Laminated Perovskite Photovoltaics: Enabling large area processing of durable and high efficiency perovskite semiconductor thin films.

Project Information

LAMI-PERO

Grant agreement ID: 101087673

DOI

10.3030/101087673

EC signature date 8 March 2023

Start date 1 October 2023

End date 30 September 2028

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 2 349 755,00

EU contribution

€ 2 349 755,00

Coordinated by

KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER TECHNOLOGIE
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LAMI-PERO (Laminated Perovskite Photovoltaics: Enabling large area processing of durable and high efficiency perovskite semiconductor thin films.)

Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2026-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Photovoltaic technologies are cornerstones of all future scenarios for sustainable energy supply. Enhancing the efficiency and reducing the costs of photovoltaics is a challenge of utmost urgency and importance to the research field of materials engineering and science. To date, hybrid organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite semiconductors denote the most promising material class for future low-cost and high-efficiency next-generation photovoltaics. Major hurdles that hinder the economic breakthrough are the low stability and the large-area fabrication of high-quality perovskite thin films. In response, LAMI-PERO will break new ground by researching and developing a novel lamination process that is designed to enable the processing of unexplored perovskite semiconductors and heterostructures, more durable thin film morphologies, and novel high-efficiency device architectures. This lamination process combines two half-stacks in a high-pressure step and allows for the crystallization of the pre-deposited precursor materials into a high-quality perovskite thin film. Thereby, the lamination disentangles critical constraints of established sequential layer deposition. To reach its ambitious goals, LAMI-PERO will (1) close the knowledge gap about the underlying physics of the perovskite film formation during the lamination process using innovative in-situ characterization, (2) explore more stable thin film morphologies and novel perovskite semiconductors, (3) fabricate more durable and high-efficiency perovskite solar cells and perovskite-based tandem solar cells, and (4) demonstrate the scalability of the lamination process in view of future commercialization. To date, the lamination of perovskite thin films is largely unexplored, and the proposed research implies high risks but bears the enormous potential of paving the way for a breakthrough regarding the longevity and scalability of perovskite photovoltaics.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the first project period, the focus was on establishing a fundamental understanding of the recrystallization of perovskite thin films during lamination. To achieve this, new tools were implemented, including a dedicated in-situ photoluminescence spectroscopy setup for real-time monitoring of film evolution under pressure and temperature. Systematic studies were initiated to explore the interdependence of lamination parameters with film morphology and optoelectronic film quality. These investigations are ongoing and form the basis for optimized lamination strategies. First results at the device level demonstrate the potential of lamination to deliver high-performance architectures with clean interfaces and enhanced stability. Laminated perovskite/silicon tandem and single-junction devices now exhibit performance and durability comparable to conventional fabrication routes, proving lamination as a competitive and scalable approach for next-generation photovoltaics. Beyond solar cells, we pioneered the first laminated inorganic perovskite vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), achieving low-threshold lasing, broad gain bandwidth, and strong operational stability—an unexpected advance that opens new directions in optoelectronics. Furthermore, adhesive-based lamination using transparent conductive adhesives was introduced for all-perovskite tandem architectures, enabling low-temperature integration and flexibility for lightweight modules. These innovations collectively demonstrate that lamination is not merely an alternative processing method but a transformative technology capable of unlocking novel device architectures, improving reliability, and enabling scalable manufacturing across multiple fields.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

In its first phase, LAMI-PERO has made significant progress toward establishing lamination as a new way to manufacture perovskite-based devices. One of the first achievements was the development of advanced tools to observe how perovskite films form during lamination. Using real-time monitoring techniques, the team gained valuable insights into how heat and pressure influence crystallization and interface quality. This knowledge is essential for designing more reliable and efficient devices. Building on this understanding, the project successfully created laminated perovskite layers for solar cells in various architectures. These devices demonstrated strong performance and stability, confirming that lamination can deliver high-quality films comparable to conventional methods. This is an important step toward overcoming two major hurdles in perovskite photovoltaics: durability and scalability. Corresponding publications are in preparation. Beyond solar cells, LAMI-PERO explored new applications of lamination in optoelectronics. A notable breakthrough was the first laminated perovskite vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), which combines low energy requirements with robust operation (Li et al. 2025). This achievement shows that lamination is not limited to energy technologies but can also enable innovative light-emitting devices.
The project’s findings have been shared with the scientific community through publications in leading journals. For example:

Ternes et al., Advanced Science (2024) presented insights into crystallization dynamics during lamination, helping to explain how film quality evolves under pressure and temperature.
Li et al., Small (2025) reported the first laminated perovskite VCSEL, marking a milestone for perovskite-based lasers.
Hu et al., ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces (2025) introduced adhesive-based lamination strategies for perovskite devices, offering new options for integrating layers without damaging sensitive materials.

These achievements demonstrate that lamination is not just an alternative fabrication method—it has the potential to transform how perovskite materials are processed and applied. By simplifying manufacturing, improving stability, and enabling new device concepts, LAMI-PERO is paving the way for technologies that could make solar energy more affordable and open new frontiers in optoelectronics.