimized interlayers enhanced the overall utilization of the solar spectrum by the tandem system.
• Improved optical stability was observed in the modified devices compared to reference cells.

Conclusions:

• The interlayer plays a critical role in connecting visible-light absorbing PSCs and IR-absorbing CQDSCs.
• Optimized interlayers are essential for developing efficient next-generation tandem photovoltaics (PVs).
• This work demonstrates a viable strategy for boosting tandem solar cell efficiency through interface engineering.