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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Influence of Hybrid Perovskite Fabrication Methods on Film Formation, Electronic Structure, and Solar Cell Performance
Published on: February 27, 2017
Beyond Flat: Undulated Perovskite Solar Cells on Microscale Si Pyramids by Solution Processing
Deniz Turkay1, Kerem Artuk1, Mostafa Othman1
1École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Institute of Electrical and Micro Engineering (IEM), Photovoltaics and Thin-Film Electronics Laboratory (PV-lab), Rue de la Maladière 71b, 2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Researchers developed a new method for creating high-performance perovskite solar cells on microscale silicon pyramids using solution processing. This breakthrough enhances optical properties and efficiency, paving the way for advanced tandem solar devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Photovoltaics
Background:
- Microscale pyramids on silicon solar cells typically hinder solution-processed perovskite film formation.
- Previous methods involved submicron pyramids and flattened surfaces, compromising optical performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enable conformal perovskite film formation on tall microscale silicon pyramids using solution processing.
- To improve the optical and electronic performance of perovskite-silicon solar cells.
Main Methods:
- Tailoring perovskite film thickness to match the height profile of over 2 μm-high random silicon pyramids.
- Spin-coating perovskite films without modifying pyramid facets.
- Fabricating perovskite solar cells and perovskite-silicon tandem devices.
Main Results:
- Achieved protrusion-free perovskite films on tall pyramids with electronic performance comparable to flat substrates.
- Demonstrated proof-of-concept perovskite-silicon tandem devices with 33% efficiency.
- Showcased enhanced conformality leading to superior optical performance, especially upon encapsulation.
Conclusions:
- Solution processing of perovskite films is compatible with tall microscale silicon pyramids.
- The developed method offers a pathway to high-efficiency, cost-effective perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells.
- Enhanced conformality improves optical performance for outdoor applications.
