Scientists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have introduced a groundbreaking triple-junction perovskite/Si tandem solar cell with a certified world-record power conversion efficiency of 27.1% over a 1 sq cm solar energy absorption area. Led by Assistant Professor Hou Yi, the team engineered a cyanate-integrated perovskite solar cell, marking a significant advancement in stable and energy-efficient solar cell technology.
Traditionally, solar cells are fabricated in multiple layers to enhance efficiency, but existing multi-junction solar cell technologies encounter challenges like energy loss and device instability. To address these issues, the NUS team integrated cyanate into the perovskite structure, surpassing the performance of similar multi-junction solar cells.
Assistant Professor Hou Yi remarked, “After 15 years of research, this work represents the first experimental evidence of cyanate integration into perovskites, enhancing stability and efficiency.”
The team’s experiments on cyanate as a substitute for bromide revealed improved stability and enhanced energy range. Analyzing the atomic structure confirmed cyanate’s role in stabilizing the perovskite structure and reducing energy loss.
The cyanate-integrated perovskite solar cells demonstrated higher voltage and stability, operating above 96% capacity after 300 hours of continuous operation. Encouraged by these results, the researchers assembled a triple-junction perovskite/Si tandem solar cell, achieving a world-record efficiency of 27.1%.
Assistant Professor Hou Yi highlighted the potential of this technology, with theoretical efficiencies exceeding 50%. Future research aims to upscale the technology for larger modules while focusing on interface and composition innovations in perovskite.