Chinese Researchers Achieve Breakthrough in Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells Using Dual-Solvent Process

Chinese researchers have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in carbon-based perovskite solar cells through an innovative dual-solvent process. This breakthrough enhances both efficiency and stability, setting the stage for more sustainable and cost-effective renewable energy solutions. Discover how this development could revolutionize solar energy applications in our full article.

A research team from East China University of Science and Technology has developed an innovative dual-solvent strategy that significantly enhances both the performance and stability of carbon-based CsPbBr₃ perovskite solar cells.

By employing a two-step dual-solvent process, the team set a new record with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.18% in 4-terminal printable mesoscopic cells. In addition, they fabricated a large-area (17.88 cm²) device that achieved an efficiency of 8.72%, retaining 93.2% of its initial performance after 1,000 hours of continuous operation at 150°C—demonstrating exceptional thermal stability.

“Our dual-solvent approach precisely tunes the perovskite film’s Br/Pb ratio, inducing p-type behavior and reducing defect density,” said Dr. Wenjun Wu, the study’s corresponding author.

Dual-Solvent Boosts Carbon PSCs to 10.18% Efficiency

 

Researchers from East China University of Science and Technology optimized carbon-based CsPbBr₃ perovskite solar cells using a dual-solvent process—achieving a record 10.18% efficiency with exceptional thermal stability that paves the way for scalable, high-performance all-inorganic devices.                                                                                                

Key Innovations

• Co-solvent Strategy: Combining water and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) to optimize crystallization.

• Advanced Analysis: Using density functional theory (DFT) and Tyndall effect analysis to select ideal solvent properties.

• Scalable Fabrication: Application of screen-printing technology for low-cost, large-scale production.

• Enhanced Output: Integration with mirror-concentrator architecture boosts power output to 29.44 mW/cm².

Performance Highlights

• Record Efficiency: 10.18% PCE in printable carbon-based CsPbBr₃ solar cells.

• Large-Area Device: 8.72% PCE on a 17.88 cm² device.

• Thermal Stability: Maintains 93.2% efficiency after 1,000 hours at 150°C.

• Improved Dynamics: Enhanced carrier dynamics and reduced trap states.

Future Directions

The research team plans to further optimize the crystallization process, refine surface passivation systems, and improve light collection efficiency, paving the way for scalable, high-performance, and thermally stable all-inorganic perovskite solar cells.

The findings, which mark a significant step forward in perovskite solar cell technology, were recently published in Energy & Environmental Science under the title:
"Achieving unprecedented power-output in 4-terminal mirror-symmetrical printable carbon CsPbBr₃ solar cells through dual-solvent engineering."