Future of Green Energy - HKUST Engineering Unveils Critical Nanoscale Phenomena for More Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
A research team led by Prof. Yuanyuan ZHOU, Associate Professor of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Associate Director of the Energy Institute at HKUST, has made a significant breakthrough in enhancing the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Their study focuses on the nanoscale properties of PSCs, leading to the development of more efficient and durable solar cells that can lower costs and expand their applications.
PSCs have the potential to outperform traditional silicon solar cells by achieving higher power conversion efficiencies and utilizing less expensive, more sustainable materials. However, challenges such as long-term stability under various environmental conditions have hindered their commercialization. The research team discovered that nanoscale groove traps at the grain junctions of perovskite films contribute to instability by affecting cation distribution.
By using a chemical additive approach, they successfully reduced the depth of these traps, resulting in PSCs with enhanced efficiency nearing 26% and improved stability. Prof. Zhou emphasized the importance of examining nanoscale details to optimize cation distribution, while Dr. Mingwei HAO, the HKUST Postdoctoral fellow and the first author of this work, highlighted the unique structural features of perovskite materials. The findings were published in Nature Nanotechnology, marking a promising step toward the commercial viability of PSCs and the advancement of renewable energy.
Prof. Mahshid AHMADI from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is the co-corresponding author of this work. Other collaborators are from Yale University, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Yonsei University, and Hong Kong Baptist University.
For more information, please refer to: HKUST Engineering Unveils Critical Nanoscale Phenomena for More Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells | HKUST School of Engineering
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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university committed to innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. Our holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach is recognized globally. HKUST placed 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, 19th Worldwide and No.1 in Hong Kong in Times Higher Education’s impact Rankings. Twelve of HKUST’s subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Of these, "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence" ranked first in Hong Kong and 10th in the world. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently placing among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. Our research and entrepreneurship endeavors are also innovative and impactful. Over 80% of our work was rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the latest Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of November 2024, HKUST members have founded 1,800 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 16 exits (IPO or M&A).
