Researchers have made significant strides in enhancing the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by integrating a novel approach involving two materials: Poly (3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) or P3HT and Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). This breakthrough, led by Xiude Yang from the School of Physics and Electronic Science at Zunyi Normal College in China, addresses long-standing concerns regarding the stability of PSCs, which are known for their high power conversion efficiency but often struggle with durability under environmental stressors.
Perovskite solar cells have attracted attention for their remarkable ability to convert sunlight into electricity, with efficiencies soaring from just 3.8% to over 25.8% in recent years. However, their stability is compromised by factors such as light, temperature, and moisture, which can lead to material decomposition. Traditional use of PEDOT:PSS as a hole transport layer, while beneficial for efficiency, has its drawbacks, including corrosion of indium tin oxide (ITO) and high water absorption that diminishes the longevity of the solar cells.
In this research, Yang and his team introduced P3HT to create a bilayer structure with PEDOT:PSS. This innovative combination significantly enhances the hydrophobic properties of the hole transport layer, reducing moisture absorption and thereby improving the overall stability of the solar cells. The results are promising: the PSCs utilizing this new bilayer achieved a power conversion efficiency of 19.78%, a 16% increase compared to traditional setups. More impressively, after 1000 hours of testing, the devices with P3HT maintained over 90% of their initial efficiency, while those without dropped below 70%.
“The introduction of P3HT not only improves the efficiency but also significantly enhances the stability of perovskite solar cells,” Yang stated. This advancement could have substantial commercial implications. As the energy sector increasingly seeks sustainable and efficient technologies, these findings may pave the way for more durable solar products that can withstand environmental challenges, potentially leading to broader adoption and integration of PSCs in various applications.
The research, published in the journal ‘Nanomaterials’, opens up new avenues for the development of perovskite solar cells that are not only efficient but also reliable over time. This could attract investment and interest from manufacturers looking to capitalize on the growing demand for renewable energy solutions. With further development and commercial scaling, the use of P3HT in PSCs could enhance the viability of solar energy as a mainstream power source, driving down costs and improving access to clean energy worldwide.
