Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Cremoso (Cost-Effective Charge-Transport Materials for New-Generation Solar Cells)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-05-01 bis 2024-10-31
New-generation photovoltaic (PV) technologies, such as those based on organic semiconductors and metal halide perovskites, offer significant advantages over traditional silicon (Si)-based solar panels, particularly in terms of lightweight design and flexibility. These features make them promising candidates to complement Si-based PVs in achieving a sustainable future. Moreover, the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of these new PV technologies are now comparable to those of Si-based systems. For any photovoltaic system to meet commercial requirements, three key factors must be addressed: high efficiency, low cost, and long-term stability. While the light-absorbing materials are critical, the charge-transport layers also play an essential role in extracting charge carriers from solar cells, significantly impacting both cost and stability. Fortunately, we have recently addressed the stability issue of charge-transport layers by developing a novel technique that enhances solar cell stability by a factor of ten without compromising PCE. This breakthrough has delivered not only outstanding efficiency but also unprecedented stability. In terms of cost, while light-absorbing materials (perovskites) are intrinsically low-cost, the high price of advanced organic charge-transport materials remains a major barrier to the industrial scalability of these next-generation PV technologies. This project contributes to overcome this limitation by designing cost-effective organic charge-transport materials that maintain exceptional solution processability, stability, and device efficiency. These materials are tested on various perovskite devices in our lab and in collaboration with other research groups. Furthermore, we evaluate the performance of our materials through partnerships with photovoltaic companies and engage in discussions to understand their specific needs.
Scientific Activities-We have undertaken the following scientific activities:
1. Designed and synthesized new materials.
2. Evaluated the efficiency of lead-based perovskite devices incorporating the developed materials.
3. Fabricated large-area films using the slot-die coating technique.
4. Assessed the performance of materials in collaboration with research groups from various countries, including China, India, Switzerland, South Korea, and Germany, on both lead-based and tin-based perovskite devices.
5. Tested the performance of materials with photovoltaic companies in China and Poland.
Main Scientific Achievements:
1. Achieved approximately 23% power conversion efficiency in FAPbI₃ devices using a fluorene-based half-spiro hole transport material.
2. Achieved approximately 20% power conversion efficiency in tin-based perovskite devices.
3. Produced highly uniform hole transport films (10×10 cm) using slot-die printing, with a surface roughness of less than 5 nm.
4. Collaborated with over 20 research groups worldwide, with approximately 80% expressing satisfaction with our materials for both lead-based and tin-based perovskite devices.
5. Partnered with two photovoltaic companies, both achieving high power conversion efficiencies with our materials. Received valuable feedback to enhance competitiveness, including transitioning from toxic solvents to environmentally friendly alternatives.
1. Designed and synthesized new materials.
2. Evaluated the efficiency of lead-based perovskite devices incorporating the developed materials.
3. Fabricated large-area films using the slot-die coating technique.
4. Assessed the performance of materials in collaboration with research groups from various countries, including China, India, Switzerland, South Korea, and Germany, on both lead-based and tin-based perovskite devices.
5. Tested the performance of materials with photovoltaic companies in China and Poland.
Main Scientific Achievements:
1. Achieved approximately 23% power conversion efficiency in FAPbI₃ devices using a fluorene-based half-spiro hole transport material.
2. Achieved approximately 20% power conversion efficiency in tin-based perovskite devices.
3. Produced highly uniform hole transport films (10×10 cm) using slot-die printing, with a surface roughness of less than 5 nm.
4. Collaborated with over 20 research groups worldwide, with approximately 80% expressing satisfaction with our materials for both lead-based and tin-based perovskite devices.
5. Partnered with two photovoltaic companies, both achieving high power conversion efficiencies with our materials. Received valuable feedback to enhance competitiveness, including transitioning from toxic solvents to environmentally friendly alternatives.
1. Positive Reponses from Academic Groups
The results from academic groups have been highly encouraging. Several research teams are interested in using our materials as replacements for state-of-the-art alternatives, demonstrating their potential to set new benchmarks in the field.
2. Promising Feedback from Photovoltaic Companies
Feedback from photovoltaic companies has strengthened our confidence in the future market potential of our materials for perovskite solar panels. Notably, some companies have expressed a willingness to adapt their device architectures to accommodate our materials, provided that we address the toxicity issues associated with the solvents required for material dissolution.
The results from academic groups have been highly encouraging. Several research teams are interested in using our materials as replacements for state-of-the-art alternatives, demonstrating their potential to set new benchmarks in the field.
2. Promising Feedback from Photovoltaic Companies
Feedback from photovoltaic companies has strengthened our confidence in the future market potential of our materials for perovskite solar panels. Notably, some companies have expressed a willingness to adapt their device architectures to accommodate our materials, provided that we address the toxicity issues associated with the solvents required for material dissolution.