Korean researchers achieve breakthrough in perovskite solar cell efficiency

Researchers from Chung-Ang University in South Korea have significantly boosted the efficiency of tin halide perovskite (Sn-HP) solar cells using 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide (4PTSC) as an additive. Led by Associate Professor Dong-Won Kang, the team achieved a record efficiency of 12.22 per cent.

4PTSC enhances Sn-HP solar cells by controlling crystal formation, passivating defects, and protecting against oxidation and moisture. This additive helps address the stability and conversion efficiency issues typically associated with Sn-HPs, which are less toxic than lead-based perovskites.

The modified solar cells showed a peak efficiency of 12.22 per cent, an open-circuit voltage of 0.94 V, and superior long-term stability, retaining nearly 100 per cent efficiency after 500 hours and about 80 per cent after 1200 hours in ambient conditions without encapsulation. In contrast, control devices degraded within 300 hours.