Researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University have successfully developed a new strategy to improve solar cell performance, addressing the poor stability of perovskite/organic tandem solar cells. The solution? Acidic magnesium-doped tin oxide quantum dots.

Quantum dots are nanoscale semiconductor particles known for their distinct optical and electronic properties. In this case, the team used them to improve the interface between the perovskite layer and the supporting materials in the solar cell.

Yu Han, JieHao Fu, and their colleagues wrote in their published study:

"Wide-bandgap perovskites in monolithic perovskite/organic tandem solar cells face challenges such as unregulated crystallization, severe defect traps, poor energetic alignment and undesirable phase transitions, primarily due to unfavorable bottom interfacial contact.

To overcome these challenges, the team applied this strategy to develop a wide-bandgap CsPbI₂Br perovskite solar cell. This cell was then tested under various environmental conditions and provided highly encouraging results: the cell maintained strong power conversion efficiency and demonstrated significantly improved stability.

The team pointed out in their paper:

"This design balances physical, chemical, structural and energetic properties, passivating defects, optimizing energy band alignment, enhancing perovskite film growth and mitigating instability. We also elucidate the instability mechanism caused by alkaline-based tin oxide bottom contact, emphasizing the impact of the tin oxide solution's acid/base properties on the stability and performance of the device."

This approach marks a vital step forward in the development of durable, high-efficiency tandem solar cells. With magnesium-doped quantum dots, more applications could find perovskite/organic solar technologies more efficient, leading to faster adoption of these solar cells. 

Read the full article here to learn more about these quantum dots.

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