Interface passivation for 31.25%-efficient perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells.

Chin, Xin Yu; Turkay, Deniz; Steele, Julian A; Tabean, Saba; Eswara, Santhana; Mensi, Mounir; Fiala, Peter; Wolff, Christian M et al. · Science · 2023

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Silicon solar cells are approaching their theoretical efficiency limit of 29%. This limitation can be exceeded with advanced device architectures, where two or more solar cells are stacked to improve the harvesting of solar energy. In this work, we devise a tandem device with a perovskite layer conformally coated on a silicon bottom cell featuring micrometric pyramids-the industry standard-to improve its photocurrent. Using an additive in the processing sequence, we regulate the perovskite crystallization process and alleviate recombination losses occurring at the perovskite top surface interfacing the electron-selective contact [buckminsterfullerene (C<sub>60</sub>)]. We demonstrate a device with an active area of 1.17 square centimeters, reaching a certified power conversion efficiency of 31.25%.