SERIS achieves world record efficiency of 26.7% for perovskite-organic tandem solar cell – pv magazine International

Record-Breaking Efficiency in Perovskite–Organic Tandem Solar Cells

Introduction

Researchers at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) have developed a tandem solar cell achieving a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.4%. This innovative device combines a wide-bandgap perovskite bottom cell with a narrow-bandgap organic top cell, marking a significant advancement in solar technology aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Technical Achievements

1. Organic Bottom Cell:
   • Power conversion efficiency of 17.9%
   • Short-circuit current density of 28.60 mA/cm²
   • Utilizes an asymmetric non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) named P2EH-1V
   • Reduced optical bandgap to 1.27 eV enabling enhanced near-infrared (NIR) photon harvesting
   • Maintains ideal exciton dissociation and nanomorphology for efficient charge transfer
2. Perovskite Top Cell:
   • Open-circuit voltage of 1.37 V
   • Fill factor of 85.5%
3. Tandem Cell Performance:
   • Certified power conversion efficiency of 26.4% on >1 cm² aperture area
   • Achieved 27.5% efficiency on 0.05 cm² samples and 26.7% on 1 cm² devices
   • Highest certified performance among perovskite–organic, perovskite–CIGS, and single-junction perovskite cells of comparable size

Innovative Design and Materials

• Application of unilateral conjugated π-bridge in the NFA to enhance NIR absorption
• Efficient charge separation and ordered molecular packing to minimize energy loss
• Use of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) interconnector to integrate organic and perovskite cells

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: The high efficiency and flexible design of these tandem solar cells promote the development of cost-effective, clean energy solutions suitable for diverse applications.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The technology supports roll-to-roll production and integration onto curved or fabric substrates, fostering innovation in manufacturing and infrastructure.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Flexible solar films can be incorporated into smart textiles and wearable electronics, enhancing urban sustainability through decentralized energy generation.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Lightweight and flexible solar cells reduce material usage and enable sustainable product design.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: By enabling efficient solar energy harvesting, this technology contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.

Potential Applications

• Self-powered health patches harvesting sunlight to operate onboard sensors
• Smart textiles monitoring biometrics without bulky batteries
• Powering drones, wearable electronics, and AI-enabled devices through lightweight, flexible solar films

Research and Publication

The findings are detailed in the paper titled “Efficient near-infrared harvesting in perovskite–organic tandem solar cells”, recently published in Nature. This work builds upon previous research, including a 25.7% efficiency tandem solar cell reported by the University of Potsdam and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses advancements in tandem solar cells with high power conversion efficiency, contributing to clean energy solutions.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The development of new organic absorbers and innovative solar cell designs reflects progress in sustainable industrial technologies and innovation.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article mentions flexible films suitable for roll-to-roll production and integration into wearable electronics, indicating sustainable production methods.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Improved solar cell efficiencies support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by promoting renewable energy adoption.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7: Target 7.2
   • By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • The article’s focus on high-efficiency tandem solar cells directly supports this target.
2. SDG 9: Target 9.5
   • Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
   • The research on novel organic absorbers and perovskite-organic tandem solar cells aligns with this target.
3. SDG 12: Target 12.2
   • Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • The development of flexible, lightweight solar cells suitable for integration into various devices promotes resource efficiency.
4. SDG 13: Target 13.1
   • Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Advancing renewable energy technologies reduces reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating climate change impacts.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 7.2:
   • Proportion of energy from renewable sources in the total final energy consumption.
   • The article implies progress through reported power conversion efficiencies (e.g., 26.4% certified efficiency), which can be linked to increased renewable energy generation.
2. Indicator for SDG 9.5:
   • Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP; Number of researchers per million inhabitants.
   • The article highlights scientific research outputs and technological innovation in solar cells, which relate to these indicators.
3. Indicator for SDG 12.2:
   • Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
   • The mention of roll-to-roll production and flexible films suggests improved material efficiency, relevant to this indicator.
4. Indicator for SDG 13.1:
   • Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
   • While not explicitly mentioned, the advancement in renewable energy technologies contributes indirectly to climate resilience.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: pv-magazine.com