Improving the Efficiency of Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cell Using Down-Conversion Coating

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2024 Nov 20;16(46):63528-63539. doi: 10.1021/acsami.4c12551. Epub 2024 Nov 11.

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated exceptional efficiency, yet surpassing theoretical performance limits requires innovative methodologies. Among these, down-conversion techniques are pivotal in reducing optical losses and enhancing energy conversion efficiency. In this study, optical modeling, including a generalized transfer-matrix optical model, was employed to meticulously assess optical losses in semitransparent PSCs illuminated from the front and rear sides of the device. To reduce these losses, two down-conversion layers, made of N,N-diphenyl-4-(1,2,2-triphenylethenyl)-benzenamine and 4-(N,N-diphenylamino)benzaldehyde mixed with polymeric binder, were developed, showcasing initial photoluminescence quantum yields of 60% and 50% as films, respectively. The materials luminescence relies on the effect of aggregation-induced emission, which enhances the fluorescence of the dyes within the binder, providing their films with a unique behavior beneficial for photovoltaic applications. An optimization of these layers was performed, which aimed to reduce UV optical losses by adjusting the film thickness atop the PSCs. The refined down-conversion layers yielded a notable increase in the power conversion efficiency by approximately 0.4% for both the front and rear sides of the PSCs, demonstrating their significant potential in pushing the boundaries of solar cell performance.

Keywords: down-conversion; optimization; perovskite solar cells; power conversion efficiency.