Halide perovskites represent a broad family of materials with high potential for solar energy production (photovoltaics) as well as high-efficiency lighting applications (light-emitting diodes, LEDs). As such, the development of these materials could mean a major impulse for a more sustainable future based on renewable electricity sources and low-consumption devices.
This project is encompassed within the global effort to boost the development of emerging halide perovskite technology. In particular, PerovSAMs has focussed on developing different strategies to overcome some of the bottlenecks that still prevent the widespread use of halide perovskites.
First, we have worked on enhancing the stability of these materials by coating them with ultrathin layers (self-assembled monolayers) of different moisture-resistant organic molecules. Second, we have developed low-toxicity alternatives to the most commonly used lead-based perovskites. Furthermore, these low-toxicity alternatives have been synthesized through green chemistry solvent-free approaches. Third, we have worked on understading in-depth the fundamental structural and optoelectronic properties of the so-formed materials. Fourth, we have implemented these materials in high efficiency devices: in particular a single-junction solar cell with power conversion efficiency approaching 20% and a red-emitting LED with external quantum efficiency exceeding 3%.