Research Paper: Overcoming optical losses in thin metal based recombination layers for efficient n-i-p perovskite-organic tandem solar cells
Scientific Summary & Why it Matters
This study successfully addresses critical parasitic optical losses in thin metal-based recombination layers (ICLs) for n-i-p perovskite-organic tandem solar cells (P-O-TSCs). The main goal was to tailor the shape and size distribution of Au nanoparticles within the ICLs to mitigate light absorption. By replacing traditional MoOx with a solution-processed PEDOT:F layer, the researchers achieved the formation of fewer, smaller, and more uniformly spherical Au nanoparticles due to distinct surface energy interactions. This morphological control significantly minimises localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption by blue-shifting and diminishing the plasmon peak, resulting in a substantial current gain of over 1.5 mA/cm² in the organic rear cell. Ultimately, these optimized P-O-TSCs achieved a record champion efficiency of 25.34% and a record open-circuit voltage of 2.32 V, alongside improved long-term stability. These findings are crucial for advancing sustainable photovoltaic technologies by providing an efficient and stable strategy to overcome a key performance bottleneck in n-i-p P-O-TSCs. Achieving record efficiencies and making n-i-p devices competitive with p-i-n ones, combined with their compatibility with full-solution processing, paves the way for the scalable manufacturing and commercial viability of next-generation hybrid tandem solar cells.
Publication Details
Tian, J., Liu, C., Forberich, K., Barabash, A., Xie, Z., Qiu, S., Byun, J., Peng, Z., Zhang, K., Du, T., Sathasivam, S., Macdonald, T.J., Dong, L., Li, C., Zhang, J., Halik, M., Le Corre, V.M., Osvet, A., Heumüller, T., Li, N., Zhou, Y., Lüer, L. & Brabec, C.J. (2024), Overcoming optical losses in thin metal-based recombination layers for efficient n-i-p perovskite-organic tandem solar cells. Nature Communications, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55376-7.
Fluxim Tools Used
SETFOS (Fluxim) was employed for drift-diffusion simulations. This program numerically solves coupled Poisson, continuity, and drift-diffusion equations to model charge transport. These simulations were used to investigate electrical parameters like carrier mobilities, interface barriers, and extraction rates, and their impact on fill factor losses within the tandem device.