Newswise — Solar cells are viewed as an eco-conscious energy generation option capable of effectively curbing environmental pollution. Specifically, perovskite quantum dot solar cells have garnered considerable interest within the scholarly sphere owing to their reduced manufacturing expenses and their potential for application on flexible materials, a feature absent in conventional silicon solar cells.
The efficacy of perovskite quantum dot solar cells primarily hinges on the functionality of hole transport materials, which facilitate the movement of charges. Nevertheless, employing conventional hole transport materials in perovskite cells can lead to swift deterioration caused by dopants. Consequently, extensive exploration has been conducted to identify substitute hole transport materials that eliminate the necessity for dopants.
Professor Taiho Park and PhD candidates Dae Hwan Lee and Seyeong Lim from the Department of Chemical Engineering at POSTECH have successfully produced a novel configuration of polymeric hole transport materials, which play a vital role in enhancing the efficiency of perovskite quantum dot solar cells. The team's research breakthrough has been featured in ACS Energy Letters, a renowned journal specializing in the domains of energy and the environment.
The team developed hole transport materials incorporating polymers derived from sulfur and selenium compounds. These polymers showcase structural characteristics, such as planarization and intermolecular arrangement stabilization, that enhance charge mobility. Additionally, the polymers' asymmetric alkyl substituents promote molecular interactions, synergistically augmenting the electrical properties of the solar cells.
To assess the efficacy of the newly developed polymers, comparative tests were conducted against a control group. The outcomes revealed that solar cells incorporating hole transport materials containing selenium compounds achieved an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.2%. Even after 40 days, these cells managed to retain 80% of their initial PCE. These findings substantiate that the novel hole transport materials significantly enhance charge mobility without the need for dopants, resulting in the highest PCE and improved stability in dopant-free perovskite quantum dot solar cells.
Professor Taiho Park, the leader of the research team, elucidated the significance of the findings by stating, "The research outcomes signify a fundamental shift from traditional charge transport materials and are poised to shape future investigations in the realm of solar cell devices."
The study received generous support from various programs under the Ministry of Science and ICT of Korea, including the Mid-career Researcher Program, the Carbon Neutrality Technology Development in Phase Program, and the Zero Carbon Green Ammonia Cycling Research Program. These funding initiatives played a crucial role in facilitating the research and its advancements.
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