Researchers from the University of Rome Tor Vergata, led by Dr. G. Ammirati and Prof. A. Di Carlo, have recently published a study in the journal Advanced Energy Materials that explores the effects of adjusting the chemical composition of a specific type of solar cell material, formamidinium lead bromide (FAPbBr3). Their findings offer insights into how small changes in the manufacturing process can improve the performance of these solar cells.
The study focuses on the impact of adding an excess of formamidinium bromide (FABr) to the precursor solution used to create FAPbBr3 films. The researchers found that increasing the amount of FABr in the solution leads to a shift in the light emitted by the films, a phenomenon known as a blueshift. This shift is attributed to the passivation of bromine vacancies and the reduction of defects that can interfere with the flow of electricity. In simpler terms, adding more FABr helps to create a more orderly and efficient structure within the solar cell material.
The researchers also observed that while adding FABr improves the electronic quality of the films, it also leads to a reduction in grain size, which can introduce some structural disorder. They identified that a 5% excess of FABr provides the optimal balance, resulting in the highest power conversion efficiency (6.26%), average visible transmittance (61.6%), and light utilization efficiency (3.85%). This means that the solar cells made with this specific composition can convert sunlight into electricity more effectively and allow more light to pass through them, making them suitable for applications where both electricity generation and light transmission are desired, such as in building-integrated photovoltaics.
The practical applications of this research for the energy sector are significant. By fine-tuning the precursor stoichiometry through controlled FABr addition, manufacturers can enhance the optoelectronic quality and performance of semitransparent perovskite solar cells. This simple yet effective strategy could contribute to the development of more efficient and versatile solar energy technologies, ultimately helping to increase the adoption of renewable energy sources.
The research was published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials, a peer-reviewed publication that focuses on cutting-edge research in the field of energy materials and technologies. The study represents a step forward in the ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and applicability of perovskite solar cells, a promising technology in the renewable energy landscape.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.