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Researchers at UNIST, in collaboration with Korea University, have significantly improved the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells, offering advancements in both solar energy and green hydrogen production. By developing a novel cathode interlayer, they achieved exceptional performance in photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical devices, marking a step forward in sustainable energy technology.

A team of researchers from the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST, jointly led by Professors Sung-Yeon Jang, Jungki Ryu, and Ji-Wook Jang, in collaboration with Professor Sang Kyu Kwak from Korea University, has made significant strides in enhancing the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Their pioneering research not only advances the potential for commercializing perovskite solar cells (PSCs) but also shows promising implications for green hydrogen production technology, guaranteeing efficient and long-lasting operation.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered attention due to their reduced toxicity and broad light absorption capabilities, making them highly promising for photovoltaic applications. However, the presence of inherent ionic vacancies in tin-lead halide perovskites (TLHPs) has posed challenges, leading to accelerated device degradation through inward metal diffusion.

To address this challenge, the research team developed a chemically protective cathode interlayer using amine-functionalized perylene diimide (PDINN). By leveraging its nucleophilic sites to form tridentate metal complexes, PDINN effectively extracts electrons and suppresses inward metal diffusion. The novel solution-processed PDINN cathode interlayer has showcased remarkable performance in stabilizing TLHP-based photovoltaic (PV) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered attention due to their reduced toxicity and broad light absorption capabilities, making them highly promising for photovoltaic applications.