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.
