The Perovskite-Info newsletter (October 19, 2021)

A team of researchers from HZB, CNRS and Charles University used a multi-method approach to quantify and characterize defects in single crystal MAPbI₃, giving a cross-checked overview of their properties. The team characterized five different defect types and measured the interaction between these defects and the charge carriers.

MAPI semiconductors consist of organic methylammonium cations and lead iodide octahedra that form a perovskite structure. MAPI based solar cells have achieved efficiencies of 25% within a few years. But so far, the semi-organic semiconductors are still ageing rapidly.

Saule Technologies' perovskite-based PV cells have reached 25.5% efficiency, as confirmed by laboratory measurements at the Fraunhofer ISE group of Dr. Uli Würfel.

The measurements were carried out under 1000 lux illumination by a cold white LED, which represents the real-life environment for the first commercial application of these devices.

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara recently conducted a research that disproved the common belief that organic molecules are crucial to achieving PSCs' impressive performance because they suppress defect-assisted carrier recombination. Not only was this assumption shown to be incorrect, but the team also found that all-inorganic materials have the potential for outperforming hybrid perovskites.

“To compare the materials, we performed comprehensive simulations of the recombination mechanisms,” explained Xie Zhang, lead researcher on the study. “When light shines on a solar-cell material, the photo-generated carriers generate a current; recombination at defects destroys some of those carriers and hence lowers the efficiency. Defects thus act as efficiency killers.”

Worksport, a developer of tonneau covers, solar integrations, and NP (Non-Parasitic), Hydrogen-based green energy solutions, has announced that it has entered into a joint collaboration with Greatcell Solar Italy.

Worksport partners with industry-leading solar providers for flexible, high efficiency, mono-crystalline panels for their Terravis systems, currently available for pre-order.

Scientists at MIT recently reported creating the first high-quality thin films of a new family of semiconductor materials - chalcogenide perovskites. This achievement, lead by MIT researcher Rafael Jaramillo, has the potential to impact multiple fields of technology.

Chalcogenide perovskites could have applications in solar cells and lighting, Jaramillo says. He notes, however, that "the history of semiconductor research shows that new families of semiconductors are generally enabling in ways that are not predictable."